California SB 1383 (effective 2022, enforcement 2024) and AB 341 require all residential and commercial generators in unincorporated San Mateo County to separate organic waste, recyclables, and landfill trash. Recology's blue cart accepts paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, tin, and plastics #1-5. The green organics cart accepts food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings. Contamination above 10% can result in skipped carts and eventual fines for repeat offenders.
SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Act) requires all Californians to separate organic waste from landfill trash to meet the state's 75% organics diversion target. Unincorporated San Mateo County implements SB 1383 through a countywide ordinance enforced by the Department of Public Works and Sustainability Office. AB 341 (2011) requires commercial recycling for businesses generating 4+ cubic yards/week. AB 1826 (2014) requires commercial organics recycling. Multi-family dwellings of 5+ units must provide organics service to tenants. Blue cart accepted items: clean paper, flattened cardboard, glass bottles/jars, aluminum cans, tin cans, plastic containers #1-5. Not accepted: plastic bags, Styrofoam, pizza boxes with grease, dirty diapers, electronics, batteries. Green cart accepts: all food scraps (including meat/bones/dairy), food-soiled paper, napkins, compostable bags, yard waste. Contaminated loads receive a courtesy tag first, then skipped collection, then fines. Compost is processed at Newby Island or the Z-Best facility.
Contaminated cart: courtesy warning tag first offense; $25-$100 for subsequent contamination (effective 2024). Multi-family or commercial non-compliance with organics separation: escalating fines up to $500 per day under SB 1383. Failure to provide bins/signage to tenants: $100-$1,000 per infraction.
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See how San Mateo County's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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