Trash & Recycling
Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Franchise Services
North Valley Waste Management was issued a Franchise to provide Residential solid waste and recycling services within the Chico City limits. See below for a copy of the Residential Franchise Agreement and current rates:
Franchises for Commercial solid waste and recycling services were also issued to both Recology Butte & Colusa Counties, and Waste Management in designated zones (see map below). The commercial rates are established by the City and are the same for both companies.
Commercial Franchise Zone Maps
Recology Commercial Franchise Agreement
Waste Management Commercial Franchise Agreement
Recology Commercial Franchise Agreement
Waste Management Commercial Franchise Agreement
Mandatory Commercial Recycling
California state law (AB 341) mandates recycling for all businesses that generate four (4) or more cubic yards of solid waste per week and multifamily dwellings of five (5) units or more. The purposes of this law is to reduce greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions by diverting commercial solid waste from landfills, and to expand recycling opportunities in California.
A business (including public entities) that generates four cubic yards, or more, of commercial solid waste per week, or is a multifamily residential dwelling of five (5) units or more, shall arrange for recycling services. Businesses can take one, or any combination of, the following in order to reduce, reuse, recycle, compost or otherwise divert solid waste from disposal:
- Self-haul recyclables to a recycling facility.
- Subscribe for recycling services from one of the two City permitted waste haulers, North Valley Waste Management or Recology Butte & Colusa Counties.
- Arrange for the pickup of the recyclable materials by a non-profit or another entity, provided that there is no charge for this pickup service.
Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling
SB 1383: Mandatory Organics & Recycling Program
In 2016, a California law, Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), was passed as a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants. CalRecycle is the state agency responsible for creating the regulatory standards for SB 1383. The new regulations were finalized by CalRecycle in November 2020 and took effect in January 2022. Specifically, the law sets the following targets:
• Reduce statewide disposal of organic waste 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025 (based on 2014 levels); and
• Recover a minimum of 20% of surplus safe edible food safe that is currently being landfilled by 2025.
The complete text on the final regulations for SB 1383 can be found on the CalRecycle website.
The Organic waste means food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste. To meet these targets, SB 1383 requires all residents and businesses that generate waste to participate in the City’s solid waste, recycling, and organic waste collection program.
Additionally, SB 1383 addresses the issue of food waste and insecurity. About 40% of all food produced in the U.S. is wasted, and almost 1 out of 4 Californians are food insecure. The edible food recovery requirement will help feed those who are food insecure and prevent edible food from being landfilled. Click here for more information about the SB 1383 requirements.
Additional Recycling information
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- Want to “Opt-Out” from receiving the “Market Value Place” in the mail? Call Chico Enterprise Record at 879-7888.
- Curbside Recycling
- Multifamily Recycling
- Butte County Recycling Directory
- Beverage Container Recycling Locations
- To report problems with a local beverage container recycler - Call CalRecycle toll free at 1-866-CANLOAD or 1-866-226-5623.
- Yard Waste Recycling/Compost Facility
- The Compost Facility is located on Cohasset Road, north of Eaton Road, and is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 624-3529.
- Electronic Wastes (e-waste)
- Household Hazardous Waste
- Household Hazardous Waste Facility is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. For information, call toll free at 1-866-429-2288.
- Medical “Sharps” - Please note that it is illegal to throw used medical needles or “sharps” into the trash. Click here for where to locally dispose of “sharps”.
- Pharmaceuticals and other legal prescriptions can also be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. More Information.
- Used Oil Recycling
Medical Sharps/ Medication Disposal
Click here for drop off locations to safely dispose of your home medical needles and sharps.
City Contact Information
Solid Waste/Recycling Information, (530) 896-7220
Linda Herman
Park & Natural Resources Manager
Public Works Department
965 Fir Street (physical address)
P.O. Box 3420 (Mailing address)
Chico CA 92927
Phone: (530) 896-7241
Park & Natural Resources Manager
Public Works Department
965 Fir Street (physical address)
P.O. Box 3420 (Mailing address)
Chico CA 92927
Phone: (530) 896-7241
For information regarding your collection service, please contact:
- Recology Butte Colusa Counties at (530) 342-4444.
- North Valley Waste Management at (530) 893-4777.
Other Related Links
Residential Curbside Recycling
Residential Curbside Recycling
Residential Curbside Recycling
Curbside recycling is easy and convenient. Recycling service is available to Chico residents as a part of your regular trash collection service provided by North Valley Waste Management.All of your recyclables can be placed in the bins without sorting. Large cardboard pieces may be bundled and placed next to the bin and additional recycling containers are available by request. The recycling container is collected weekly on the same day that your trash is collected. On collection day, just place your recycling container on the curb for collection.
Electronic Wastes
Electronic Wastes
Electronic Wastes
What is E-waste?
E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.
Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste
Household Hazardous Waste
Many household products contain hazardous chemicals. Paints, cleaners, used motor oil or any products that say “Danger,” “Poison,” “Warning,” or “Caution” on the label are harmful and must not be thrown in the trash, poured down the drain, or dumped into the gutter.Multifamily Recycling
Multifamily Recycling
Multifamily Recycling
Recycling is convenient and easy. Minutes a week is all that is necessary to contribute to a successful recycling program. This is why the City of Chico requires that recycling service be made available to persons living in multifamily housing or apartment complexes. Used Oil Recycling
Used Oil Recycling
Used Oil Recycling
Why Recycle Used Oil?
Recycling Used Oil Benefits You, Your Family, and the Environment!
- protects the water supply, including your drinking water, by keeping oil from seeping into the ground;
- prevents oil pollution in recreational waterways—storm drains commonly lead to streams, bays, rivers, and oceans;
- prevents plant, soil, surface water, and ground water contamination; and
- helps you keep your community’s environment safe and clean.
Yard Waste Recycling
Yard Waste Recycling
Yard Waste Recycling
To make it convenient to recycle your yard waste, the City of Chico established a curbside yard waste recycling program. This program is available through your garbage service provider for an additional monthly fee. 
