What if I put wrong items in green or gray bins in Fresno? Am I in trouble under new rules?

Deciding what refuse goes into which of your three disposal carts--blue, green and gray--might seem like a new game for many Fresno residents, due to a new state law passed with the intention of eliminating greenhouse gases from landfills.

Some people could be wondering if they face fines if they get it wrong and face the wrath of city “lid flippers,” the city spot checkers inspecting randomly in Fresno neighborhoods?

Not for now, according to Ahmad Alkhayyat, the city’s assistant director of public works, who said it’s all about education, not punishment.

To reach the goal of a 75 percent reduction of organic material in landfills, SB 1383 allows CalRecycle to monitor and enforce compliance by local jurisdictions, beginning with assistance and ending with penalties for local jurisdictions.

In turn, it’s up to local authorities to ensure that customers are doing their part to meet those goals. That’s what the city kicked off this month.

Alkhayyat says city workers who spot-check are leaving behind tags or notes for residents who put items in the wrong carts. “We see some things that would require ... more outreach from us,” he said.

There is no discussion of fines or other penalties at this point, he said, but the city is checking to make sure the citizens of Fresno are cooperating, or at least attempting to.

That’s also what this month’s outreach program is attempting.

“We just need to see that we are doing what we’re saying,” he said. “There are certain expectations that we should meet.”