Pomona, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Pomona City Code Section 62-653 requires every single-family organic waste generator to subscribe to the city's organic waste collection service, unless the household qualifies as a self-hauler under Section 62-792. The city reviews the size and number of a household's containers to confirm adequate capacity, and residents must adjust their service level if the city determines it is insufficient. Compliance means using the three- or three-plus-container system: source-separated green container organic waste, including food scraps, goes in the green cart; recyclable materials go in the blue cart; and everything else goes in the black cart.

9(c) instead of subscribing to full collection. Enforcement runs through Section 62-795, which applies article-wide to solid waste and recycling violations, including generator noncompliance. A city enforcement official issues a notice of violation giving the resident 60 days to correct the problem before an administrative citation and fine follow. Base penalties run $50 to $100 for a first violation, $100 to $200 for a second, and $250 to $500 for a third or later violation, with the amount set by factors including willfulness, ability to pay and any economic benefit gained from noncompliance.

Residents who receive a citation may request a hearing before a city-appointed hearing officer, who issues a final written order. The city phased in penalties, using 2022-2023 as an education period before making noncompliance subject to civil fines beginning January 1, 2024.