Contra Costa County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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.