Mandatory Recycling and Organics Law: Residential Properties*

Starting January 2022, all California residents will be required to compost organic waste properly. The law aims to reduce harmful methane emissions from landfills that contribute to climate change and global warming.

Please visit Cal Recycle's website for more information on the new law.

How do I comply?

Subscribe to composting service with Marin Sanitary Service! Representatives are available at (415) 456-2601, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

*If you live in an apartment complex with 5 or more units visit our multifamily webpage.

Picture of compost

How does this new law affect me?

Under the new State and Local Organics and Recycling Law (SB 1383), residents must sort recyclable and compostable materials into the appropriate containers.

Residents of single-family homes, condos, and apartments with fewer than five units with trash collection services from Marin Sanitary Service can obtain a composting cart at no additional cost.

Remember to sort all waste correctly! For a list of what goes where check out Marin Sanitary Service printable resources ; Recycling, Composting and Landfill, or check out their "Where does it go, Joe?" tool!

Resources

  • Check out these flyers and posters to help you sort waste properly
  • Questioning the proper way to discard an object? Check out the "Where does it go, Joe?" tool!
  • Interested in learning more about the new law? Click here for Marin Sanitary Service's newsletter.
  • Interested in learning more about the new law? Watch this video by CAL Recycle by clicking here to learn more!
  • Composting Tips

What can I compost?

If you can eat it, you can compost it! Remember that almost all organic materials are compostable, not only food waste. See below for examples of what to put in your composting bin:

  • Food and food scraps such as fruit, vegetables, meat, bones, shells, dairy, and leftovers
  • Plant material such as grass, flowers, leaves, branches, and wood
  • Food-soiled paper such as paper towels, napkins, and delivery pizza boxes

What can you compost?

Please visit the Marin Sanitary Service website for a complete list of what should be put into your compost bin.

What can’t I compost?

Marin’s local compost facility WM Earthcare produces high-quality compost to grow organic food. Which is why we CANNOT accept any plastics labeled as compostable or bio-degradable because they take twice as long to break down when compared to natural compostable materials.

Please DO NOT put any of the following items in your green cart for compost:

  • NO compostable or bio-degradable plastics, bags, cups, containers, and utensils
  • NO diapers, pet waste, human waste, and poison oak

What not to compost

Please remember to pay close attention to what you place in the binNot everything labeled compostable can be composted. For more tips, visit the Marin Sanitary Service website and use the “Where does it go, Joe?” tool. Even a small amount of trash in the compost bin means all the material goes to waste!

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