Environmental Services

Commercial

Businesses and City government buildings must now meet certain recycling requirements.

The requirements will be phased in over the next two years depending on the size of the facility:

Photo Collage of Recyclable Materials

February 18, 2008 - 20,000 square feet or more
January 1, 2009 - 10,000 square feet or more
January 1, 2010 - All businesses

Requirements for Businesses

Property managers and owners are responsible for providing:
- Recycling services including:
  - Collection of recyclables as frequently as necessary
  - Collection of at least plastic and glass bottles and jars, paper, newspaper, metal containers, and cardboard
  - Designated recycling collection areas
  - Appropriate recycling containers and signage as specified in the Recycling Container and Signage Guidelines for City Recycling Ordinance
- Education including:
  - Types of materials accepted in recycling program
  - Location of the recycling containers
  - Employee/tenant's responsibility to comply with the City ordinance
    (Education must be provided annually, upon occupancy and when there are changes to the program.)
Educational Toolkit

Business employees are responsible for separating recyclables from trash and depositing each in the appropriate provided containers.

Successful Commercial/Business Recycling Programs in San Diego:

Feedback