This webpage includes important information about recent recycling and food waste composting laws that may impact City of Rancho Cordova businesses. More than 25% of businesses in the City are required to recycle and/or compost, and you can learn why here. The City is here to provide assistance with these programs. Read on for help getting started. 

Who is required to separate organic waste for food scrap composting?

Businesses that throw away four cubic yards of organic waste per week are required to compost. Does your business throw away four cubic yards or more of organic waste per week? Here’s how to find out:

For most businesses, about 1/3 of garbage is made up of “organic waste.”  

Organic waste = All food (leftover food, food scraps, food prep, etc.), and green waste.

If you have 12 yards of garbage service per week, your business likely throws away four cubic yards of organic waste. This means you are required to separate organic waste for food waste composting (4 = 1/3  of 12).

Combinations can include: 

• One 6-yard dumpster 2x per week = 12 yards/week total
• One 4-yard dumpster 3x per week = 12 yards/week total
• Two 6-yard dumpsters 1x per week = 12 yards/week total
• And so on...

If your business throws away four cubic yards of organic waste per week, you are required to sign up for an organic waste collection program with your waste hauler immediately. 

Who is required to food scrap compost?

Businesses that throw away four cubic yards of organic waste per week are required to compost food scraps. You may compost your food scraps by using one of the City’s franchised waste haulers, self-hauling, back-hauling, or using a third party company.

How You Can Comply

Learn Why This is Required

Resources for Your Business