Commercial Requirements

What does this mean for businesses?

If you own/manage a business or apartment/condo complex of five (5) units or more, you are required to comply with the following requirements unless you apply for, and are granted, a written waiver from the City.

CA State Law AB 341 requires all businesses or multifamily dwellings with five (5) or more units that generate four (4) cubic yards or more of trash each week to recycle. Recycling and Organics collection service is included at no additional charge for most business accounts. SB 1383 requires that those same businesses/properties subscribe to organics collections and sort their waste properly.

For more information, or to request recycling and organics service, contact Republic Services at (510) 262-7100.

How does this law affect my business?

SB 1383 mandates that all multifamily properties must provide composting services to tenants, regardless of property size. To comply, complete steps one (1) through four (4). All businesses in California must abide by the following rules (if your business produces or sells food, you may have additional responsibilities; see below).

1. Subscribe to compost and recycling collection services in addition to garbage

2. Place color-coded and labeled compost and recycling bins next to all indoor garbage bins (excluding restrooms)

3. Sort all waste into the three appropriate bins: compost, recycling, landfill

4. Periodically inspect bins and educate employees, contractors, and tenants (if an MFD property) about incorrectly sorted items

5. Educate employees about the law annually

Can I Be Exempt?

Certain businesses may qualify for a limited-term organics waiver. If you think you may be eligible, please visit RecycleMore's page and fill out the SB 1383 Organics Waiver Request Form.

1. Generate Minimal Organics (De Minimis Waiver)

De Minimis Waivers will be considered if you can demonstrate that you can dispose of less than twenty (20) gallons of organics per week, or ten (10) gallons/week for smaller businesses. Multi-family properties are not eligible for De Minimis Waivers due to the volume of tenant waste.

2. Physical Space Waiver

If your business site lacks adequate space for organics waste containers, you may qualify for a Physical Space Waiver. A site visit will be conducted to verify your claim; limited waivers are granted.

There are alternative forms of compliance for large markets, manufacturers, and non-food generating businesses. Visit RecycleMore SB 1383 for more information.

3. Self-Haul Waiver

If your businesses self-hauls waste materials, there may be an opportunity to apply for the City's Self-Haul Waiver. To apply for the Self-Haul waiver, customers must separate all recyclable and organic materials from solid waste, transport each source-separated material to a fully permitted solid waste facility, and maintain records for a minimum of five (5) years. Email all self-haul waivers to pwenvironmental@sanpabloca.gov or bring a copy to the Public Works counter at City Hall.