Mandatory Commercial Waste & Recycling

Mandatory Commercial Recycling
Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling
Mandatory Organics Recycling

Mandatory Commercial Recycling

Mandatory Commercial Waste & Recycling As of July 1, 2012, California Assembly Bill (AB) 341 requires businesses that generate 4 or more cubic yards of waste each week and multi-family housing of five or more units, to recycle.

Who is affected?

All businesses, public and private, generating four or more cubic yards of waste weekly, including but not limited to:

Corporations

Government Entities

Hotels

Restaurants

Retail Establishments

Schools

Multi-family housing with five or more units

Business Commercial Recycling Requirements

A business (includes public entities) that generates four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week or is a multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more shall arrange for recycling services. Businesses can take one or any combination of the following in order to reuse, recycle, compost or otherwise divert solid waste from disposal:

Self-haul.

Subscribe to a hauler(s).

Arrange for the pickup of recyclable materials.

Subscribe to a recycling service that may include mixed waste processing that yields diversion results comparable to source separation.

Recycling Is Easy As 1, 2, 3!

Easy to see: Recycling should be convenient and obvious. Easy-to-read labels are extremely important. Consider purchasing clear containers that allow people to see what can be placed inside. Specialized lids that limit what can be placed inside can further reduce contamination of recyclables.
Easy to find: Place a recycling container next to each garbage receptacle to prevent recyclables from ending up in the trash. Be sure the trash and recycling containers are clearly labeled. Place paper recycling bins next to desks, copy machines, printers, fax machines and mailboxes. Place recycling bins for bottles and cans in break rooms, near vending machines and near refrigerators.
Easy to remember: Let your staff know where your recycling containers are and encourage them to place recyclables in the proper place. Integrate recycling information into your new employee training and have quick recycling reminders during staff meetings.

What recycling opportunities are available?

Self Haul – Separate your recyclables yourself and take them to one of the following:
Free recycling containers are available from CalRecycle. California businesses can fill out a simple form online at BottlesAndCans.com to request a free recycling container. Fill out the online form to receive a free recycling container, posters, and information on starting a successful recycling program.

Still have more questions?

For more information on the Mandatory Commercial Recycling law and the responsibilities of business owners, visit the CalRecycle website: www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Recycle/Commercial/

Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling

Mandatory Commercial Waste & Recycling Construction and demolition is a significant and growing part of landfill waste in California. A large percentage of construction and demolition materials can be recycled.

Recyclable Materials

Reusable items/materials - separate before/during demolition - take to Last Chance Mercantile, Habitat for Humanity store, Goodwill or other
Metal
Concrete - up to 15 cy drop box, filled to 2/3 full
Dirt - up to 15 cy drop box, filled to 2/3 full
Plastic (all types except Styrofoam)
Cardboard
Plastic wrapping/Shrink wrap
Gravel
Mixed office recyclables: office paper, glass & plastic bottles and cans, metal and plastic food containers
Yard waste - no palm, no ice plant
ADC - painted wood, roofing material, shingles, drywall, Hardi plank, ceiling tiles, brick, ceramic tile
Reusable items left over from project
Electronics, batteries, appliances, tires, mattresses, light bulbs and Household Hazardous Waste
Light fixtures with fluorescent lights and/or ballasts
Carpet/pad
Sheetrock/gypsum/drywall

Not Recyclable

Insulation: Rigid or fiberglass
Pressure Treated Lumber
Linoleum/vinyl flooring
Job Office/Lunchroom garbage (food Styrofoam, restroom waste)

Other Resources

Cal-Recycle Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

Mandatory Organics Recycling

Mandatory Commercial Waste & Recycling In October 2014, California Assembly Bill (AB) 1826 was approved, and requires all businesses and multi-family dwellings with five or more units that generate four or more cubic yards of garbage per week to recycle their organic waste. Businesses are required to recycle food scraps and yard trimmings and multi-family dwellings required to recycle yard trimmings by January 1, 2019.