As of Jan. 1, 2022, commercial businesses that do not already subscribe to food waste service with Atlas Disposal or Republic Services are required to subscribe to organics recycling services provided by the City of Folsom Waste and Recycling Division.

Businesses must have a three-container collection system to separate organic waste, traditional recyclables, and items to be landfilled. This includes a green bin for food scraps and food-soiled papers, a blue bin for recycling (cans, bottles, paper, cardboard), and a gray bin for trash. Folsom businesses should begin providing three-bin systems wherever food waste is generated by employees or customers.

The city is committed to providing businesses the resources to understand how to correctly sort their waste. If education efforts fail, it may be necessary to take enforcement action to protect the community from the cost of contamination. If enforcement actions are needed, the city will first provide businesses with a notice of violation and give the business an opportunity to take corrective action. If a violation escalates to issuing a fine, all jurisdictions in California are required to follow SB 1383 regulations regarding penalty amounts.

City staff are here to help local businesses with the requirements. To order your green bin, schedule training, or learn more, contact the Waste & Recycling Division at 916-461-6730 or recycle@folsom.ca.us. 

Follow these best practices to ensure that waste is properly sorted, bagged, and disposed of to keep your bins clean and serviceable.

1. Set up separate bins for garbage, recycling, and organics wherever waste is generated in your business. This will be vastly different from business to business, so you will need to determine what works best for your space. Selecting the correct bags for organics collection is the next step.
2. Line your preferred containers with an acceptable bag type. You may use a compostable bag or a clear plastic bag for organics. Black bags are never allowed for organics collection.
3. Sort waste properly. Use labels that show examples of organics, recyclables, and landfill garbage on your cans to help ensure items end up in the correct bin. The city has labels available to download and print. When your bins become full, take the material to wherever you dispose of waste, and make sure to place waste in the correct containers.
4. Subscribe to a commercial organic waste collection service either through the City of Folsom or through the city’s contracted haulers.
5. Connect with the city’s Recycling Team. We can provide additional information and resources for Folsom businesses and commercial properties. Business owners can also request additional resources or schedule a training for staff. Email us at recycle@folsom.ca.us.

Upon successful completion and verification of exemption application materials, SB 1383 Waivers are available to businesses that create and dispose of a minimal amount of organic material. To apply for an exemption, the commercial property owner must fill out and submit the Exemption Request Form. A member of the Recycling Team will review the form and contact applicants with information regarding next steps.

NOTE: Businesses that sell or produce food cannot receive a waiver. 

• Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling
• City of Folsom Bag Guidelines
• Cardboard Contamination Flyer
• Where Does Organic Waste Go?