Business Recycling
Business Waste
Commercial waste accounts for almost 65% of waste disposed of in California. Solid waste is defined as all waste streams combined, including recyclables.
- State Law AB 341 makes it mandatory for businesses to recycle if they generate 4 yards or more of solid waste each week.
- State Law AB 1826 also requires businesses with the 4 yards or more of solid waste per week to have organics recycling service as of January 2019.
Implementing a Successful Recycling Program at Work
- Place a well-marked recycling container next to every trash container.
- Containers for organic waste may be placed in areas where that material is concentrated such as kitchens and coffee stations.
- Have signs on or above all containers that are easy to see and indicate what can go into them.
- Encourage staff participation.
- Communicate with your custodial staff to ensure they know the proper disposal locations and how to properly collect material from different bins.
- Contact your waste hauler to do a waste sort to help you better understand what is going into the trash that could be recycled.
- Monitor the recycling and trash containers for contamination and provide feedback to employees and/or custodial staff as needed.
Edible Food Recovery
Donating edible food to organizations that can get it to people in need is a higher priority than putting it into an organics recycling system. Any business or organization that has unused edible food can contact a local food organization or donate it to a local food pantry. You can find more information about on our Donate to a Food Organization page.See below to learn more information on how to certify as a green business here in California.