The City of San Diego's Recycling Ordinance (PDF: 53K) was unanimously approved by the City Council on November 13, 2007. The new ordinance requires recycling of plastic and glass bottles and jars, paper, newspaper, metal containers and cardboard at private residences, commercial buildings, and at special events requiring a City permit.

The ordinance will become effective on January 1, 2008 for City-serviced customers who already have blue recycling carts. For privately-serviced apartment and condominium complexes, businesses and special events, the ordinance will be phased in over the next two years depending on the size of the facility as follows:

• Effective February 18, 2008
  • Residential buildings served by private waste haulers:
    • Single family
    • Apartments and condominiums - 100 units or more
  • Commercial - 20,000 square feet or more
  • Special events


• Effective January 1, 2009:
  • Apartments and condominiums - 50 units or more
  • Commercial - 10,000 square feet or more


• Effective January 1, 2010:
  • All Apartments and condominiums
  • All Commercial facilities

City of San Diego Recycling Ordinance Brochure (PDF: 3Mb)
City of San Diego Recycling Ordinance Step-by-Step Guide (PDF: 120 Kb)
Recycling Container and Signage Guidelines for City Recycling Ordinance (PDF: 40 Kb)
Information for franchise haulers and Certified Recyclable Material Collectors