AB 1826 Mandatory Commercial Organics

California State Law AB 1826 was enacted in 2014 and is intended to reduce the quantity of organic waste disposed.  Organics are the largest portion of the disposed materials in California landfills, comprising over 30%.  Recycling organics is integral to meet the State’s 75% recycling goal by 2020.  Avoiding landfill methane emissions from decomposition of food also addresses California’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

This law places requirements on local government as well as individual businesses.  Businesses are defined as “a commercial or public entity or a multi-family dwelling”  (Multi-family residential dwellings of 5 or more units must recycle their landscape wastes, but are not required to divert food waste).  State Law AB 1826 currently defines "Organic Waste" to include “food waste, greenwaste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste than is mixed in with food waste.” *

*NOTE:  At the present time, the City will only be collecting FOOD WASTE, greenwaste, and landscape waste in its collection program.  The City CANNOT accept food soiled PAPER (napkins, paper towels, etc.) at the present time.  This is due to the requirements of the organic/composting facility where the City will deliver compostable materials.  

How does the Mandatory Commercial Organics Law affect you? 

Victorville Organics Collection Has Begun.

The City of Victorville, through its franchised hauler Victorville Disposal, began collection of organic materials (food waste and garden trimmings) from commercial and multi-family locations in January 2019.  Food waste, greenwaste (landscape trimmings), and wood waste are accepted.  Landscape/wood waste must be kept separate from food waste.  Food soiled paper CANNOT be accepted in the organics program at the present time. 

For more information about starting organics collection service, please contact Recycling Program Technician, Cindy Poore, by calling (760) 955-2017 or by email to  to arrange for services. Businesses that generate less than the current minimum requirement for Mandatory Organics Recycling may also opt into the program.