Organic Waste Recycling

California requires mandatory organics recycling and businesses generating 4 cubic yards of organic waste per week must recycle their organic waste. The law includes schools, hospitals, stores, restaurants, for-profit or nonprofit organizations, as well as residential dwellings with 5+ units. These new requirements will be phased in over several years and will help California recycle 75% of its generated waste by 2020.

Learn more about California's Mandatory Organics Recycling Law.
CalRecycle Logosm
Organics in California's Overall Disposed Waste Stream, 2014 pie graphic

Start Dates


Organic recycling mandate timelines and quantity start dates:
  • April 1, 2016- generators of 8 or more cubic yards of organic waste per week
  • April 1, 2016 - generators of 8 or more cubic yards of organic waste per week
  • January 1, 2017 - generators of 4 or more cubic yards of organic waste per week
  • January 1, 2019 - generators of 4 or more cubic yards of solid waste per week
  • January 1, 2020 - generators of 2 or more cubic yards of solid waste per week (pending statewide progress)
View more information about California's new mandatory recycling law.

Organics Waste Recycling in Watsonville


The City of Watsonville has begun enrolling a selected number of local businesses in organic waste recycling.

If you would like additional information, please contact:
  • Solid Waste Division
    Customer Service
    831-768-3133