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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Recycling Stream
Single-stream blue cart
Accepted
#1/#2 plastic bottles/jugs, aluminum/tin cans, glass bottles/jars, cardboard, newspaper, magazines
Not Accepted (Blue Cart)
Plastic bags, styrofoam, pizza boxes, shredded paper
Commercial Threshold (AB 341)
≥4 cubic yards/week solid waste
Tier 1 SB 1383
Effective Jan 1, 2022 (supermarkets, food distributors)
Tier 2 SB 1383
Effective Jan 1, 2024 (large hotels, restaurants, schools)
Resident Enforcement
Began January 2024

Summary

Redding operates a single-stream blue cart for recycling under Redding Municipal Code Chapter 9.28 (Solid Waste and Recycling), administered by the City of Redding Solid Waste Utility. California AB 341 (Public Resources Code §42649+) requires businesses generating 4+ cubic yards/week to recycle; AB 1826 (PRC §42649.81+) extends the rule to commercial organics; SB 1383 (PRC §42652+) is the comprehensive residential and business organics mandate, with Redding resident enforcement that began in January 2024.

California's Organic Waste Reduction SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy. Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution... To reduce methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants, California passed SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). The law set targets for 2025: 75% less organic waste sent to landfills. 20% of unsold, still-edible food sent to food recovery organizations. Collections: All jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses, and recycle organic waste. Procurement: Jurisdictions must use the products made from the recycled organic material, such as compost and mulch. Food Recovery: Some food service businesses must donate unsold food to food recovery organizations.

Full Breakdown

28. Accepted materials include plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2), aluminum and tin/steel cans, food-and-beverage glass bottles and jars, flattened cardboard, newspapers, magazines, and junk mail. Materials excluded from the blue cart include plastic bags, styrofoam (collected separately at the Transfer Station), pizza boxes with grease, and shredded paper. 81+) extends the same rule to commercial organics; SB 1383 (PRC §42652+, regulations at 14 CCR §18981+) is the comprehensive residential and business organics mandate. Redding's commercial SB 1383 enforcement follows the CalRecycle tier schedule: Tier One generators (supermarkets, grocery stores, food-service providers, food distributors, wholesale vendors) since January 1, 2022; Tier Two generators (large hospitals, hotels 200+ rooms, large venues, restaurants, state agencies, schools) since January 1, 2024. AB 827 requires customer-facing recycling and organics bins for food sold for immediate consumption. 2.

Violations & Fines

Contaminated carts may be left unserviced with a courtesy tag. SB 1383 sorting violations are subject to state-required fines of $50–$100 first violation, $100–$200 second, and $250–$500 third within 12 months under 14 CCR §18997.2, with a notice and a meaningful opportunity to cure before any fine is assessed. AB 341 (commercial recycling) and AB 1826 (commercial organics) violations carry similar tiered penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in Redding?
Yes. Redding Municipal Code Chapter 9.28 plus California AB 341 (commercial recycling), AB 1826 (commercial organics), and SB 1383 (residential and business organics) make recycling and food-waste separation mandatory. Every residential premises uses the blue recycling cart and green organics cart alongside the gray trash cart.
What can I put in the blue cart in Redding?
The City of Redding Solid Waste Utility accepts a single-stream mix in the blue cart: #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum and tin/steel cans, food-and-beverage glass bottles and jars, flattened cardboard, newspapers, magazines, and junk mail. Keep out plastic bags, styrofoam, pizza boxes with grease, and shredded paper. Styrofoam has a separate drop-off at the Transfer Station.

Sources & Official References

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