Santa Barbara, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Statewide law SB 1383 requires jurisdictions to divert organic waste from landfills, with residential and commercial organics recycling rolling out across California starting in 2022. The City of Santa Barbara complies through an unusual approach rather than the curbside food-scrap green bin used in many cities. Through citywide hauler MarBorg Industries, the City requires all single-family residential properties (1-4 units) to subscribe to trash, recycling, and yard-waste collection. Residents do not separate food scraps into the green cart; instead, food waste and other non-yard organics go in the regular trash and are mechanically recovered at the Santa Barbara County ReSource Center, where the material is sorted and processed (including anaerobic digestion) to satisfy SB 1383. The green/yard-waste cart is reserved for plant trimmings and yard debris. Because the County's mixed-waste processing already separates organics, the City has not introduced separate residential food-scrap compost bins. Home composting in a backyard bin remains permitted and encouraged for residents who prefer to compost yard and food waste themselves. Businesses and multifamily properties have additional SB 1383 obligations through their waste service. Residents should confirm current cart sorting rules with MarBorg or the City's Sustainability and Resilience program, since organics handling continues to evolve.