Composting: Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do composting rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View and Palo Alto have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Code Title C and California SB-1383 require residents and businesses to separate organic waste from trash, either through curbside green-bin service or backyard composting. The county's Home Composting Education Program teaches techniques and offers discounted bins.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Code Title C and California SB-1383 require residents and businesses to separate organic waste from trash, either through curbside green-bin service or backyard composting. The county's Home Composting Education Program teaches techniques and offers discounted bins.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| State law | California SB-1383, 2022 | California SB-1383, 2022 |
| County code | SCC Code Title C | SCC Code Title C |
| Free education | Home Composting Education Program | Home Composting Education Program |
| Multi-family threshold | Five or more units | Five or more units |
| Contamination fine | $50 to $500 typical | $50 to $500 typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View 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. Some unincorporated franchise areas allow residents who compost to decline green-bin service through their hauler.
Where can I get a free or discounted compost bin?
Santa Clara County's Home Composting Education Program offers heavily discounted Earth Machine compost bins and worm bins at periodic distribution events. Workshops are free, online and in person, covering hot composting, vermicomposting, and grasscycling.
Palo Alto 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. Some unincorporated franchise areas allow residents who compost to decline green-bin service through their hauler.
Where can I get a free or discounted compost bin?
Santa Clara County's Home Composting Education Program offers heavily discounted Earth Machine compost bins and worm bins at periodic distribution events. Workshops are free, online and in person, covering hot composting, vermicomposting, and grasscycling.
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