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Norwalk introduces ordinance to move businesses to three‑stream waste collection to meet state targets
Summary
The Norwalk City Council on Sept. 2 introduced an ordinance to amend municipal code and move commercial collection to a three‑stream system (trash, recycling, organics) to comply with new state recovery requirements.
The City Council on Sept. 2 received the first reading of an ordinance amending Norwalk Municipal Code chapters on solid-waste handling to transition commercial service from two-stream to three-stream collection (trash, recyclables, organics).
City Solid Waste Manager Gabriela Garcia told the council the change is driven by state thresholds for materials recovery that CalRecycle raised from 50% to 75% effective Jan. 1, 2025; she said the materials recovery facilities used by the city’s hauler, Athens Services, do not currently meet the 75% threshold under the two-stream system. The ordinance (introduced by title) would require businesses to separate recyclables at the source in addition to organics, update definitions and require city permits for self-haulers.
Garcia and Athens representatives said a transition to three-stream service improves recyclable quality, reduces contamination, and aligns with state mandates. They acknowledged businesses may see cost adjustments as services are right-sized and recommended outreach, technical assistance and direct engagement with commercial accounts; Athens said it will knock on doors, conduct a “right‑sizing” review of containers and provide multi-channel outreach, including joint mailings with the city and Chamber of Commerce webinars.
Council comments: Vice Mayor Perez and Councilmember Rios emphasized the rule is a state mandate (councilmember Rios specifically referenced SB 1383) and urged staff and Athens to be proactive in outreach so businesses are not surprised. Athens told the council Norwalk has historically been proactive and “way above the bar” in outreach; Athens estimated there are about 631 commercial accounts subject to outreach and stated about 520 businesses currently lack a recycling container and will be affected.
What’s next: The council introduced the ordinance and scheduled a second reading; staff said the city and Athens will roll out education and container‑right-sizing, with door-to-door assistance planned before enforcement.
What’s not decided: The transcript records no final adoption at the meeting; councilmembers asked staff to emphasize communication and technical assistance to businesses.
