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Recycling Requirements

Mandatory Recycling diagramThe Recycling Ordinance is a mandatory policy requiring the public to separate recyclable and organic waste materials at San Diego residences, businesses, mixed use facilities and permitted special events. Click here to read the full Recycling Ordinance. 

  • Recyclable materials include
    • Glass bottles and jars, paper, newspaper, metal containers, cardboard, rigid plastics including clean food containers, bottles, jugs, tubs, trays, pots, buckets and toys.
  • Organic waste recyclable materials include
    • Food scraps and food-soiled paper from kitchens and food operations, yard waste such as garden and landscape trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste.

 The purpose of this ordinance is to increase the diversion of recyclable materials from landfill disposal, conserve the capacity and extend the useful life of the Miramar Landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet State-mandated recycling requirements. The City Recycling Ordinance ensures the City is also complying with the mandatory state laws Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) and Assembly Bill 341 (AB 341). SB 1383 requires the reduction of organic waste disposed of in landfills. AB 341 sets forth the requirements of the statewide mandatory commercial recycling program.

How San Diego's Recycling Rules Impact You

Recycling Requirements for City-Serviced Homes

Homes serviced by the City of San Diego, Environmental Services Department (City) must participate in recycling and organic waste recycling programs by separating recyclable materials from other waste, placing them in the appropriate recycling containers and placing the recycling containers out for collection at the time and place designated by the City. This includes single-family homes and residential complexes up to 4 units who are provided with curbside recycling collection services by the City.

Recycling Requirements for Private Hauler Serviced Homes

Residences including apartments and condominiums with five or more units serviced by a private hauler must:

  • Recycle plastic and glass bottles and jars, paper, newspaper, metal containers, cardboard, rigid plastics including clean food waste containers, jugs, tubs, trays, pots, buckets and toys.
  • Recycle organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste).

Multifamily properties are not eligible for receiving a De Minimis Waiver (Minimal Generation Waiver). More information can be found on the City’s Private Hauler Serviced Homes webpage.

 Hauler RequirementsSelf-Haul

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 pickup frequency for all mixed recyclable materials generated.If a property owner/manager self hauls their recyclables, they must complete and submit annually an Alternative Service Verification Application to ESD in order to subscribe to lesser service than what is required. Please note this is not a waiver or exemption form, and any that are submitted as such will be declined.

Organic Waste Recycling Options

Green Container or Dumpster

EITHER

Subscribe to organic waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pickup at least once per week with service of sufficient quantity, size and pickup 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 pickup at least weekly for food scraps and food-soiled paper.

OR

Subscribe to organic waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pickup at least weekly for yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste commingled together with food scraps and food-soiled paper.

If a property owner/manager:

  • Contracts with a gardening or landscaping service provider who hauls yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste to a mulching or composting facility for recycling;
  • Self hauls their yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste;
  • Utilizes a third-party recycler to service a portion of their organic waste materials; and/or
  • Composts their organic waste materials on site

They must complete and submit an Alternative Service Verification Application to ESD in order to subscribe to lesser service than what is required. Please note this is not a waiver or exemption form, and any that are submitted as such will be declined.

If an individual resident self hauls their organic waste materials to a composting drop-off site or composts their organic waste materials on-site, they can seek acknowledgement by submitting the Organic Waste Self-Haul & On-Site Composting Acknowledgement Form. 

Contact City approved franchise haulers or certified recyclable material collectors (CRMC) to request recycling and organics waste recycling containers and service. 

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.

  • Utilize recycling containers that comply with the size and color standards in the Recycling Container & Signage Guidelines.
  • Designate recycling collection and storage areas.
  • Place containers for recyclable materials in all areas where trash containers are located paired next to each trash container or as close as possible to each trash container.
  • Place signage on all recycling receptacles, containers, chutes and/or enclosures.
  • Property owner or property manager must provide education annually and upon occupancy or when there are changes to the recycling program to all occupants, employees and contractors about acceptable materials for collections, container location(s), recycling requirements and the person’s responsibility to recycle.
  • Prohibit container contamination by periodically checking containers and informing occupants, employees and contractors if containers are contaminated with unacceptable material.
  • Please see "Resources" section below for sample signs and additional information.

Recycling Requirements for Commercial Properties (non-residential)

Businesses and institutional facilities must:

  • Recycle plastic and glass bottles and jars, paper, newspaper, metal containers, cardboard, rigid plastics including clean food waste containers, jugs, tubs, trays, pots, buckets and toys.
  • Recycle organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste).
 Hauler RequirementsSelf-Haul and Back Haul

Recycling Options
 

Blue Container or Dumpster

Subscribe to recycling collection in a separate container with service of sufficient quantity, size and pickup frequency for all mixed recyclable materials generated.If a property owner/manager self hauls or back hauls their recyclables, they must complete and submit annually an Alternative Service Verification Application to ESD in order to subscribe to lesser service than what is required. Please note this is not a waiver or exemption form, and any that are submitted as such will be declined.

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 pickup at least weekly for food scraps and food-soiled paper.

OR

Subscribe to organics waste recycling collection service in a separate container for pickup at least weekly for yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste commingled with food scraps and food-soiled paper.

If a business owner/manager:

  • Contracts with gardening or landscaping service provider to self haul yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste to a mulching or composting facility for recycling;
  • Self hauls or back hauls their organic waste materials;
  • Utilizes a third-party recycler to service a portion of their organic waste materials; and/or
  • Composts their organic waste materials on site

If a business generates less than the threshold amount of organic waste materials weekly, the business may be qualified for a De Minimis Waiver (Minimal Generation Waiver). Waiver information for commercial sites is below.

  • Contact City-approved franchise haulers or certified recyclable material collectors (CRMC) to request recycling and organics waste recycling containers and service. 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.

  • Utilize recycling containers that comply with the size and color standards in the Container and Signage Guidelines.
  • Designate recycling collection and storage areas.
  • Place recycling containers in all areas where trash containers are located paired next to each trash container or as close as possible to each trash container.
  • Place organic waste recycling containers in areas where organic waste is generated.
  • Place signage on all recycling receptacles, containers, chutes and/or enclosures.
  • Provide education annually and upon occupancy or when there are changes to the recycling program to all occupants, employees and contractors about acceptable materials for collections, container location(s), recycling requirements and the person’s responsibility to recycle.
  • Prohibit container contamination of placing recyclable materials in a container not designated to house those recyclables and periodically check containers and inform occupants, employees and contractors if containers are contaminated.
  • Learn more about how to get started on food scrap recycling for your business
  • Certain food-generating businesses are required to donate excess edible food. Check this website to learn whether this applies to your business.
  • Please see "Resources" section below for sample signs and additional information.

Recycling Requirements for Special Events

Special events requiring a City permit must:

  • Recycle plastic and glass bottles and jars, paper, newspaper, metal containers, cardboard, rigid plastics including clean food waste containers, jugs, tubs, trays, pots, buckets and toys.
  • Place signage on containers listing acceptable and unacceptable material.
  • Provide a separate container for organic waste recycling if food, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings, and non-hazardous wood waste are present.
  • Pair trash and recycling containers throughout the venue in an equal ratio approved in the event application.
  • Place an organic waste recycling container next to each pair of trash and recycling containers in food production and preparation areas, near food vendors and distributors, and around designated eating areas.
  • Each recycling and organic waste container must be clearly identified and list acceptable and not acceptable items. Ensure that all recyclable materials are delivered to a recycling facility, and not to a landfill.

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.

De Minimis Waiver and Alternative Service Verification Application

De Minimis Waiver and Alternative Service Verification Application

All businesses and commercial properties, including multi-family properties, are required by California Senate Bill 1383 to separate organic material (food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings, and nonhazardous wood waste) from trash for recycling. This compliance form must be filled out and approved to receive a waiver.

A 20-Gallon/10-Gallon or Less Waiver may be granted if:

  1. The commercial business’ total solid waste collection service is two cubic yards or more per week and organic waste comprises less than 20-gallons per week; or,
  2. The commercial business’ total solid waste collection service is less than two cubic yards per week and organic waste comprises less than 10 gallons per week.

How do I determine if I am eligible* for a DeMinimis Waiver?

The best way to determine this is to place all of your organic material (food waste, food-soiled paper, green waste/landscaping trimmings) and "clean wood" (no paint, no stain, etc.) into a measurable bucket(s), separated from garbage and traditional recycling, for one or more representative week(s). If the measured amount is less than 20 gallons for businesses with two cubic yards or more of total solid waste, or if the measured amount is less than 10 gallons for businesses with less than two cubic yards of total solid waste, then the business can request a 20-Gallon/10-Gallon or Less Waiver.

Note: If a portion of your organic material is already being recycled, such as your green waste/landscaping trimmings by your landscaper, do not include that organic material in your weekly measurement. If the organic material measured during the week is still less than the maximum volume allowed, you should request both a 20-Gallon/10-Gallon or Less Waiver and submit an Alternative Services Verification.

A Code Compliance Officer will contact you to schedule a site inspection 2-3 weeks after your application has been received. Final results of your application will be provided in an additional 2-3 weeks. Approved applications are valid for up to five years or upon termination of your account with your franchise hauler, whichever is sooner.

Ineligible Businesses for a De Minimis Waiver

The following businesses are ineligible for a 20-Gallon/10-Gallon or Less Waiver:

  1. All businesses that require a permit from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality - Food and Housing Division.
  2. Businesses that make food
    • Restaurants
    • Food service business (caterer, food pantry/closet or any business that sells or serves food)
    • Food manufacturer
    • Wholesale food vendor
    • Grocery store
    • Supermarket
    • Market / mini mart serving coffee and/or selling food
  3. Businesses that serve food
    • Gas station serving coffee and/or selling food
    • School
    • Office campus with cafe on-site
    • Hotel / motel providing food service
    • Cinema
    • Theater
    • Childcare facility
    • Senior care facility
    • Hospital
    • Event venue
    • Convention center
    • Arena
    • Community center
    • Training facility
  4. Other businesses
    • Plant business (nurseries, landscapers, florists, cannabis)
    • Events that make and/or sell food
  5. Multi-Family and Single-Family Properties

If you are unclear how to fill out any portion of this form, please email sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov to request help before submitting the form.

Alternative Service Verification Application

Please Note:  The following form can be used to request a De Minimis Waiver, report alternative services used in addition to franchise hauler collection services, or a combination of both. There is no need to complete two separate forms if both sections are relevant.

An Alternative Service Verification is required if you do not divert all of your organic material through services provided by a Franchise Hauler, and instead utilize one or more alternative organic material recycling services. Alternative organic material recycling services include:

  • Landscaper: Your business or multi-family property contracts with a landscaper who collects and recycles your green waste/landscape trimmings off-site to a facility that recycles the green waste.
  • Third-Party Recycler: Your business or multi-family property contracts with a Certified Recyclable Materials Collector or another entity, who is not a Franchise Hauler, who collects and properly recycles a portion of your organic material.
  • Self Haul: You take a portion of your organic materials to a local organics recycling facility yourself.
  • Back haul (option not available for multifamily properties): Your business hauls its organic materials back to a central or corporate location to be collected for recycling.
  • On-Site Composting: All organic material that is generated on-site is composted on-site. Verification will be obtained during inspection.

If you are unclear how to fill out any portion of this form, please email sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov to request help before submitting the form.

Compliance Enforcement

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:

  • Issue a written warning (Notice of Violation) regarding non-compliance and determine a follow-up date in accordance to the violation and the amount of time needed to reach compliance.
  • Coordinate technical assistance with a City Recycling Specialist to ensure compliance assistance is provided.

If the Notice of Violation deadline is not met, the Code Compliance Officer may:

  • Issue an Administrative Citation not below $50 for the first offense.
  • Issue a new follow-up date in accordance with the Administrative Citation.
  • Continue to coordinate technical assistance with a City Recycling Specialist.
  • Continue to issue Administrative Citations not to exceed $500 for each subsequent offense should compliance not be met on the Code Officer’s follow-up date(s).

Resources

Recycling Requirement Overview Handouts

Signage

If you're serviced by a private waste hauler, they can also provide signs for your property.

Organic Waste Recycle Sign

Recycle Sign

Landfill Trash Sign

Report Properties Without Recycling and Organic Services

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Recycling Ordinance