Backyard composting is permitted and encouraged in unincorporated Orange County. California SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion statewide. OC Waste & Recycling provides composting resources and sells compost at regional landfills.
Unincorporated Orange County permits residential backyard composting of yard trimmings and food scraps. California SB 1383 (effective January 2022) requires jurisdictions to divert organic waste from landfills, making composting an important compliance tool. OC Waste & Recycling encourages home composting and sells compost produced at county facilities. Enclosed compost bins are recommended to minimize pest attraction and odor, especially in communities with coyote and rodent concerns. Vermicomposting (worm composting) is also permitted. Meat, dairy, and oily foods should be avoided in backyard systems. The county's Mediterranean climate supports year-round composting. OC Waste & Recycling offers free composting workshops and sells subsidized compost bins. Compost must not create nuisance conditions including odor or pest attraction. Contact OC Waste & Recycling at (714) 834-4000.
No penalties for composting itself. Compost operations creating nuisance conditions (odor, pests, rodent attraction) may trigger Code Enforcement action at (714) 667-8843. Standing water in compost areas may violate mosquito abatement requirements.
Orange County, CA
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