Mandatory Organics Recycling: Chula Vista vs San Diego
How do mandatory organics recycling rules compare between Chula Vista, CA and San Diego, CA?
Chula Vista and San Diego have similar restriction levels.
Chula Vista, CA
San Diego County
California's SB 1383 mandates organic-waste recycling statewide. San Diego County implements it in the unincorporated area through its Solid Waste Ordinance (effective June 4, 2021). Since October 1, 2021, premises in densely-populated areas must source-separate food waste and green materials. Tier 1 and Tier 2 commercial edible-food generators must arrange food recovery.
View full Chula Vista rules →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Under California SB-1383 and the city's Environmental Services Department program, every San Diego resident and business must separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, using the green curbside organics cart or hauler-provided service.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chula Vista | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| State mandate | SB 1383 (CalRecycle) - statewide organics requirement | - |
| Local implementation | County Solid Waste Ordinance, effective June 4, 2021 (Ord. 10729) | - |
| Densely-populated areas | Food waste + green materials separation since Oct. 1, 2021 | - |
| Sparsely-populated areas | Food-waste organics exemption; green materials still required | - |
| Edible food recovery | Tier 1 from Jan. 1, 2022; Tier 2 from Jan. 1, 2024 (Sec. 68.591) | - |
| On-site composting | Allowed with an on-site organics management waiver (Sec. 68.575) | - |
| Statute | - | CA SB-1383 (2016) |
| Cart color | - | Green for organics |
| Code section | - | SDMC §66.0801 |
| Required of | - | All residents and businesses |
| Food recovery | - | Tier 1 + Tier 2 active |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chula Vista FAQ
Is composting / organics recycling mandatory in unincorporated San Diego County?
Yes, where SB 1383 applies. Since October 1, 2021, premises in densely-populated unincorporated areas must source-separate food waste and green materials and subscribe to organics collection. Sparsely-populated single-family and multi-family premises are exempt from the food-waste requirement but must still recycle green materials. On-site composting is allowed with a County waiver.
What do restaurants and grocers have to do under the food-recovery rule?
Under County Code Sec. 68.591, commercial edible-food generators must arrange to recover the maximum amount of edible food, contract with food recovery organizations or services, and keep records. Tier 1 generators have complied since January 1, 2022, and Tier 2 generators since January 1, 2024, consistent with state regulations (14 CCR 18991.3-18991.4).
San Diego FAQ
Do I have to use the green organics cart?
Yes. SB-1383 requires every San Diego household to separate food scraps and yard waste from landfill trash, and ESD provides the green cart with city collection at no extra fee for eligible residences.
What about apartment dwellers?
Multifamily properties must provide tenants access to organics collection through their hauler. Tenants place food scraps and yard waste in the building's green bin alongside designated kitchen pail collection.
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