AB 827 - Customer Access to Recycling

Effective July 1, 2020, MCR and MORe regulated businesses must provide recycling and organics recycling containers at the front-of-house to collect waste generated from the products purchased and consumed on the premises (AB 827, McCarty). These containers must be placed adjacent to trash containers and be visible, easily accessible, and clearly marked.

AB 827 is intended to educate and involve consumers in achieving the state’s recycling goals by requiring businesses subject to MCR and/or MORe to make recycling and/or organic recycling bins available to customers. This law targets businesses that sell products meant for immediate consumption. AB 827 states that businesses that generate four (4) cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste must provide their customers with recycling containers that are visible, accessible, and adjacent to each trash container. While AB827 requirements only pertain to limited-service food establishments, full-service restaurants are required to provide properly labeled trash containers for employees to separate recyclables and organics for customers. 

The legislative text for AB 827 can be found here. Examples of labels made by CalRecycle can be used for compliance and can be found here.