Santa Monica, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- SB 1383
- Organics diversion required
- Commercial
- Mandatory recycling participation
- Hazardous
- Separate disposal procedures
- Provider
- City Resource Recovery Division
Summary
Santa Monica mandates recycling under SB 1383 organics diversion requirements. The city's Resource Recovery Division provides recycling collection. Commercial properties have mandatory recycling program participation. Hazardous materials have separate disposal procedures.
California's Organic Waste Reduction — SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy: 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 to help some of the 1 in 5 Californians without enough to eat.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica mandates curbside recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and plastics #1-#5. Residents must separate recyclables from trash using provided bins. Contaminated bins containing food waste, plastic bags, or non-recyclable items may be rejected. California recycling goals encourage diversion from landfills. Multi-family properties above a certain unit count may have additional commercial recycling requirements. Yard waste and food scraps may have separate programs.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycling requirements.