Under SB 1383, all unincorporated Orange County residents must separate organic waste, recyclables, and landfill-bound trash using a mandatory three-container system with color-coded lids. Opting out is not permitted under state law, and enforcement began January 2024.
California Senate Bill 1383 requires all residents and businesses to sort food scraps, yard debris, and food-soiled paper separately from trash and recyclables. Orange County adopted Ordinance No. 21-011 in 2021 to implement these requirements. The three-container system uses green-lidded bins for organics (food scraps, yard waste, food-soiled paper), blue-lidded bins for traditional recyclables (paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, metals), and black-lidded bins for landfill-bound waste. The state mandate targets reducing organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025 and recovering at least 20% of surplus edible food by 2025. Plastic bags and compostable bags may not be accepted by all haulers for organics collection. Apartment and multifamily residents should contact their property manager for specific procedures. Statewide enforcement commenced January 1, 2024.
Non-compliant residents may receive notices of violation, monetary penalties, and possible denial of service if contamination is found during curbside inspections. Warnings and educational materials are provided before fines are assessed.
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton regulates leaf blower noise through its general noise standards in FMC Chapter 15.90. Leaf blowers must comply with the 55 dB residential property-...
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton limits construction activity to comply with noise standards under FMC Chapter 15.90. Construction is generally permitted from 7 AM to 8 PM on weekd...
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL) operates under noise abatement procedures including voluntary curfew hours and preferential runway use. The city works wit...
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton limits amplified music noise to 55 dB(A) at residential property lines during daytime (7 AM to 10 PM) under FMC Chapter 15.90. Nighttime amplified ...
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton regulates barking dogs under its animal control provisions in FMC Title 11. Excessive or continuous barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a n...
Fullerton, CA
Fullerton follows California requirements for EV charging infrastructure. The city streamlines permits for residential Level 2 charger installations and new ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle recycling requirements.
See how Fullerton's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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