Composting: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do composting rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
California's SB 1383 organics law requires unincorporated San Mateo County residents to keep food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper out of the trash. Single-family homes get curbside organics (green cart) service and must sort organics into it. The County aims to cut organic-waste disposal 75% by 2025; non-compliance can lead to fines.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
California's SB 1383 organics law requires unincorporated San Mateo County residents to keep food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper out of the trash. Single-family homes get curbside organics (green cart) service and must sort organics into it. The County aims to cut organic-waste disposal 75% by 2025; non-compliance can lead to fines.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | SB 1383 (Chapter 395, 2016) | SB 1383 (Chapter 395, 2016) |
| Resident duty | Sort food scraps, yard trimmings, soiled paper | Sort food scraps, yard trimmings, soiled paper |
| Single-family service | Curbside organics (green cart) required | Curbside organics (green cart) required |
| Disposal-reduction goal | 75% organic waste by 2025 | 75% organic waste by 2025 |
| Edible food recovery | >= 20% of surplus by 2025 | >= 20% of surplus by 2025 |
| Non-compliance | Possible fines | Possible fines |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Do I have to compost in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Yes. Under SB 1383 you must keep food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper out of the trash and place them in your curbside organics (green) cart. Single-family homes are provided this service automatically.
Does backyard composting replace the green cart?
Home composting is encouraged but does not exempt a household from subscribing to curbside organics service. You can compost at home and still must keep remaining organics out of the landfill via the green cart.
San Mateo FAQ
Do I have to compost in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Yes. Under SB 1383 you must keep food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper out of the trash and place them in your curbside organics (green) cart. Single-family homes are provided this service automatically.
Does backyard composting replace the green cart?
Home composting is encouraged but does not exempt a household from subscribing to curbside organics service. You can compost at home and still must keep remaining organics out of the landfill via the green cart.
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