Tehama County, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Backyard and on-site composting of yard trimmings and food scraps is permitted in unincorporated Tehama County and is consistent with state organics-diversion policy. California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutants law, Senate Bill 1383, requires every jurisdiction in the state to provide organic-waste collection service to residents and businesses and to reduce organic waste sent to landfills, including food and green (yard) waste. Tehama County implements these mandates through its solid-waste and recycling programs and franchised haulers, which is the primary 'composting' obligation most residents encounter — using the green-waste/organics cart where service is provided. Home composting is encouraged as a way to keep yard and food waste out of the landfill and supports the General Plan's broader conservation goals; the County RCD also promotes sound land and soil management practices. Practical limits are nuisance-based: a compost pile should not be allowed to become a source of vectors (rodents/flies), strong odors or an accumulation of dry combustible material that could be addressed under the County's Fire Hazard Abatement chapter (Code Ch. 9.05) or general nuisance authority. Burning of yard waste, where allowed, is separately regulated by the Tehama County Air Pollution Control District and CAL FIRE burn rules rather than the composting rules.