Recycling Requirements: San Diego vs San Marcos
How do recycling requirements rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego and San Marcos have similar restriction levels.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego requires recyclable materials to be placed in approved blue recycling containers per SDMC Chapter 6, Article 6, Division 7. The City collects recyclables biweekly. SB 1383 compliance requires organic waste separation in green bins. The City has updated collection operations and amended franchise agreements to meet state recycling mandates. Contamination of recycling bins with non-recyclable materials may result in service warnings.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
California's mandatory recycling laws (AB 341, SB 1383) apply in unincorporated San Diego County. Residents must separate recyclables and organic waste. Businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste weekly must recycle. Organic waste diversion required since January 2022.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | SDMC Ch. 6, Art. 6, Div. 7 | - |
| Collection | Biweekly curbside recycling | - |
| SB 1383 | Organic waste must go in green bin | - |
| Blue Bin | Paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals | - |
| Contamination | Non-recyclables in blue bin may trigger warnings | - |
| Residential | - | Recycling + organics separation required |
| Commercial | - | Mandatory recycling for 4+ cu yd/week |
| Organics | - | SB 1383 — required since Jan 2022 |
| Accepted Materials | - | Paper, cardboard, glass, metals, plastics |
| State Laws | - | AB 341, SB 1383 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in San Diego?
Yes. SDMC Chapter 6, Article 6, Division 7 requires recyclable materials to be placed in approved recycling containers. SB 1383 also mandates organic waste separation.
What can I put in the blue recycling bin?
Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, glass bottles and jars, and metal cans. Check the City's Environmental Services website for the full accepted materials list.
San Marcos FAQ
What can I recycle in unincorporated San Diego County?
Generally: paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and plastics #1-5 and #7. Check with your waste hauler for specific accepted materials, as they vary by facility.
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Yes. SB 1383 requires all California residents to separate organic waste including food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper for composting. Your hauler should provide a green organics bin.
What happens if I put non-recyclables in the recycling bin?
Contamination can cause entire loads to be sent to landfill. Common contaminants include plastic bags, food-soiled items, and non-recyclable plastics. When in doubt, put it in the trash.
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