Contamination prevention in the recyclable materials and organics collection carts and bins results in increased processing costs and reduces the amount of recoverable materials diverted from landfilling, both of which will eventually be reflected in increased service rates. Contamination prevention in the organics collection carts and bins is also important to maintain a high quality finished compost material that is used in the local environment including agricultural cropland.

The RWMA Mandatory Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance requires businesses, organizations and agencies to place recyclable materials, organic materials and refuse in the designated collection program containers; not place contaminants in collection containers; and, not place organic waste and non-organic recyclables in refuse collection containers. The RWMA is required by SB 1383 to conduct annual compliance reviews and route reviews to determine compliance with organic waste separation requirements and container contamination minimization requirements. Between February 19, 2022 (when the RWMA Mandatory Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance becomes effective) and December 31, 2023, the RWMA will conduct inspections, compliance reviews and route reviews and if an entity is determined to not be incompliance with organic waste separation requirements, the entity will be notified and provided with educational materials. Beginning January 1, 2024, the RWMA may issue Notices of Violation for non-compliance and continued non-compliance with such notices may result in administrative civil penalties.

Recology Yuba-Sutter’s service rates provide for contamination service charges of about $8.00 per contaminated recycling cart; about $16.00 per contaminated organics cart or refuse cart; range from about $18.00 to $44.00 per contaminated recycling bin depending on the bin size; and, range from about $36.00 to $89.00 per contaminated organics or refuse bin depending on the bin size.