Multi-Family

Multi-family Units (complexes with 5 or more units)

California requires multi-family units (with 5 or more units) to recycle – not only general recycling (cans, bottles, paper) but also organic waste (also referred to as organics throughout this resource) such as landscaping waste and nonhazardous wood waste.  

Mandatory Organics Recycling – SB 1383:

SB 1383 expands upon AB 1826 and now requires all businesses and residences to divert organic waste from landfills.  Certain commercial edible food generators must also make efforts to donate as much edible food as possible to edible food recovery organizations. More information on SB 1383 can be found on the CalRecycle webpage at California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy or Republic Services webpage.

  • How businesses/multi-family units can comply: subscribe to a food waste recycling service through Republic Services by emailing OCRecycles@republicservices.com or calling 714-238-2444. There are many container sizes available to fit the needs of your business. The City, and/or Republic Services, can assist with evaluating your waste and recycling needs and help you ‘right size’ your containers.

Commercial Recycling (MCR) - AB341:

In an effort to reduce the amount of waste in landfills, Assembly Bill 341 requires the mandatory implementation of a recycling plan by businesses, public entities and multi-family housing complexes in California.

  • Who must arrange for Recycling Services: all businesses that generate four (4) or more cubic yards of solid waste per week (solid waste includes trash, recycling and organic waste).
  • Ways to comply (using one or any combination of the following) *:
    • Subscribe to recycling service through Republic Services (call 714-238-2444)
    • Businesses may donate, sell and/or make other arrangements for pick-up of the recyclable material.  This includes self-hauling the materials to recycling facilities.
      • *A property owner of a commercial business or multi-family residential dwelling may require tenants to source separate their recyclable material to aid in compliance. 

•    To learn more about waste and recycling and the current legislation visit the State’s website.

Commercial Organics Recycling (MORe) - AB1826:

State law AB 1826 requires "Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling", meaning that California multi-family units, among other businesses, must now recycle their landscaping and greenwaste. Organic wastes are recyclable through composting, mulching, and anaerobic digestion which can produce renewable energy and fuel.  

  • What is Organic Waste: food waste, green wastes such as landscape and pruning waste, and non-hazardous wood waste.  
  • Who must arrange for Recycling Services: all businesses that generate two (2) or more cubic yards of solid waste per week (solid waste includes trash, recycling and organic waste). Per AB 1826, multi-family units of 5 or more must arrange for recycling services for the same material with the exception of food waste and food-soiled paper (food waste recycling for multi-family units of 5 or more is mandated per SB 1383).   
  • Ways to comply (using one or any combination of the following):
    • Have landscaper take landscaping and pruning waste from your property to a permitted composting facility.
    • Self-haul organic waste to a permitted composting facility.  
    • Conduct onsite processing or composting.