Madera County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling collector
- County-franchised hauler
- Blue container
- Source-separated recyclables only
- State mandate
- AB 341 commercial recycling
- Organics mandate
- AB 1826 (multi-family/business)
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Madera County channels recycling through its exclusive waste franchise system, which must collect source-separated recyclables to a designated facility, and every franchise area is subject to state AB 341 and AB 1826 recycling mandates.
Collecting, transporting, and disposing of source-separated recyclable materials and commercial fiber materials at a designated recycling facility;3.Collecting, transporting, and disposing of source-separated organic waste to any designated disposal facility or designated recycling facility;4.Marketing source-separated recyclable materials and commercial fiber materials;5.Providing containers to all residential and commercial premises for the collection of discarded materials;6.Collecting, transporting, and disposing of C&D debris and bulky waste placed in compactors or drop box containers for collection by roll-off collection vehicles.B.The franchise services shall be agreed upon in writing by the franchisee and the county.C.The board in its discretion may award franchises for the franchise services in each franchise area individually or in any combination that the board deems beneficial to the county.D.SB 1383 Census Tracts within any franchise area are subject to SB 1383 Regulations as provided in Section 7.24.107 of this chapter.E.All franchise areas, including SB 1383 Census Tracts within franchise areas, are subject to AB 341 and AB 1826 requirements. (Ord. No. 665C, § 1, 3-15-22).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Recycling isn't a separate opt-in program: it's built into the exclusive franchise system. Each franchisee's service must include collecting source-separated recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics #1-7) and commercial fiber materials, and delivering them to a designated recycling facility (§7.24.104). Materials placed in the blue container must be source-separated recyclables, kept apart from trash and organic waste (§7.24.101). Every franchise area, including SB 1383 census tracts, is also subject to the state's AB 341 mandatory commercial recycling law and AB 1826 organics recycling law for qualifying businesses and multi-family properties. Applies only within the unincorporated county.
Violations & Fines
Placing prohibited contaminants in the recycling (blue) container triggers a notice of violation and possible processing fees; commercial generators who skip required AB 341 recycling arrangements face county compliance enforcement (§7.24.146).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sort my recyclables in unincorporated Madera County?
Does state recycling law apply to homes or just businesses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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