Shasta County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Recycling in unincorporated Shasta County is provided through the franchised hauler and shaped largely by California state mandates. For subscribers, Waste Management collects recycling every other week (the schedule shifted to biweekly when weekly organics collection was added under SB 1383). Waste Management's core recycling rules direct residents to 'Recycle dry bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. Keep food and liquid out of the recycling. No loose plastic bags or film, and no bagged recyclables.' On the regulatory side, California's AB 341 requires recycling service for businesses and multifamily complexes of five or more units generating specified amounts of waste, and AB 1826 layers on organics recycling for similar generators; Shasta County administers waiver/exemption applications for businesses and multifamily complexes that meet criteria. Under SB 1383, recyclables and organics must be kept separate from trash, and contaminated recycling carts can be charged - the County's program reported a $37.86 charge for a contaminated recycling or organics cart, applied after two warnings, with compliance monitored by smart-truck cameras. Because residential garbage subscription is optional, residents without curbside service may self-haul recyclables. These rules apply to unincorporated Shasta County; cities operate their own programs.