Downey, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

2. The program is not just about which color bin a resident uses: Section 5937(a) obligates the City's Exclusive Franchised Hauler, as a condition of its contract, to notify the Jurisdiction annually by January 30 of the facilities it will use, and to actually transport Source Separated Recyclable Materials and Source Separated Green Container Organic Waste to a facility, operation or property that recovers organic waste as defined under 14 CCR Division 7, Chapter 12, Article 2, not simply to a landfill. Section 5939 extends the curbside program's container standards to new construction: projects covered by CALGreen, or five or more multi-family units, or new commercial construction adding more than 30% of floor area, must provide readily accessible storage areas for Blue and Green Container materials consistent with the City's three- or two-container program as a condition of permit approval.

Section 5938 separately requires anyone who self-hauls rather than uses curbside service to source-separate recyclables and organics in the same manner the City's program requires, or to haul waste to a High Diversion Organic Waste Processing Facility, and self-haulers must obtain a City permit and file monthly reports through the Public Works Department.