AB 1826: California's Commercial Organics Recycling Law Explained

Substantively reviewed: 2026-10-13. General educational information; confirm current requirements with your jurisdiction and qualified counsel.

AB 1826: Commercial Organics Recycling

AB 1826 phased in commercial organics recycling beginning in 2016. Since September 2020, the threshold is two cubic yards or more of total commercial solid waste per week, including trash, recycling, and organics. It is not two cubic yards of organics alone.

Operational considerations

Covered businesses arrange organics recycling. Multifamily properties with five or more units have specific requirements; check the current overlap with SB 1383 and local collection rules rather than treating AB 1826 as the only obligation.

Exemptions and current overlap

CalRecycle reports the AB 1826 rural exemption extended through December 31, 2026. Since 2022, SB 1383 waiver rules generally supersede older business exemptions where applicable. Confirm eligibility and written approval with the jurisdiction.

Documentation and next steps

Inventory weekly total waste generation, verify collection service and local requirements, educate staff, and retain service and material records. ICTV can discuss organics program coordination and documentation for your operation.