Fairfield, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential Streams
- Gray/black trash, blue recycling, green organics
- Commercial Threshold (AB 341)
- ≥4 cubic yards/week solid waste
- SB 1383 Resident Enforcement
- Began January 1, 2024
- Cure Period
- 60 days from notice of violation
- Franchise Hauler
- Republic Services / Solano Garbage
Summary
Fairfield requires every residential and commercial account to use the city-issued blue recycling cart and green organics cart under Fairfield Municipal Code Chapter 9 and California SB 1383 (Public Resources Code §42652+) and SB 1383's predecessor mandates AB 341 (commercial recycling) and AB 1826 (commercial organics). Resident enforcement began January 1, 2024 with a 60-day cure period.
Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy - CalRecycle Home Page Skip to Main Content CA.gov Official website of the State of California Contact Us Custom Google Search Submit Programs Beverage Container Recycling Disaster Debris Removal E-Waste Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Funding Organics Plastics and Packaging Tires Used Oil & Filters Recycle Bottles & Cans E-Waste Motor Oil Organics More Recycling Info Waste Banned from Trash Government Local Coordinators Enforcement Agencies State Agencies Schools Green Government Business Regulated Businesses Grow Your Business Green Your Business California Business Portal Get Involved Monthly Public Meetings Decisions & Public Participation Sign up for Email Updates News News Room Publications Public Notices About Us About CalRecyc
Full Breakdown
Fairfield is implementing California's most aggressive set of statewide recycling and organics mandates through Fairfield Municipal Code Chapter 9, with Republic Services / Solano Garbage Company as the exclusive franchise hauler. The state framework has three layers. AB 341 (Public Resources Code §42649+) requires all businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of solid waste per week to subscribe to recycling service. 81+) extends the same rule to commercial organics. SB 1383 (PRC §42652+, regulations at 14 CCR §18981+) is the comprehensive statewide organics mandate, requiring residents and businesses to separate food waste, yard waste, and food-soiled paper from trash and recyclables.
Fairfield enforces a three-cart system: gray or black for trash, blue for recycling, and green for organics. Residential enforcement began January 1, 2024; if a notice of violation is issued, compliance must occur within 60 days before a fine. Republic Services and the City run an outreach program that includes free kitchen compost pail distribution and a public recycling guide. Commercial and multi-family properties must arrange service through Republic and ensure their property has adequate enclosure capacity for all three streams (Fairfield's published Trash, Recycling, and Organics Enclosure Guidelines apply at building-permit stage).
Violations & Fines
After the 60-day cure period, SB 1383 administrative penalties start at $50 for first violations and can escalate to $100/day for serial non-compliance. AB 341 (commercial recycling) and AB 1826 (commercial organics) violations carry similar tiered fines. Chapter 9 violations layered on top can add Fairfield administrative citations with 50% late penalties after 30 days. Contaminated carts may be refused service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory in Fairfield?
What happens if I don't sort my recyclables in Fairfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Fairfield to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle recycling requirements.