On January 1, 2022, the requirements of AB 1826 shall be eclipsed by those of SB 1383. 

In an effort to increase recycling and meet a 75% diversion goal, the State of California Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery known as CalRecycle, enacted a law that requires most businesses and multi-family complexes to recycle their organics waste. AB 1826 required these organics recycling programs to be instituted by April 1, 2016. Organic waste, for the purposes of AB 1826, means food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed with food waste. More Information on AB 1826 and requirements can be found here.

Who's Affected?

All Commercial entities producing 2 cubic yards or more solid waste a week are affected by AB 1826. The threshold was previously 4 cubic yards. Please note that "solid waste" means the entire generated waste stream, including garbage, recyclables, and organic material. Some examples of commercial entities are: 

• for-profit and non-profit organizations
• government offices and agencies
• private and public schools
• multifamily residential dwellings with five or more units
  • multifamily residential dwellings are only required to have landscaping and yard debris composted. Residential food scrap composting is optional.

How to Comply:

• Recology San Benito County is the Exclusive Franchise Company contracted to service residents and businesses within the San Benito County Mandatory Service Area for solid waste, recycling, and organics collection. To set up your recycling service with Recology or for program inquires please call (831) 636-7500. Recology San Benito can provide the following assistance with AB 1826 compliance:
  • On-site waste assessments to help you choose container size and service level
  • Trainings for employees, staff, students, and residents
  • Indoor organics containers, organics posters, guides, and other digital and print educational materials
• Not located in the Mandatory Service Area? You have a few options. First, you can have your source-separated organics hauled away by an approved hauling company in your area. Another option is to self-haul or back-haul to a permitted compost facility. Call San Benito County Integrated Waste Management at (831) 636-4110 for approved hauler information or to obtain a list of local permitted composting facilities.

San Benito County Integrated Waste Management is available to provide assistance in complying with AB 1826. Free indoor organics bins are available upon request. Contact us at (831) 636-4110 or sbciwm@sanbenitocountyca.gov.