San Bernardino County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling cart
- 96-gallon cart provided by WM
- Accepted
- Plastic bottles/containers, cans, glass, paper, flattened cardboard
- Not accepted
- Food/liquids, plastic bags/film, foam, clothing, batteries, electronics, yard waste
- Legal basis
- CA AB 341 (commercial recycling) and SB 1383; County Code 46.0603
- Contamination
- Monitored under SB 1383; repeated contamination can mean non-collection or charges
Summary
Unincorporated County residents receive a 96-gallon recycling cart from WM and must keep recyclables separate from trash and organics. Recycling is mandated by California law (AB 341 commercial recycling and SB 1383), which the County franchise implements. WM monitors carts for contamination under SB 1383, and contaminated carts can be left uncollected or charged.
Fight Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste 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. SB 1383 Regulations The Office of Administrative Law approved SB 1383 regulations.
Final Regulations Text (Accessible Version) Final Statement of Reasons Final Statement of Purpose and Necessity Final Comments and Responses January 18, 2019 – March 4, 2019 June 21, 2019 – July 17, 2019 October 3, 2019 – October 18, 2019 November 26, 2019 – December 13, 2019 April 20, 2020 – May 20, 2020 Final Environmental Impact Report Draft Environmental Impact Report Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting Program Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations
Full Breakdown
Recycling in unincorporated San Bernardino County is provided through the County franchise: WM supplies a 96-gallon recycling cart as part of standard residential service. Acceptable recyclables include plastic bottles, cups and containers; food and beverage cans; glass bottles and containers; paper and paper cups; and flattened cardboard and paperboard. Residents are told to place recyclables directly into the recycling cart and not to bag them. Items that must NOT go in the recycling cart include food or liquids, plastic bags and film, foam containers, clothing/furniture/carpet, batteries, electronics, hazardous waste, and yard waste.
0603). Under SB 1383, haulers must actively monitor recycling and organics carts for contamination; WM uses its Smart Truck technology to photograph and record cart contents. If a recycling or organics cart is contaminated, WM will service it at least twice as a courtesy with photo notices, but continued contamination can result in the cart not being collected until the contamination is removed or the resident paying for an extra pickup as trash. Cart colors are transitioning over time (recycling moving to a blue lid by 2036).
Violations & Fines
Putting non-recyclables in the recycling cart is a contamination issue under SB 1383; repeated contamination can lead to non-collection or contamination charges. Commercial generators must comply with state mandatory recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bag my recyclables?
What if my recycling cart is contaminated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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