Mandatory recycling and organics diversion apply to all Martinez residents and businesses under California SB 1383 and AB 341/AB 1826. Residents must separate recyclables into the blue cart and organics (yard waste plus food scraps including meat and dairy) into the green cart. Contamination of recycling loads can trigger warnings and fees. Multi-family and commercial properties generating four or more cubic yards of waste weekly must subscribe to recycling and organics service.
California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutants law, SB 1383 (2016), became fully enforceable in 2022 and requires every Californian to separate organic waste (including food scraps) from garbage. Martinez implements SB 1383 through its franchise with Republic Services and through MMC Chapter 8.10. Residents place food scraps (meat, dairy, produce, bread, coffee grounds) along with yard trimmings in the green organics cart. Food-soiled paper and BPI-certified compostable products may also go in the green cart.
The blue recycling cart accepts paper, flattened cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and rigid plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5. Plastic bags, film, foam (EPS), needles, batteries, and electronics are prohibited from both carts. Batteries and electronics must be taken to the Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste facility at 4797 Imhoff Place.
AB 341 (commercial recycling) applies to businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of solid waste weekly and to multi-family properties with 5+ units. AB 1826 extends mandatory organics recycling to these same generators. SB 1383 also requires edible food recovery: Tier 1 generators (supermarkets, large food distributors) must donate surplus edible food to food recovery organizations; Tier 2 (restaurants over 5,000 sq ft, hotels with on-site food facilities of 200+ rooms) phased in beginning 2024. Contamination fees and escalating enforcement (warnings, fines up to $100 per violation for residential; higher for commercial) apply under state-mandated local enforcement.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle recycling requirements.
See how Martinez's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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