Merced County, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Composting and organic-waste handling in unincorporated Merced County are driven by California Senate Bill 1383 (the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants law), which the County implements locally. The state goal is to cut organic waste in landfills 75 percent and require edible-food recovery. In Merced County, residential and commercial customers in affected census tracts must source-separate waste, typically into a 2- or 3-cart system depending on the hauler, with new mandatory collection rolling out beginning July 1, 2025. The green cart accepts organic materials such as food waste, yard waste, tree trimmings, garden clippings, untreated wood, grass, and food-soiled paper and cardboard (exact acceptance varies by hauler). Commercial food generators must donate edible food that would otherwise be discarded. Merced County Code Chapter 9.06 (Organic Waste Disposal Reduction) governs the program, and Section 9.06.100 addresses organics-recycling waiver requests. The County provides a waiver map: very low-density rural areas (generally fewer than 75 people per square mile) may qualify for a low-population exemption, and other waivers exist where curbside organics service is impractical. Backyard/onsite composting is a recognized way to divert organics and can reduce reliance on the green cart; residents in waived rural areas in particular may rely on home composting or self-haul. These rules are a state mandate (SB 1383) administered through the County and the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority - not a uniquely local invention.