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Yuba City, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Mandatory service: Required for every refuse-generating property
Accepted recyclables: Paper, glass, aluminum, tin, #1-7 plastics
Container standard: SB 1383 color and labeling compliant
Curbside placement: Within 2 ft of curb, out ≤12 hrs early
Accumulation limit: 1 calendar week (§ 6-3.14)
Appeal deadline: 15 days to Public Works Director

Summary

Yuba City requires every property that generates refuse to subscribe to the city's contracted collection service, and the recycling, trash and organics carts that service supplies must meet California's SB 1383 color, labeling and design standards under Municipal Code section 6-3.09. Accepted recyclables include newspaper, mixed paper, glass, aluminum, tin and #1-7 plastics, but not bags, film or foam.

All containers and carts for refuse shall be in accordance with the City and collector agreement and shall be supplied by the collector(s) so that they shall be capable of being emptied by standard collection equipment. All containers shall comply with the requirements of Senate Bill 1383 (Health and Safety Code §§ 39730.5, 39730.6, 39730.7, and 39730.8 and Public Resources Code Chapter 13.1, Part 3 of Division 30, "SB 1383"). The color, labelling, type and character of all such containers shall be compliant with the requirements of SB 1383, and the provision of such containers shall be performed by the City or its designated collector(s) in compliance with implementation timeframes specified in SB 1383.

View official code

Full Breakdown

03 makes refuse and recycling collection mandatory for every owner of property in Yuba City where refuse is created, with the collector or the City holding the exclusive right to collect it; only a licensed collector under contract with the City may pick up refuse for compensation. 1) on the implementation timeline SB 1383 sets. 12(c) defines what belongs in the recycling cart: newspaper and inserts, mixed paper including magazines, catalogs, corrugated cardboard and phone books, glass containers, aluminum beverage containers, pie tins, tin cans, bi-metal containers, and #1-7 plastics, excluding plastic bags, film plastic, packaging peanuts and foam packaging. 14). 04).

Violations & Fines

Letting refuse, including unsorted recyclables, accumulate beyond the one-week limit or ignoring the container and placement rules is a misdemeanor under section 6-3.20, punishable under the general penalty set at section 1-2.01. Commercial and multi-family properties that fail SB 1383 compliance inspections face administrative fines of $50 for a first violation, $100 for a second and $250 for a third or later violation under section 6-3.19(c)(4), plus possible civil action in California courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling service mandatory in Yuba City?

Yes. Section 6-3.03 makes refuse and recycling collection mandatory for every owner of property in the city where refuse is created, and only the City's contracted collector may pick it up for pay; self-haul or another legal disposal method must be approved through the section 6-3.04 appeal process.

What can I put in my Yuba City recycling cart?

Section 6-3.12(c) lists newspaper, mixed paper, magazines, cardboard and phone books, glass containers, aluminum beverage cans, pie tins, tin cans, bi-metal containers and #1 through #7 plastics. Plastic bags, film plastic, packaging peanuts and foam packaging are excluded and belong in the trash cart instead.

When can I put my recycling cart at the curb?

Carts must sit within two feet of the curb or sidewalk and can go out no more than 12 hours before your scheduled collection; you must bring the empty cart back in within 12 hours after it's emptied, per section 6-3.10.

What happens if a business doesn't comply with the recycling and organics rules?

Under section 6-3.19, the City or its designated Regional Waste Management Authority can inspect the business and issue a notice of violation, with administrative fines starting at $50 for a first offense, rising to $100 and then $250 for repeat violations.

Sources & Official References

[1]Yuba City Municipal Code (Municode)

Other rules in Yuba City

Collection ScheduleSome Restrictions Recycling RulesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Illegal DumpingHeavy Restrictions Bin Placement RulesSome Restrictions Yard Waste CollectionSome Restrictions Pickup Rules & SchedulesSome Restrictions Mandatory Organics RecyclingSome Restrictions Dumpster RulesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: BeekeepingSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions

All Yuba City rules

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