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

7(c), 'Selling or Donating Recyclable Materials or Organic Waste,' carves an exception into Compton's mandatory-collector system: nothing in Chapter 21 stops a person from selling or donating source-separated recyclables or organic waste to someone other than the authorized collector, so long as the material is not 'transported for disposition to a landfill or transfer station' as defined in Public Resources Code § 40200. The ordinance also closes a loophole on disguised sales: if a hauler simply gives a generator 'a reduction or discount in price' for collecting recyclables, that discount does not count as a sale or donation under this section.

8(b)(1) and (c)(1)) that want to use this exception must first obtain a permit from the city, established by City Council resolution, before selling or donating anything. Once permitted, the business has to report to the City Manager, on a quarterly basis every March, June, September and December, the name of the person or entity that received the material and the type and total weight removed, backed by supporting documentation. 7(d) lets any non-hauler buy source-separated recyclables from a generator for resale, provided the material still avoids landfill or transfer-station disposal.