Temecula, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- SB 1383
- SB 1383: organics in green cart since Jan 1, 2022
- Food Scraps
- Food scraps + food-soiled paper + yard trimmings
- Plastic Bags
- No plastic bags (even compostable) in green cart
- Requirements
- AB 341/1826: commercial recycling and organics required
- Penalties
- Contamination can lead to service loss and fines
Summary
California SB 1383 requires all Temecula residents and businesses to separate organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings) into the green cart as of January 1, 2022. The state goal is 75% reduction of organic waste sent to landfills by 2025. Mandatory commercial recycling (AB 341) and organics (AB 1826) also apply to multi-family and businesses. Contamination can result in service penalties.
California's Organic Waste Reduction SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution contributing to California's hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and more wildfires. Feed People and Fight Climate Change 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. 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. Collections All jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses, and recycle organic waste. Procurement Procurement requirement information. 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
California SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act) mandates statewide organic waste recycling to reduce methane emissions from landfills. Since January 1, 2022, all Temecula residents and businesses must separate organic waste into the green cart provided by CR&R. Organic waste includes: food scraps (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bones, eggshells, coffee grounds with filters), food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels, pizza boxes), and yard trimmings (grass, leaves, branches under 4 inches diameter and 4 feet long). Plastics, including 'compostable' or 'biodegradable' bags, are NOT accepted in the green cart per CR&R rules, empty food directly into the cart or use approved fiber-based liners.
The blue cart accepts traditional recyclables: clean and dry paper, flattened cardboard, plastics #1 and #2 (and limited #3-#7 depending on market conditions), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles and jars. AB 341 requires businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste/week and multi-family with 5+ units to recycle. AB 1826 phases in commercial organics requirements. Contamination of either recycling cart with non-recyclables can result in cart tagging, education, and ultimately removal of recycling service, properties become 'non-compliant' under SB 1383 and may face state penalties starting at $50/day passed through to the property. Edible food recovery is required for Tier 1 generators (supermarkets, food distributors); they must donate edible food to recovery organizations.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Temecula code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes in the green cart?
Are pizza boxes recyclable or compostable?
What if I don't separate organics?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temecula
California rules heatmap·Compare Temecula to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle recycling requirements.