Merced, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Home composting of yard trimmings and food scraps is permitted in Merced and is a recognized way to keep organics out of the landfill. Alongside backyard composting, the City of Merced operates a mandatory curbside organics program through its Refuse Division to comply with California Senate Bill 1383, the state's organic-waste recycling mandate aimed at cutting landfilled organics and methane emissions. Residential service uses three carts: gray for general garbage, blue for recyclables, and green for green waste and organics. The City instructs residents: "Green Waste is any trimmings or leaves off of plants, trees or bushes in your yard as well as lawn clippings," and to place green waste loose in the cart, not bagged, because bagged green waste is treated as contamination; only natural untreated wood is allowed. Under SB 1383, starting January 1, 2024, residents must separate food waste from the trash and place it in the green cart. The City's guidance is to put accepted organic items in a separate plastic bag, tie it, and place it in the green cart. Businesses generating two cubic yards or more of solid waste per week and multifamily complexes of five or more units must also divert food waste, green waste, and landscape/pruning waste. A homeowner may still compost at home, but the green-cart organics program is the City's mechanism for state SB 1383 compliance.