Santa Barbara County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Recycling in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is delivered through the County's exclusive franchise, administered by the Public Works Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division, with MarBorg Industries providing 'regular trash, recyclables, and organic waste service' to homes and businesses. Residential customers are provided recycling carts (in 35-, 64-, or 96-gallon sizes), and the County notes recycling and yard-waste containers are provided with service. Beyond the franchise service, California state law layers in mandatory recycling obligations that the County implements: AB 341 (mandatory commercial recycling) requires businesses and multifamily dwellings of five or more units that generate specified amounts of waste to arrange recycling service, and SB 1383 extends source-separation and recycling duties for organics. Santa Barbara County has operated a mandatory commercial recycling program in its unincorporated area since 2003, predating much of the statewide framework. Materials accepted in curbside recycling typically include paper, cardboard, glass and plastic bottles and jars, and metal cans; residents should follow MarBorg's 'How do I dispose of...?' guidance for accepted items and confirm that contaminating materials and prohibited items are kept out of the recycling cart. The County also operates recycling and transfer stations (South Coast and Santa Ynez Valley) and special programs for electronics, used motor oil, and household hazardous waste. Cities run their own recycling programs.