Pasadena, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- PMC Chapter 8.66, adopted Ord. 7386 (2022)
- State mandate
- SB 1383: 75% organic waste cut by 2025
- Minimum recycling service
- 60 gallons per week per household
- Enforcement start
- Civil penalties began January 1, 2024
- Correction window
- 7 days to fix a Notice of Violation
- Appeal right
- Hearing before city-appointed hearing officer
Summary
Pasadena automatically enrolls every single-family household in a mandatory three-cart system under Municipal Code Chapter 8.66, adopted to meet the state's SB 1383 organic-waste targets. Each home gets at least 60 gallons a week of recycling capacity and 60 gallons of organics capacity, and the city can raise those minimums and inspect containers for compliance.
Single-Family organic waste generators shall be automatically enrolled in the City's three-container source separated recyclable materials, source separated organic materials, and mixed waste materials collection services with a minimum source separated recyclable materials service level of 60 gallons per week and with a minimum source separated organic materials service level of 60 gallons per week. The City shall have the authority to change this minimum required levels of service over time. The City shall have the right to review the number, size, and location of a generators' containers to evaluate adequacy of capacity provided for each type of collection service for proper separation of materials and containment of materials; and, generator shall adjust its service level for its collection services as requested by the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 79 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
020. 040(a) automatically enrolls every single-family generator in the city's three-container system: a recycling container, an organics container, and a mixed-waste container, each defaulted to a minimum 60-gallon weekly service level. The city reserves the right to change those minimum levels over time and to inspect the number, size and placement of a household's carts to confirm they provide adequate capacity, and a resident must adjust service levels if the city requests it. 050, which lets generators choose from a three-container, two-container or one-container collection option. 060. 130(i). 130(g).
Violations & Fines
Failing to separate recyclables into the designated container, or contaminating a cart with the wrong material, triggers a Notice of Violation under Section 8.66.130 requiring correction within 7 days. Continued noncompliance after that period, or after the January 2024 enforcement date, escalates to an administrative citation and fine set by council resolution under Municipal Code Section 1.26.060, with a right to appeal to a hearing officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasadena's recycling program mandatory?
What law forced this program?
What happens if I don't sort my recycling correctly?
Can my recycling cart size change?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Pasadena to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycling requirements.