Santa Clara, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- California SB 1383
- Recyclables
- Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics 1/2/5
- Organics
- Food scraps + yard waste
- Business mandate
- 4+ unit buildings
- Extra recycling
- Free in clear bags
Summary
Santa Clara mandates recycling and organics separation under California SB 1383. Residents must sort recyclables, organics (food scraps and yard waste), and landfill trash into color-coded carts.
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. Landfills Are Third Largest Source of Methane in California Organic waste in landfills emits: 20% of the state’s methane, a climate super pollutant that heats 84 times more than carbon dioxide. Air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma. Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills. Cutting short-lived climate pollutants can have the fastest impact on the climate.
Full Breakdown
The City of Santa Clara requires all residents and businesses to separate recyclables and organic waste from trash under California Senate Bill 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants). Blue recycling carts accept paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and rigid plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5. Green organics carts accept food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste. Plastic bags, polystyrene foam, and textiles are NOT recyclable in curbside carts. Businesses and multi-family complexes with 4 or more units must provide separate recycling and organics containers and employee training. Contamination of recycling or organics with the wrong materials can result in notices and fees after repeat offenses. Extra recycling at no additional charge is allowed if placed in clear or blue bags beside the recycling cart. Electronic waste, batteries, and household hazardous waste must be taken to County HHW facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Can I recycle plastic bags?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle recycling requirements.