Inyo County, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Home composting is permitted in unincorporated Inyo County and is one accepted way to comply with California's statewide organic-waste law. Senate Bill 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, took effect for residents on January 1, 2022 and requires Californians to keep organic materials — food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard/green waste — out of the landfill by separating them and either subscribing to an organics-collection service or diverting them (for example, through backyard or community composting or self-hauling to an appropriate facility). SB 1383's goal is a 75% reduction in organic waste sent to landfills. Jurisdictions, including counties, are responsible for providing or arranging compliant organics collection and for education and monitoring; rural and low-population areas may qualify for certain waivers under the regulation, so the exact curbside service available varies by location within the County. Backyard composting that diverts a household's own organic waste can satisfy the resident's diversion obligation. Composting must still avoid creating a vector (rodent/odor) nuisance, which would be abatable under Inyo County Code Title 22. There is no separate county ordinance banning home compost piles.