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

Chapter 9.02 of the Santee Municipal Code defines 'recyclables' broadly to include newspaper with inserts and store advertisements, mixed paper such as office paper and magazines, chipboard, corrugated cardboard, glass containers of any color, aluminum including beverage containers, steel, tin, and bi-metal cans, mixed plastic containers numbered 1 through 7 except expanded polystyrene, and bottles made of HDPE or PET, with the list expanded from time to time as new materials become recyclable. Section 9.02.240 requires that the materials designated by land use category in the City's Table 9.02.240A be separated from general solid waste rather than placed in the gray trash container.

Santee runs its recycling program through franchised or permitted haulers under a three-container system: blue for recyclables, green for organics, and gray for what remains. Single-family generators place source separated recyclable materials in the blue container and must not mix them with gray container waste, while commercial businesses and multifamily properties of five or more units follow the same source-separation duty under the City's SB 1383 organics and recycling program. Contamination of a recycling container with prohibited materials not identified as acceptable source separated recyclables can trigger the City's SB 1383 enforcement track, including a notice of violation and, ultimately, an administrative citation, before a fine is imposed.