San Diego, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Composting
- Permitted
- SB 1383
- Organic diversion required
- City Collection
- Environmental Services Dept
- Code Enforcement
- (619) 236-5500
Summary
Backyard composting is permitted in San Diego. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion. The city provides organics collection through its Environmental Services Department.
SB 1383, Lara. Short-lived climate pollutants: methane emissions: dairy and livestock: organic waste: landfills. [...] This bill would require the state board, no later than January 1, 2018, to approve and begin implementing that comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants to achieve a reduction in methane by 40%, hydrofluorocarbon gases by 40%, and anthropogenic black carbon by 50% below 2013 levels by 2030, as specified. The bill also would establish specified targets for reducing organic waste in landfills. [...] The bill would require the department, in consultation with the state board, to adopt regulations that achieve the specified targets for reducing organic waste in landfills. The bill would authorize local jurisdictions to charge and collect fees to recover the local jurisdiction's costs incurred in complying with the regulations.
Full Breakdown
Composting is encouraged. SB 1383 mandates organic diversion statewide. The city's Environmental Services Department provides green waste and food waste collection. Composting workshops available through the city. Composting must not create nuisance conditions. Most residential composting in San Diego is encouraged rather than regulated: backyard bins and tumblers generally do not require permits as long as they are set back from property lines, kept covered to prevent vectors, and free of meat, dairy, or oils that attract pests. Commercial-scale composting requires state solid-waste permits. Check the Environmental Services Dept website for curbside green-bin availability and accepted materials, since rules vary by pickup route.
Violations & Fines
No penalties for composting. Nuisance conditions may trigger code enforcement at (619) 236-5500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I compost in San Diego?
Does the city collect organics?
What can I compost?
Sources & Official References
- [1]CA SB 1383
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Composting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle composting.