Residents and businesses in Oceano should expect to see state inspectors in their neighborhoods the week of 2/23-2/27 2026 as part of a scheduled compliance evaluation by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). 

According to a community notice issued to the Oceano Community Services District, staff from CalRecycle’s Jurisdiction and Agency Compliance and Enforcement (JACE) division will be conducting inspections. The evaluation will involve raising the lids of recycling, organics, and trash bins in both residential and commercial areas to assess proper waste sorting and disposal practices.

The visit is part of a state-mandated effort to ensure that jurisdictions meet California’s waste diversion and recycling requirements. CalRecycle’s JACE division is responsible for evaluating how cities and counties (including unincorporated areas) implement their Source Reduction and Recycling Elements (SRREs), which outline local strategies to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates.

If a jurisdiction is found to be falling short of its SRRE commitments, CalRecycle may issue a compliance order requiring corrective action. The agency’s broader enforcement goals include protecting public health and the environment, preventing illegal dumping, and maintaining fair standards across waste-related industries.

CalRecycle emphasizes that its enforcement approach prioritizes education and technical assistance before formal penalties are considered. Evaluations like the one scheduled in Gustine are part of a proactive strategy to identify issues early and support local compliance efforts.

Residents with questions about the evaluation may contact Wes Ayala at CalRecycle via email at wesley.ayala@calrecycle.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 341-6117.