Arcadia, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Section 5130.1 of the Arcadia Municipal Code governs any recycling company or waste hauler permitted under Article VI, Chapter 4, Part 3, Division 4. Under subsection (a) the hauler must work with customers to recycle, educate them and inform applicable customers of their obligation to recycle under Public Resources Code Section 42649.2 and SB 1383. Within ninety days after the hauler's business license issues, it must send the Public Works Services Director a strategy for increasing diversion and recycling in the City.

Subsection (b) sets the outcome: annual diversion rates as provided under state law for all commercial solid waste, counting paper, plastics, glass, wood, yard and other greenwaste, manure, organic waste, and construction and demolition debris collected within the City. Subsection (d) fixes the formula, Diversion Rate (%) equals Diversion Tons over Generation Tons, where Generation equals Disposal plus Diversion, and diversion is quantified on an avoided-disposal basis. Records are subject to audit by an independent third party the Director approves, at the hauler's cost.

A hauler that falls short of an annual 50% diversion rate can petition for continuation of its commercial solid waste permit under subsection (e), showing that the waste is not readily recyclable, that customers refused to cooperate, that recycling cost is unreasonably prohibitive, or another reason, and demonstrating good faith. The Director can approve continuation, require an alternative annual diversion goal and add conditions.

Subsection (g) gives every commercial customer a right: each permitted commercial hauler servicing an entity must provide a recycling container for source separated recyclables at no additional charge upon request, in compliance with Part 4. Section 5130.2 requires a monthly diversion report on a City-approved form within thirty days after the end of the reporting month, and Section 5130.3 lets the City audit hauler records at any time with the hauler paying the audit cost. Section 5130.5 puts outreach to affected commercial customers on the City but says the City's failure to inform a customer is no defense.