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:

• 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.

• Why Recycle?
• How to Set Up a Business Recycling Program
• Types of Containers
• Enforcement
• Reporting
• Exemptions
• Waste Reduction Tips
• Resources

Successful Commercial/Business Recycling Programs in San Diego:

• Hamilton Sundstrand

• Hawthorne CAT
• Innovive Inc.
• Qualcomm Inc.
• Pfizer - La Jolla
• San Diego Zoo Global
• Seaforth Marina