SMC Chapter 7.10 implements California SB 1383 (2016) and requires every residential and commercial generator in Sonoma to subscribe to recycling service and source-separate recyclables (blue cart) and organics (green cart) from trash.
SMC Chapter 7.10 (Recycling and Organic Waste) was adopted to implement SB 1383 — California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutants: Organic Waste Reduction regulations codified at 14 CCR Division 7, Chapter 12 — and AB 341 (mandatory commercial recycling) and AB 1826 (mandatory commercial organics, applicable to commercial generators producing >2 cubic yards/week as of 12/31/2020). Per SMC 7.10.020 (Definitions) the chapter expressly incorporates 'SB 1383' as 'Senate Bill 1383 of 2016 approved by the Governor on September 19, 2016' and the SB 1383 regulations finalized by CalRecycle in November 2020. Every generator must (1) subscribe to recycling and organic-waste service from the franchised hauler, (2) place recyclables in the blue cart and organics (food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings) in the green cart, and (3) keep trash in the gray cart. SGC's accepted recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and rigid plastics; compostable/bio-plastic products are NOT accepted in the green cart because the regional composter cannot break them down. Multi-family properties with 5+ units and all businesses must also provide tenant/employee education annually (14 CCR §18984.5).
Beginning January 1, 2024 SB 1383 (14 CCR §18997.2) authorizes Sonoma to assess tiered fines against non-compliant generators: $50–$100/day for minor violations (e.g., contamination of carts), $100–$200/day for moderate violations, and $250–$500/day for major or repeat violations. Locally these are layered with SMC Ch. 1.28 administrative citations ($100 / $200 / $500). Persistent commercial non-compliance can also trigger CalRecycle enforcement against the City.
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