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 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 β 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 β 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.
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.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle recycling requirements.
See how Temecula's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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