San Diego County, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- California SB 1383 (statewide organics mandate)
- County mechanism
- County Solid Waste Ordinance
- Required separation
- Food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings
- Backyard composting
- Allowed; waiver available for on-site management
- Waiver eligibility
- Single-family + multifamily of 4 or fewer units (dense areas)
Summary
Under California's SB 1383, all residents of unincorporated San Diego County must keep food scraps and yard waste out of the landfill. Most use a green organics bin; single-family homes (and small multifamily) that manage all organics on-site via backyard composting may apply to the County for a waiver from organics-collection service.
(a) Consistent with Section 39730.5, methane emissions reduction goals shall include the following targets to reduce the landfill disposal of organics:
(1) A 50-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020.
(2) A 75-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025.
(b) Except as provided in this section and Section 42652.5 of the Public Resources Code, the state board shall not adopt, prior to January 1, 2025, requirements to control methane emissions associated with the disposal of organic waste in landfills other than through landfill methane emissions control regulations.
Full Breakdown
Composting and organic-waste handling in unincorporated San Diego County are governed by California's SB 1383, the statewide Short-Lived Climate Pollutants law requiring jurisdictions to divert organic waste from landfills. Since the program's rollout, residents and businesses must separate organic materials such as food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings from the trash. The County incorporates these requirements into its Solid Waste Ordinance, and within the unincorporated county many residents can place food scraps and food-soiled paper in the same green curbside bin used for yard trimmings and non-hazardous wood waste; requirements differ between the densely-populated and sparsely-populated parts of the unincorporated area.
Backyard composting is expressly supported as an alternative: single-family residences in the densely-populated areas, including multifamily premises with four or fewer units, who manage all of their organic materials on-site (for example by home composting) may apply for a waiver from the organics-recycling service requirement. Home composting of yard and food waste is therefore both allowed and encouraged. Residents should keep compost piles managed to avoid odor, pests, and vector issues, which are addressed separately by County code enforcement and Vector Control. Confirm bin service details with your hauler and the County Department of Public Works.
Violations & Fines
SB 1383 requires jurisdictions to monitor sorting and may impose penalties for non-compliance such as failing to subscribe to required organics service or contaminating the organics bin. Backyard composters relying on a self-haul/on-site waiver must actually manage all organics on-site to remain exempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to compost or use a green bin in unincorporated San Diego County?
Is backyard composting allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.