Del Norte County, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Composting is encouraged and broadly allowed in unincorporated Del Norte County. The dominant rule is statewide: California's SB 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants reduction law, took effect January 1, 2022 and requires all residents and businesses to keep organic waste, including food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper, out of landfills, typically through curbside organics (green-cart) collection provided by the local solid-waste hauler and the Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority. Home or backyard composting of yard and food waste is a recognized way for residents to manage their own organics and is not prohibited; many rural parcels compost on site. Residents should keep compost piles managed so they do not become a vector, odor, or vermin nuisance, which could draw a Code Enforcement public-nuisance complaint. One important county-specific caution comes from the Agricultural Commissioner's weed program: because tansy ragwort is toxic and spreads by seed, the County advises residents NOT to compost it and instead to dispose of pulled tansy at the transfer station as general waste (not green waste), so it is not spread through compost or green-waste streams. Burning is noted as acceptable only for non-toxic plant material and is subject to air-district and fire rules. Check with the Solid Waste Management Authority for current curbside organics service details.