About Zero Waste Commercial Programs

Most communities in Marin have access to commercial organics services from their hauler. Visit our Who Is My Hauler page to learn more and get started today!

Recycling provides many direct and indirect benefits. Businesses that recycle may save on their trash bills and even make money by selling their recyclables. The recycling sector also creates jobs for community members in a growing industry. Recycling conserves energy, reduces air and water pollution, reduces greenhouse gases and conserves natural resources. By recycling you effectively reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which helps sustain the environment for future generations. It also helps preserve the life of Redwood Landfill which keeps costs down for everyone in Marin.

How do businesses arrange for recycling and composting services in Marin County?

Businesses may arrange for services in a variety of ways:

  • Arrange for services with the hauler that serves the location where your business is located. Visit our Who Is My Hauler page for more information. Every hauler in the County offers commercial recycling and organics services.
  • Self haul—Self-hauling means your business takes responsibility for transporting your recyclables to a designated location that will accept and/or process the recyclable materials. Some examples include, but are not limited to taking your recyclables or compost to a buy-back facility or drop-off facility. Businesses that have programs through their distribution centers may also be considered self-hauling.
  • Arrange for pickup of recyclables or compostables. With your permission, an individual or firm may pick up your recycling or compost as long as they do it for free or they pay you for the materials.

Do I have to have a Recycling Program?

Effective July 1, 2012, any business that generates four cubic yards or more of waste per week is required to arrange for recycling services. All businesses are encouraged to recycle. Locations with multiple businesses can share recycling services; tenants should work with Property Managers where applicable.

Click here to learn more about California’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law.

Do I have to have a Composting Program?

Effective April 1, 2016, State law AB 1826 requires the following businesses to arrange for composting services:

Implementation Dates & Thresholds:

  • April 1, 2016 – Eight cubic yards of organic waste/week
  • January 1, 2017 – Four cubic yards of organic waste/week
  • January 1, 2019 – Four cubic yards of solid waste/week
  • September 15, 2020 – two cubic yards of trash, recycling and compost services combined/week

Click here for more information on the California Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Law.

What about Food Donation?

California law AB 1383 requires some commercial entities that provide food to donate the maximum amount of excess edible food to feed people.
For businesses wishing to donate excess food, please contact:

ExtraFood.org

San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

What is the Marin Green Business Program?

Show your patrons you care about the environment! Learn more about the Marin County Green Business Program and consider becoming certified.

What about Hazardous Waste?

Find out more about the small business program at both Household Hazardous Waste Facilities in Marin County.

Marin Household Hazardous Waste Facility
565 Jacoby St. San Rafael, CA
Tues – Sat, 8am – 3:30 pm
http://marinhhw.com/cesqg/

Novato Household Hazardous Waste Facility
7576 Redwood Blvd. Novato CA
Novato Businesses only.
http://www.novatosan.com/assets/ uploads/documents/recycling/ BusinessHazWasteInfoBrch.pdf

What about multifamily (apartment) complexes?

Learn more about the opportunities and obligations of tenants and property managers on the Zero Waste Marin Multifamily Resources page.

What do I do with items that aren’t accepted by my hauler in my recycling container?

Visit the Zero Waste Marin Recycling Guide. If you still can’t find an outlet for your item, contact us directly.