Contra Costa County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- SB 1383 (2016)
- Organics cart
- Green - required
- Diversion goal
- 75% by 2025
- Contamination fine
- Up to $500
- Business threshold
- 2 cubic yards/week
Summary
SB 1383 mandates organics recycling for all residents and businesses. Contra Costa County requires separation of recyclables (blue cart) and organics including food scraps (green cart) with enforcement beginning 2024.
Air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma. Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills. Cutting short-lived climate pollutants can have the fastest impact on the climate. *Click on the boxes below to go to the topic page. Collections All jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses, and recycle organic waste. Procurement Procurement requirement information. Jurisdictions must use the products made from the recycled organic material, such as compost and mulch.
Full Breakdown
California SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act) requires every jurisdiction to provide organics recycling to all residents and businesses, with the goal of diverting 75% of organic waste from landfills by 2025. Contra Costa County implements SB 1383 through amendments to Ordinance Code Chapter 418 and through CalRecycle-approved franchise agreements. All single-family homes in unincorporated areas receive a green organics cart for food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings. Blue cart recycling accepts clean paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles, and rigid plastics #1, #2, and #5. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and contaminated material are prohibited. Businesses generating two cubic yards or more of solid waste weekly must subscribe to organics service. The County and haulers conduct cart audits; repeat contamination can result in fines up to $500 per violation under SB 1383 enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to put food scraps in the green cart?
What plastics are recyclable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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