Environmental Services
The Recycling Ordinance is a mandatory policy requiring the public to separate recyclable material and newly added organic waste materials at residences, businesses, mixed use facilities and permitted special events. Click here to read the full
Recycling Ordinance.
The recycling ordinance updates ensure the City is complying with the mandatory state law Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383). The new law requires the reduction of organic waste currently disposed of in landfills.
Organic waste recycling turns food and yard waste into compost or a gas by breaking down the organic material into healthy soil nutrients or electricity. Learn more about SB 1383 in San Diego and details of the California requirements.
How the New Rules Impact You
Single-family residences (serviced by the City or private haulers) must participate in a recycling program and an organic waste recycling program.
Franchise haulers have entered into a franchise agreement with the City of San Diego that includes the collection, recycling and disposal of solid waste in a manner that ensures orderly operation, minimizes adverse effects to the environment and public health, and requires reporting of collections and disposal to the City.
CRMCs are mid-scale recyclers that have been certified by the City to ensure collection vehicles and containers are properly maintained, and acceptable recyclable materials are collected and reported to the City.
Both Franchise Haulers and CRMCs must comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
Apartments and condominiums with two or more units serviced by private hauler must:
Hauler |
Self-Haul, Back Haul or Shares Service |
|
Recycling Options Blue Container or Dumpster |
Subscribe to recycling collection service in a separate container for pick up at least twice per month with service of sufficient quantity, size and pick up frequency for all mixed recyclable materials generated. |
If a property owner/manager self-hauls or back hauls their recyclables, they can complete and submit annually a |
Organic Waste Recycling Options Green Container or Dumpster |
EITHER Subscribe to organic waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pick up at least once per week with service of sufficient quantity, size and pick up frequency for all organic waste materials generated for yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste. AND Subscribe to organic waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pick up at least weekly for food scraps and food-soiled paper. OR Subscribe to organic waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pick up at least weekly for yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste commingled together with food scraps and food-soiled paper. |
Contract with gardening or landscaping service provider to self-haul yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste to a
If a property owner/manager self-hauls or back hauls their yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste, they can complete and submit annually a |
Contact City approved franchise haulers or certified recyclable material collectors (CRMC) to request recycling and organics waste recycling containers and service needs. PLEASE NOTE: While you are required to contract with the same franchise waste hauler for trash, recycling, and organic waste recycling, you can request additional recycling and organic waste service from a CRMC.
Franchise haulers have entered into a franchise agreement with the City of San Diego that includes the collection, recycling and disposal of solid waste in a manner that ensures orderly operation, minimizes adverse effects to the environment and public health, and requires reporting of collections and disposal to the City.
CRMCs are mid-scale recyclers that have been certified by the City to ensure collection vehicles and containers are properly maintained, and acceptable recyclable materials are collected and reported to the City.
Both Franchise Haulers and CRMCs must comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
Businesses and institutional facilities must:
Hauler |
Self-Haul, Back Haul or Shares Service |
|
---|---|---|
Recycling Options Blue Container or Dumpste |
Subscribe to recycling collection in a separate container with service of sufficient quantity, size and pick up frequency for all mixed recyclable materials generated. |
If a property owner/manager self-hauls or back hauls their recyclables, they can complete and submit annually a |
Organic Waste Recycling Options
Green Container or Dumpster |
EITHER Subscribe to organic waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pick up at least weekly for yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste. AND Subscribe to organics waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pick up at least =weekly for food scraps and food-soiled paper. OR Subscribe to organics waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pick up at least weekly for yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste commingled with food scraps and food-soiled paper. |
Contract with gardening or landscaping service provider to self-haul yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste to a If a property owner/manager self-hauls or back hauls their organic waste materials, they can complete and submit annually a |
Franchise haulers have entered into a franchise agreement with the City of San Diego that includes the collection, recycling and disposal of solid waste in a manner that ensures orderly operation, minimizes adverse effects to the environment and public health, and requires reporting of collections and disposal to the City.
CRMCs are mid-scale recyclers that have been certified by the City to ensure collection vehicles and containers are properly maintained, and acceptable recyclable materials are collected and reported to the City.
Both Franchise Haulers and CRMCs must comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
Special events requiring a City permit must:
Contact City-approved special event collectors to request recycling containers, organics containers and other waste service needs. For your convenience, city approved signage is available below.
The City of San Diego has Code Compliance Officers that will routinely visit properties to ensure all City and State regulations are being met. Under the City Recycling Ordinance, Code Compliance Officers may:
If the Notice of Violation deadline is not met, the Code Compliance Officer may:
Signage
If you're serviced by a private waste hauler, they can also provide signs for your property.
Food Scrap Recycle Sign
Recycle Sign
Landfill Trash Sign
Items marked with an asterisk ( * ) are required.