📜 Understanding California's strict recycling mandates and how they affect your cleanout
Mattresses · appliances · e‑waste · construction debris · state environmental goals
California leads the nation in recycling laws, with mandatory programs for mattresses, appliances (refrigerant recovery), electronics, and construction debris.
These regulations directly impact how you handle cleanouts — whether it's a home renovation, estate clearance, or spring cleaning.
Professional Junk removal
services are trained to comply with these rules. Save our map for certified recyclers, and explore the Github Repositarty for local disposal guides.
Mattresses · Bye Bye Mattress
California's Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act requires manufacturers to fund recycling. Over 75% of materials are recovered: steel springs, foam, wood.
PRC § 42985
Appliances · refrigerant recovery
Refrigerators, AC units, dehumidifiers must have refrigerants recovered by EPA‑certified technicians before recycling. Illegal venting can result in fines.
CARB & EPA
Electronics · e‑waste
California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act covers TVs, monitors, computers. They contain lead, mercury, cadmium — must go to certified recyclers.
CalRecycle
Construction & demolition
Many cities (including San Francisco, Los Angeles) mandate 65‑75% diversion of C&D debris. Concrete, wood, metal, cardboard must be sorted.
Local ordinances
Key California recycling mandates
- Mattress recycling (AB 2538): Retailers must take back one mattress for free when delivering a new one. Illegal to dispose in landfills.
- Refrigerant recovery (CCR Title 17): Certified technicians must capture CFCs/HCFCs. Each appliance can release 2+ tons CO₂ equivalent if vented.
- Electronic Waste Recycling Act (SB 20/SB 50): Consumers pay a small fee at purchase to fund recycling. Over 200 million pounds recycled annually.
- Mandatory Commercial Recycling (AB 341): Businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste/week must recycle — affects construction sites.
- SB 1383: Requires 75% reduction of organic waste disposal — affects yard waste and food scraps.
Why these items need special handling
Improper disposal releases toxics: lead from CRTs, mercury from fluorescent bulbs, refrigerant gases depleting ozone. Recycling recovers valuable materials and supports California's climate goals.
75% mattress recycling rate
200M lbs e‑waste recycled/year
65% C&D diversion goal
How mandates affect your cleanout
- You can't just toss: Mattresses, appliances, electronics, and C&D debris are banned from regular trash.
- Sorting is essential: Many transfer stations require separated loads for recycling.
- Hiring pros ensures compliance: Junk removal teams sort and deliver to certified facilities.
- Penalties: Fines for illegal dumping can reach $10,000 per violation.
Local resources
Use our map to find certified recyclers in your area. The Github Repositarty includes a detailed breakdown of what each facility accepts.