The State of California approved Senate Bill (SB) 1383 in 2016 and requires jurisdictions throughout the State to adopt an organics recycling ordinance or enforceable mechanism by January 1, 2022. Per SB 1383 the ordinance/enforceable mechanism shall mandate that organic waste generators, haulers, and other entities subject to the requirements of SB 1383 regulations and subject to the jurisdiction’s authority, comply with all SB 1383 regulatory requirements. The County of Orange adopted its Ordinance (Ordinance No. 21-011) in 2021 and established the County’s enforcement policy for SB 1383. Per SB 1383, Statewide enforcement shall commence beginning January 1, 2024.
OC Waste & Recycling’s (OCWR) exclusive waste haulers, along with OC Public Works Code Enforcement, will conduct required reviews of residential and commercial waste recycling, and organics containers for cross-contamination. These reviews are required by SB 1383 and will allow the County to conduct targeted outreach to better educate residents and business owners on how they can properly sort waste and meet recycling requirements. We ask that residents and business owners please cooperate with personnel who are conducting inspections.
Please submit questions and comments to the OCWR Neighbor Support Portal (NSP).
2024 Organics Recycling - What You Need to Know
Which areas fall under OCWR's jurisdiction?
OCWR oversees the following unincorporated areas:
FRANCHISE AREA
|
KNOWN AS
|
| 1 |
Rossmoor |
| 2 |
Buena Park Island, Yorba Linda Islands |
| 3 |
Orange Islands, Anaheim Islands |
| 4 |
Fountain Valley Island |
| 5 |
El Modena, Orange Park Acres, Modjeska Canyon, Silverado Canyon |
| 6 |
James A. Musick Facility, Lemon Heights, Cowan Heights, North Tustin |
| 7 |
John Wayne Airport, Emerald Bay, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park |
| 8 |
Coto De Caza, Wagon Wheel, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores |
| 9 |
Rancho Mission Viejo, Sendero, Ortega Highway/Unincorporated San Juan Capistrano |
What happens if I do not properly sort my organic waste?
Unincorporated non-compliant businesses and residents may receive notices of violation, penalties, and/or possible denials of service if contamination is seen during inspections. Inspections in OC Unincorporated residential areas will be conducted when carts are placed in public areas for waste hauler pickup. Carts will not be inspected when stored on private property.
For details on your specific City policy, please contact your City Recycling Coordinator.
Will I be fined if I receive multiple Notice of Violations?
SB 1383 requires jurisdictions to have an enforceable ordinance in place. Residents and business owners will be provided with warnings and educational material to aid in compliance prior to fines being issued. County of Orange Unincorporated Ordinance.
I received a notice from my City or waste hauler, who should I contact?
Residents who live within a City jurisdiction should always contact their city recycling coordinator or waste hauler:
