Sacramento requires mandatory recycling and composting for all residents and businesses under state law (AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383) and the City's solid waste ordinance (Chapter 8.104). The blue recycling cart accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics #1-7. The green organics cart accepts food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper. Contaminating recycling or organics carts with non-acceptable items may result in service warnings.
SB 1383 requires all California residents and businesses to separate organic waste from garbage beginning January 1, 2022. Sacramento's three-cart system facilitates compliance. Recyclable materials include clean paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and tin cans, and plastics #1-7. Organics include all food scraps, yard trimmings, food-soiled paper, and compostable materials. The City conducts contamination monitoring and provides educational materials. Businesses generating specified amounts of waste must also maintain recycling and organics programs. The City's goal aligns with California's target of 75% diversion from landfills by 2025.
Contaminated carts may receive warning tags and not be collected. Commercial generators that fail to comply with organic waste recycling requirements may face state-level penalties under SB 1383 enforcement. Residential violations are primarily addressed through education.
Sacramento, CA
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Sacramento, CA
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Sacramento, CA
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Sacramento, CA
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Sacramento, CA
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Sacramento, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle recycling requirements.
See how Sacramento's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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