Los Angeles vs Palmdale
How do composting rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than Palmdale.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles allows backyard composting at any single-family home under LAMC §66.27, requires rodent-resistant containers, and offers discounted compost and worm bins through LA Sanitation's Backyard Composting Program tied to SB-1383 organics diversion goals.
View full Los Angeles rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 12.84 and California SB-1383 require all residents and businesses to separate organic waste from trash, either through curbside green-bin service or backyard composting. LA County Public Works runs the Smart Gardening Program teaching home composting techniques.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted at | Single-family and multifamily | - |
| Bin requirement | Rodent-resistant enclosure | - |
| Setback from property line | Five feet minimum | - |
| Subsidy program | LA Sanitation Backyard Composting | - |
| Sale of compost | Requires CalRecycle permit | - |
| State law | - | California SB-1383, 2022 |
| County code | - | LA County Code Title 12.84 |
| Free education | - | DPW Smart Gardening Program |
| Multi-family threshold | - | Five or more units |
| Contamination fine | - | $50 to $500 typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I still need to use the green bin if I compost at home?
No. LAMC §66.27 treats home composting as a compliant alternative for food scraps and yard trimmings under SB-1383. You may continue using the green bin for overflow or non-compostable yard waste.
Where can I buy a discounted compost bin?
LA Sanitation sells stationary compost bins and worm bins at reduced prices through monthly workshops at locations including Griffith Park, with online registration on the LA Sanitation Backyard Composting Program page.
Palmdale FAQ
Do I have to use the green bin if I compost at home?
No. Backyard composting satisfies SB-1383 if all food scraps and yard waste are diverted from the trash bin. Residents who compost can decline the green-bin service in some unincorporated franchise areas through their hauler.
Where can I get a free or discounted compost bin?
LA County Smart Gardening offers heavily discounted Earth Machine compost bins and worm bins at periodic distribution events. Workshops are free, both online and in person, and cover hot composting, vermicomposting, and grasscycling.
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