As of July 1, 2021, California requires all businesses that generate four or more cubic yards of garbage per week and multi-family dwellings with five or more units to recycle.  Types of businesses that fall under the mandate include office buildings, retail, restaurants, non-profits, strip malls, government offices, schools, and others. Multi-family dwelling refers to apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and all other housing that has five or more units. Businesses and multifamily properties that meet the thresholds above are required to do one of the following:

• Arrange for recycling services through the Ceres Utilities Department by calling (209) 538-5757.

• Reduce amount of waste generated to under four cubic yards or less per week (businesses only).

• Request an annual exemption by calling the Public Works Department at (209) 538-5602. 

Exemptions will only be granted to those with qualifying proof and site visits may be needed for exemption approval. Exemptions will need to be renewed on an annual basis and failure to renew exemptions may result in non-compliance to the MCR program.

The city of Ceres is available to help Ceres businesses with compliance. If you are a business owner interested in obtaining educational materials or scheduling a waste assessment to determine your businesses recycling options, contact the Public Works department at (209) 538-5732 or visit the city’s website at ci.ceres.ca.us.  Additional information may also be found on the CalRecycle website at https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/recycle/commercial.

(The city of Ceres and the Ceres Courier have partnered to provide readers with current events and important information from the City of Ceres Public Works Department in this regular feature, City Connection.)