Backyard composting is permitted in San Diego. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion. The city provides organics collection through its Environmental Services Department.
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.
No penalties for composting. Nuisance conditions may trigger code enforcement at (619) 236-5500.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle composting.
See how San Diego's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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