Ventura, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Director of Public Works
- Permit term
- 1 year (§ 6.500.330)
- Bond
- Required before permit issuance
- Insurance
- GL, auto, workers' comp; city as additional insured
- Cure period
- 30 days after notice of noncompliance
Summary
In the City of Ventura, no one may collect or process recyclable materials commercially unless they hold a city franchise agreement or a one-year permit issued by the director of public works under Municipal Code § 6.500.310. Nonprofits, franchise holders and businesses delivering their own recyclables are exempt under § 6.500.320.
A. The city council pursuant to Section 40059 of the California Public Resources Code does hereby determine that collection and processing of recyclable materials may be provided within the city through issuance of permits, in accordance with the terms of this article. ... C. ... No person may collect or process recyclable materials within the city unless the person has either entered into a franchise agreement with the city pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter, has been issued a permit pursuant to this article, or is exempt from this article pursuant to Section 6.500.320.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-008, passed May 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
310(C) makes it unlawful to collect or process recyclables in the city without one of those authorizations or a specific exemption. 320 lists the exemptions: the city itself; nonprofit organizations collecting materials like aluminum, newspaper, glass, plastic (HDPE/PET), metal cans, paper or cardboard; commercial business owners delivering their own source-separated recyclables; existing city franchisees; and anyone redeeming containers under the state's Container Recycling Litter Reduction Act. 370). 3100(A)). This permit system runs separately from the city's mandatory SB 1383 organics program that governs what households and businesses must do with their own blue, green and black carts.
Violations & Fines
Collecting recyclables in Ventura without a franchise, permit or exemption violates § 6.500.310(C)'s licensing requirement. A permit holder who breaks the rules gets written notice of noncompliance from the director of public works and 30 days to correct it under § 6.500.3100(D); if the violation isn't cured in that window, the director can revoke the permit outright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect my neighbors' recycling to sell the scrap myself?
Can a charity collect donated cans and bottles in Ventura without a permit?
How long does a Ventura recycling collection permit last?
What insurance does a recycling permittee need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recycling Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle recycling rules.