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

Section 4-12 of the Novato Municipal Code applies to every covered project, meaning every construction, demolition and renovation project in the City of Novato. Section 4-12.2 defines a noncovered project as one encompassing less than 500 square feet, and a renovation as a change encompassing more than 500 square feet in an existing structure. The diversion requirement is at least 50 percent of the total construction and demolition debris generated, through reuse or recycling. Noncovered projects are encouraged to divert at least 50 percent (Section 4-12.3.b). The findings in Section 4-12.1 tie the rule to the California Integrated Waste Management Act and note that construction and demolition debris was approximately 12 percent by weight of the materials landfilled in Marin County.

An applicant for a covered project submits a waste management plan on a form approved by the City of Novato with the permit application packet. Section 4-12.5 requires the plan to show the estimated volume or weight of debris by material type, the amount feasibly diverted by reuse and by recycling, the vendor or facility proposed to collect or receive the materials, and the amount to be landfilled. The community development department building division reviews it for feasibility and marks it approved. Section 4-12.4 lets the community development director find that unique circumstances make the 50 percent target infeasible; the director then sets a maximum feasible diversion rate for each material.

For final approval, Section 4-12.6 requires the waste management plan and receipts from each vendor or facility showing the actual weight or volume received, plus any other information showing good-faith effort. Debris is weighed on scales that meet regulatory accuracy requirements. Where weighing is not practical because of small size or other considerations, a volumetric measurement is used, converted with the city's standardized conversion rates. Under Section 4-12.7 no final approval or certificate of occupancy issues until the documentation is approved, except where an emergency demolition is required to protect public health or safety. If the documentation is incomplete or shows less than 50 percent diversion, the department can deny final approval or the certificate of occupancy, or pursue enforcement under Section 4-12.8.