Mandatory Organics Recycling: San Jose vs Sunnyvale

What goes in my San Jose green cart?

All food scraps including meat, bones, dairy, fruit and vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds and filters, food-soiled paper like napkins and pizza boxes, and yard waste. No plastic bags, even compostable ones, unless specifically approved by your hauler's program.

Do apartments have to separate organics too?

Yes. SB-1383 applies to multifamily properties; landlords must provide organics carts and tenant education. San Jose Environmental Services audits multifamily compliance and can cite property owners for missing service or contaminated streams under SJMC Title 9.10.

What if I don't have yard waste?

You still need an organics cart for food scraps and food-soiled paper. The smallest service tier is usually adequate for a household without a yard. Backyard composting can complement but not replace mandatory cart service under SB-1383.

What goes in the green bin in Santa Clara County?

All food scraps including meat, bones, and dairy, plus food-soiled paper, BPI-certified compostable foodware, and standard yard waste. Plastic bags, glass, and metal contaminants must stay out so finished compost meets state standards.

Do I have to subscribe if I compost at home?

Backyard composters can request a self-haul or reduced-service waiver from their hauler, but most generators must still subscribe to baseline service to ensure overflow and seasonal yard-waste capacity is available.