Sacramento, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycling minimum
- Monthly collection, § 13.24.510(A)(3)
- Organics minimum
- Weekly collection, § 13.24.510(A)(4)
- Container colors
- Blue recyclables, green organics, gray trash
- Enforcing agency
- Sacramento Solid Waste Manager
- Civil penalty
- $250-$25,000 per day of violation
- Covered properties
- Business, non-residential, multi-family only
Summary
Sacramento requires every business, non-residential property, and multi-family residential property to source separate recyclables and organic material from trash and subscribe to franchised hauler service under City Code § 13.24.510 and § 13.24.520. Recycling pickup must run at least monthly, containers must be color-coded, and the Solid Waste Manager enforces compliance citywide.
A. Each business or non-residential property must ensure and demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this chapter and must: ... 3. Source separate recyclable materials from solid waste and subscribe to the minimum level of recycling collection service as required in this chapter, which at a minimum must be on a monthly basis; ... F. Each business and non-residential property must ensure that recyclable and organic materials generated at their site will be taken only to a recycling facility and not to a landfill.
Full Breakdown
24, Article III governs recycling for every business, non-residential property, and multi-family residential property inside city limits: single-family homes are not covered by this article, which targets commercial and multi-unit generators. on a monthly basis' and organics collection on at least a weekly basis. 530(C) each container must either be labeled with accepted materials or follow the mandatory color code: blue for recyclables, green for organics, gray for garbage. 510(B). Owners must post signage in work areas, notify tenants of separation rules in writing at least annually and within 14 days of move-in, and keep proof of compliance on hand for 10 business days after any city request.
550 makes materials placed in hauler-provided bins the property of the franchised hauler rather than the generator. 520, but landlords who take 'reasonable measures' to educate tenants cannot be cited solely because a tenant fails to sort their own trash.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 13.24, including the recycling and source-separation duties, exposes a property to a written notice of violation followed by an administrative enforcement order from the Solid Waste Manager, plus civil penalties of 'not less than $250 or more than $25,000 for each day the violation continues' under § 13.24.670(C); an unresolved violation is also a misdemeanor and a public nuisance. A cited party has 10 calendar days to file a written appeal with a nonrefundable fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my single-family house have to separate recycling under this ordinance?
How often must a business have recycling picked up?
What color bins does Sacramento require?
Can I skip separate recycling service if I sort my own waste?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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Recycling Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle recycling rules.