Oakley, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Fact
- Weekly green cart collection by Republic Services
- Fact
- SB 1383 mandates food scrap separation
- Fact
- Branches max 4 inches diameter, 4 feet long
- Fact
- Meat, bones, dairy now accepted in green cart
- Fact
- No plastic bags, pet waste, or treated wood
Summary
Oakley's green organics cart accepts yard trimmings AND food scraps as required by California SB 1383, collected weekly by Republic Services. Branches up to 4 inches diameter and 4 feet long are accepted. All food waste including meat, dairy, and bones must now go in the green cart.
California's Organic Waste Reduction SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution contributing to California's hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and more wildfires. Fight Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste To reduce methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants, California passed SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). The law set targets for 2025: 75% less organic waste sent to landfills. 20% of unsold, still-edible food sent to food recovery organizations. Collections All jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses, and recycle organic waste. Procurement Procurement requirement information. Jurisdictions must use the products made from the recycled organic material, such as compost and mulch. Food Recovery Some food service businesses must donate unsold food to food recovery organizations to help some of the 1 in 5 Californians without enough to eat. Capacity Planning Counties must take the lead to plan for needed organic waste recycling and food recovery capacity. Enforcement Enforcement provisions support jurisdictions, non-local entities, local education districts, state, and federal facilities.
Full Breakdown
Under California Senate Bill 1383 (the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Act of 2016), all Oakley residents must separate organic waste including food scraps from landfill-bound garbage. The green cart, collected weekly by Republic Services, accepts both yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, small branches, weeds, flowers) and food scraps (fruits, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, bread, coffee grounds, food-soiled paper like napkins and paper towels). Branches must be under 4 inches in diameter and cut to no more than 4 feet in length to fit the cart; larger amounts may require scheduling a bulky pickup or hauling to a transfer station.
Do NOT place dirt, rocks, concrete, treated/painted wood, plastic bags (even "compostable" ones unless BPI-certified and accepted locally), pet waste, diapers, or liquids in the green cart. Food scraps can be placed directly in the cart or in a countertop pail lined with newspaper or a certified compostable bag. The collected organics are processed at a regional composting or anaerobic digestion facility. Non-compliance with SB 1383 separation requirements can result in fines under CalRecycle enforcement, though most jurisdictions focus on education first. Backyard composting is encouraged and counts toward compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really have to put food scraps in my green cart?
What if I have a large tree branch to dispose of?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakley
California rules heatmap·Compare Oakley to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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How other cities in Contra Costa County handle yard waste collection.