Business Recycling

The State of California has passed several laws placing requirements for businesses to recycle materials rather than send them to the landfill for disposal.   Businesses must meet state mandates for diverting recyclables and organic content from landfill disposal in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  All businesses must separate their recycling, garbage, and organic waste (food scraps and green waste) into three separate containers. This means property managers must provide a separate organics container to tenants in addition to trash and recycling containers.

SB 1383 SLCP - Short-lived Climate Pollutants: Organic Waste Methane Emissions Reductions

All businesses and commercial properties must divert their organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper, and green waste) from out of their garbage bin. This means businesses and property managers must provide a separate organics container to employees/staff/tenants in addition to garbage and recycling containers. This three-bin system will allow everyone to properly dispose of organic materials separately from garbage and mixed recyclables. State law SB 1383 applies to all business types, even if they don't serve or sell food.

Businesses are required to have adequate recycling and composting services to help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Businesses are required to sort material into the appropriate bins. Businesses can be cited and fined for lack of adequate service or contamination. Businesses are also required to educate staff, contractors, and tenants about the recycling and composting program annually. Learn more about our Edible Food Recovery Program. 

Commercial Recycling State Laws

The Mandatory Commercial & Multifamily Recycling AB 341 requires businesses that generates 4 cubic yards or more of waste per week complexes to arrange for recycling services.

The Commercial Mandatory Organics Recycling Law AB 1826 requires that business arrange for recycling services for the following types of organic waste: food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper

How Can I Comply?

CR&R offers recycling programs to ensure Tustin businesses can comply with these laws.  The programs are offered at a lower cost when compared to trash service.  CR&R will also provide technical assistance and training to your staff.  Multiple languages can be accommodated if needed.  To schedule a site visit and analysis of your waste stream, please contact CR&R at (714) 230-2832.  

Can I Opt-out of Recycling and Organics Waste Collection Services?

Businesses that meet the de minimis or physical space waiver criteria or have an existing recycling or self-haul program can be exempted from some of the SB 1383 requirements. For additional information, please visit the City’s Organic Waste & Recycling Waiver & Self-Haul Application page.

Assembly Bill (AB) 827 – Solid Waste: Commercial and Organic Waste: Recycling Bins

Effective July 1, 2020, Assembly Bill 827 (AB 827) mandates food service establishments to provide customers with disposal containers for three types of materials – food scraps, recyclables, and trash – generated from products purchased and consumed onsite. These bins must be placed adjacent to trash bins and be visible, easily accessible, and clearly labeled. Recyclable items include empty and dry cardboard, mixed paper, cans, and bottles. Organic items can include food scraps such as prepared foods, meat, or dairy. To learn more about