Santa Rosa, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SRCC § 9-12.070(A)(2)
- Recycling cart contents
- Only listed recyclable materials
- Enforcement
- City Manager, misdemeanor per §9-12.040
- Collection provider
- Exclusive City-contracted hauler only
Summary
Santa Rosa City Code § 9-12.070(A)(2) limits recycling carts to recyclable materials only, no garbage or organic waste, and every service recipient must sort and use the designated container correctly under the City's contracted collection program.
"Recyclable materials" means those materials which are capable of being recycled and are included in the City's residential and commercial recycling program. Recyclable materials include, but are not limited to: newsprint (including inserts), mixed paper..., glass containers, aluminum beverage containers, small scrap and cast aluminum..., steel including "tin" cans and small scrap..., bimetal containers, mixed plastics such as plastic bags, plastic film, plastic containers (1-7), and bottles including containers made of HDPE, LDPE, PET, or PVC, textiles, aseptic containers, and polystyrene, and such other items as may be added by the City from time to time. ... (A)(2) Residential Recycling Service. No materials other than recyclable materials may be placed in a recycling cart, provided by the contractor.
Full Breakdown
010 may go into it. That definition lists newsprint, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass containers, aluminum beverage containers, small scrap and cast aluminum or steel not exceeding 40 pounds or two feet in any dimension, bimetal containers, plastic bags and film, rigid plastic containers coded 1 through 7, HDPE/LDPE/PET/PVC bottles, textiles, aseptic containers, and polystyrene, plus anything the City later adds to the program. 010, which the City Manager's designee can flag on inspection. 040, makes any violation of Chapter 9-12 a misdemeanor and authorizes the City Manager to enter premises to check compliance. 190.
Violations & Fines
Placing non-recyclables in a recycling cart is a prohibited container contaminant under § 9-12.010, and any violation of Chapter 9-12 is a misdemeanor under § 9-12.040(B). The City Manager may enter premises to inspect compliance and issue enforcement rules under § 9-12.030(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any plastic in my Santa Rosa recycling cart?
What happens if I contaminate my recycling cart?
Can I hire a private company to collect my recyclables?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle recycling requirements.