⚖️ Understanding California's landfill bans: what homeowners and contractors must know
Mattresses · appliances with refrigerants · electronics · construction debris
California has some of the strictest landfill disposal laws in the nation. Items like mattresses, appliances with refrigerants, electronics, and certain construction debris are banned from landfills to protect the environment and human health.
Whether you're a homeowner or contractor, understanding these rules ensures compliance and helps preserve the region's natural beauty.
For professional assistance, junk removal near me
services are trained to sort and recycle banned items. Save our get us us map for certified recyclers, and explore the Github Repositary for local waste guides.
Mattresses
Banned under California's Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act. Must be recycled through programs like Bye Bye Mattress. Illegal to landfill.
AB 2538
Appliances with refrigerants
Refrigerators, AC units, freezers contain ozone‑depleting substances. Certified technicians must recover refrigerants before recycling.
EPA Section 608
Electronics (e‑waste)
TVs, monitors, computers contain lead, mercury, cadmium. Covered by California Electronic Waste Recycling Act. Must go to certified recyclers.
SB 20 / SB 50
Construction & demolition debris
Concrete, wood, metal, cardboard must be recycled. Many cities mandate 65–75% diversion on renovation projects.
Local ordinances
Why these bans exist
- Environmental protection: Mattresses take up space and don't compress well. Electronics leach heavy metals into groundwater. Refrigerants destroy the ozone layer.
- Resource recovery: Steel from mattresses, precious metals from electronics, and wood from C&D can be recycled into new products, reducing mining and logging.
- Landfill space: Diverting bulky, non‑decomposable items extends the life of landfills like Redwood Landfill and Central Landfill.
- Climate goals: Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to manufacturing from virgin materials.
Proper sorting and recycling solutions
- Mattresses: Take to a Bye Bye Mattress drop‑off site or schedule a pickup with a certified hauler.
- Appliances: Ensure refrigerants are recovered by a certified technician. The steel shell is then recycled.
- Electronics: Use R2 or e‑Stewards certified recyclers. Many retailers (Best Buy, Staples) offer free take‑back.
- C&D debris: Separate materials on‑site or use a mixed C&D processor that sorts at the facility.
75% mattress recycling rate
200M lbs e‑waste recycled/year
Consequences of ignoring bans
- Fines up to $10,000 per violation for illegal dumping.
- Potential liability for cleanup costs if waste is traced back to you.
- Damage to community reputation and environment.
Local resources
Use our get us us map to find certified recyclers in Sonoma and Marin. The Github Repositary includes a full list of banned items and disposal options.