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

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

State Law
SB 1383 (organics mandate)
Organics Cart
Food + yard waste combined
Food Recovery
Tier 1 & 2 generators required
Contamination
No bags, foam, textiles
Fines
$50-$500 progressive

Summary

California SB 1383 requires Folsom residents and businesses to separate organic waste (food scraps, yard debris, food-soiled paper) from landfill trash. Folsom participates through Republic Services' green-cart organics program. Contamination and improper disposal may result in warnings and escalated fines.

To reduce methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants, California passed SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). The law set targets for 2025: 75% less organic waste sent to landfills. 20% of unsold, still-edible food sent to food recovery organizations. ... Collections: All jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses, and recycle organic waste. Procurement: Jurisdictions must use the products made from the recycled organic material, such as compost and mulch. Food Recovery: Some food service businesses must donate unsold food to food recovery organizations.

Source: CalRecycle SB 1383 OverviewView official code

Full Breakdown

Senate Bill 1383 (CA Public Resources Code §42652.5) took effect January 1, 2022, mandating statewide organic waste diversion to cut methane emissions 75% by 2025. Folsom residents must place ALL food scraps (meat, dairy, bread, produce, bones), food-soiled paper (napkins, pizza boxes), and yard trimmings into the green organics cart. Recyclables (clean paper, cardboard, rigid plastics #1-#7, metal cans, glass) go in the blue cart. Plastic bags, film, polystyrene foam, and textiles do NOT belong in the blue recycling cart and are considered contamination. Businesses and multifamily properties must also subscribe to organics service and arrange edible food recovery (Tier 1 generators since 2022, Tier 2 since 2024) to a food bank or recovery organization. CalRecycle and the City may audit compliance. Folsom issues courtesy notices before escalating to administrative fines beginning at $50 and rising to $500 for repeat violations per SB 1383's state enforcement framework.

Violations & Fines

Warnings typically issued first. Progressive fines: $50 first, $100 second, $500+ for continued non-compliance within 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put food scraps in my green cart?
Yes. SB 1383 requires all food scraps including meat and dairy go in the green organics cart.
Do plastic bags go in recycling?
No. Plastic bags contaminate recycling loads. Return them to grocery store take-back bins.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Folsom

All Folsom rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview

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