For Businesses

 

Recycling

The state of California has several recycling laws affecting businesses and multifamily properties. Find out what's required and how we can help you with compliance.

California law (AB 341) requires certain businesses and multi-family properties to participate in recycling programs.

Key requirements

  • Applies to businesses generating four cubic yards or more of solid waste per week.
  • Includes multi-family housing communities with five or more units.

Steps to comply

  • Contact EDCO Waste and Recycling Services to set up recycling.
  • Work with EDCO to create a recycling plan.
  • Encourage recycling of paper, plastics, glass, and metals.

Benefits

  • Meet state recycling requirements.
  • Reduce landfill waste.
  • Lower collection costs in some cases.

Organics

California law (AB 1826) requires businesses generating two cubic yards or more of waste weekly to recycle organics (food scraps, green waste, compostable paper, and nonhazardous wood waste).

Steps for businesses

  • Contact EDCO to set up organics recycling.
  • Consider composting or mulching on-site with proper permits.

See CalRecycle's website

If you believe your business or property qualifies for an exemption, contact Waste & Recycling at 760-481-3875 or submit a waiver form in English(PDF, 834KB) or Spanish(PDF, 721KB).

Plastics

To reduce litter and landfill waste, the City of San Marcos enforces rules for food service businesses under Ordinance 2021-1507 and AB 1276. These rules limit single-use plastics and require recyclable or compostable alternatives.

  • Provide disposable utensils or condiments only when requested.
  • Delivery apps must let customers opt in to disposables.
  • All food ware must be recyclable or compostable.

Expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers are prohibited.


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