Commercial

Organics Recycling

What is Commercial Organics Waste and How Do I Recycle It?

Organic waste consists of Yard Waste (like plants, trimmings and grass clippings) and Food Scraps (such as cooked meat, produce, and dairy, as well as food-soiled paper plates and paper products, coffee grounds, tea bags and the like). Both classes of waste may be recycled. Scroll down to review a complete list of acceptable items.

California businesses have been required to direct their organic waste to a permitted facility since State Assembly Bill 1826 was passed on April 1, 2016.

Which Carts Do I Use for Commercial Organics Recycling?

food waste recycling carts

Brown Cart is for Source Separated Food Waste

Food waste can be bagged in compostable bags, clear or white plastic bags and/or paper bags. Brown carts are used for source separated food waste and can be lined with clear plastic bags.

  • 35 gallon brown cart
  • 65 gallon brown cart
commercial organics brown carts

Acceptable Food Waste

  • Bones
  • Breads and Grains
  • Cheeses
  • Coffee Grounds/Filters
  • Dairy Products
  • Food Waste
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Meat
  • Oils
  • Paper Soiled with Food
  • Poultry
  • Tea Bags

These Items are NOT Acceptable

  • Raw Fish
  • Raw Meat
  • Raw Poultry
food waste recycling

Green Cart or Green Bin is for Mixed Organics (yard waste + food waste)

Do NOT put yard waste in plastic bags. ONLY food waste should be bagged. Yard waste + food waste should be placed in green carts or bins.

  • 35 gallon green cart
  • 65 gallon green cart
  • 95 gallon green cart
  • 2 or 3 cubic yard green bin
commercial 2 cubic yard organics bin

Acceptable Mixed Organics Waste

  • Bones
  • Breads and Grains
  • Cheeses
  • Coffee Grounds/Filters
  • Dairy Products
  • Food Waste
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Meat
  • Oils
  • Paper Soiled with Food
  • Poultry
  • Tea Bags
  • Green Waste
  • Landscape Waste
  • Pruning Waste
  • Tree Branches and Trunks
  • Untreated Wood

These Items are NOT Acceptable

  • Raw Fish
  • Raw Meat
  • Raw Poultry
  • Glass
  • Metal
  • Plastic and Styroform

How Much is 2 Cubic Yards?

2 cubic yards

How to Dispose of Organic Waste

Food waste can be bagged in compostable bags, clear or white plastic bags and/or paper bags. DO NOT put yard waste in plastic bags. Organics can be collected up to 5 times a week, Monday-Friday.

CalRecycle

CalRecycle has developed a number of tools to assist businesses in assessing their current practices and how to comply with the law. Visit CalRecycle for more information.

Is Organics Recycling Mandatory?

California businesses have been required to direct their organic waste to a permitted facility since State Assembly Bill 1826 was passed on April 1, 2016. The law includes schools, hotels, hospitals, stores, restaurants, for profit or nonprofit organizations, as well as residential dwellings with 5+ units (residential dwellings with 5+ units are only required to divert their landscape material). Organics recycling requirements will be phased in over several years and will help California to achieve its statewide recycling goal of 75% by 2020.

Why is Organics Recycling Necessary?

Organics recycling supports the State’s recycling goal. And, by redirecting organics to composting and other operations, the State will meet gas emission goals, save landfill space, restore soils, and generate energy which all contribute to a better environment.

Organics containers are available in the sizes outlined below.

Source Separated Food Waste

  • 35 gallon brown cart
  • 65 gallon brown cart

Mixed Organics: Food Waste and Landscape Material

  • 35 gallon green cart
  • 65 gallon green cart
  • 95 gallon green cart
  • 2 or 3 cubic yard green bin

We invite you to contact us for assistance with determining the type of service that best meets the needs of your restaurant, business or multifamily complex.

Jan 1, 2019

4 or more cubic yards of solid waste per week

Jan 1, 2020

2 or more cubic yards of solid waste per week

Dec 31, 2020

Reduce, recycle or compost 75% of CA solid waste

Jan 2021

Automatic roll out will commence.

Fall 2021

Bin delivery to be completed

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