Temecula, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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.