San Jose, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- California SB-1383
- Effective date
- January 1, 2022
- Diversion target
- 75% organics by 2025
- Curbside hauler
- GreenWaste and California Waste
- Edible-food rule
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 donation
Summary
California SB-1383 requires every San Jose resident and business to separate food scraps and yard trimmings from trash. San Jose's Sustainable Materials Management program provides curbside organics carts and enforces participation through franchise haulers and the city.
42652.5. (a) The department, in consultation with the State Air Resources Board, shall adopt regulations to achieve the organic waste reduction goals for 2020 and 2025 established in Section 39730.6 of the Health and Safety Code. The regulations shall comply with all of the following: (1) May require local jurisdictions to impose requirements on generators or other relevant entities within their jurisdiction and may authorize local jurisdictions to impose penalties on generators for noncompliance. (2) Shall include requirements intended to meet the goal that not less than 20 percent of edible food that is currently disposed of is recovered for human consumption by 2025. (3) Shall not establish a numeric organic waste disposal limit for individual landfills.
Full Breakdown
California SB-1383, effective January 2022, mandates statewide diversion of organic waste with a goal of 75% reduction in landfilled organics by 2025. Every San Jose resident and business must subscribe to organics collection and separate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and green waste from trash. San Jose's Environmental Services Department oversees the Sustainable Materials Management program, contracting with GreenWaste Recovery and California Waste Solutions for curbside organics carts. Edible food generators in tier 1 and tier 2 categories must also donate surplus food to recovery organizations. CalRecycle audits city compliance, and the city audits hauler and generator compliance through annual inspections.
Violations & Fines
Generators that fail to separate organics after notice and education face administrative fines starting at $50–$100 per violation and rising to $500 for repeat or large-generator offenses, with potential CalRecycle penalties to the city itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes in my green organics cart in San Jose?
Do apartments and condos have to comply?
Can I compost in my backyard instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Composting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle composting.