Organic Waste Recycling
My Green Bin
Residents who receive waste hauling services from the City of San Diego have received green bins and kitchen pails for the collection of their organic waste. Kitchen pails are a helpful tool for in-home collection of food scraps and food-soiled paper, which can then be transferred to the green bin for weekly curbside collections.
Apartment and condos serviced by private waste haulers. Organic waste recycling bins at their complex. The organic waste bin will be picked up weekly from the property.
Green Bin Tips
Reduce odors, deter pests and keep your bin clean with the following tips:
Drain
Drain liquid from very wet food scraps
Wrap
Wrap leftover food in newspaper, paper bag, food-soiled napkins or paper towels.
Collect
The kitchen pail can be placed on your countertop as a convenient way to collect your food scraps and food-soiled paper.
Freeze
If space allows, freeze or refrigerate your food scraps in a container, kitchen pail or paper bag. until pick up day. This is especially helpful in preventing odors.
Sprinkle
Sprinkle a layer of baking soda on top of food scraps if you notice odors.
Delay
If possible, delay adding food scraps to the outdoor containerinto your green bin until collection day or the day before to reduce odors and avoid pests. The green bin is collected weekly.
*Please note that plastic or plant-based plastic “biodegradable” or “compostable” bags are not accepted in the green bin.
Close
Always keep the lid of your green bin closed to deter pests.
Lock
If serviced by a private waste hauler, lock organic waste recycling containers to prevent contamination and access from potential pests.
Layer
Line the bottom of your bin with a layer of newspaper, food-soiled paer or yard wast to absorb excess moisture and prevent food from sticking to the bottom.
Shade
If possible, keep your container in a shaded area away from the sun's heat.
Sweep
As needed, sweep out anything remaining inside the green bin after collection.
Rinse
After sweeping, rinse your bin with water over your lawn or landscaped area.
*It is illegal to discharge pollutants from waste carts and dumpsters such as trash, food scraps or liquid waste into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.
Additional Information
There are private container cleaning service providers that offer container cleaning services. You can find local service providers at WasteFreeSD by searching for "Bin Cleaning Service."
Handout guide to learn more about how to Think Blue and properly maintain cans and dumpsters.
Obtenga más información sobre cómo mantener adecuadamente los contenedores de basura y reciclaje.
Organic Waste Recycling at Home Videos
How to Love Your Green Bin
What Goes Where?