San Diego County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Source separation
- Required for all premises (Sec. 68.570)
- Designated recyclables
- Paper, rigid plastics #1-#7, glass, tin/metal
- Diversion ratio (commercial/MF)
- 35% minimum service-level ratio in densely-populated areas
- Multi-family capacity guide
- Min. 20 gallons recycling capacity per unit
- State laws implemented
- AB 341, AB 1826, AB 827, SB 1383
- Compliance options
- 3-stream subscription, CRMC, or registered self-haul
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County requires residents and businesses to source-separate designated recyclables (paper, rigid plastics #1-7, glass, metal) from trash and arrange recycling, implementing state laws AB 341, AB 1826, AB 827, and SB 1383. Densely-populated commercial and multi-family premises must meet a 35% minimum diversion service-level ratio.
short-lived climate pollutants, California passed SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). The law set targets for 2025: 75% less organic waste sent to landfills. 20% of unsold, still-edible food sent to food recovery organizations. SB 1383 Regulations The Office of Administrative Law approved SB 1383 regulations. Final Regulations Text (Accessible Version) Final Statement of Reasons Final Statement of Purpose and Necessity Final Comments and Responses January 18, 2019 – March 4, 2019 June 21, 2019 – July 17, 2019 October 3, 2019 – October 18, 2019 November 26, 2019 – December 13, 2019 April 20, 2020 – May 20, 2020 Final Environmental Impact Report Draft Environmental Impact Report Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting Program Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations Landfills Are Third Largest Sourc
Full Breakdown
The Solid Waste Ordinance (County Code Chapter 5, Sec. 570) requires owners, occupants, or operators of single-family, multi-family, and commercial premises to source-separate and store designated recyclable materials separately from solid waste, and arrange recycling through a three-stream subscription with a non-exclusive franchise hauler, a Certified Recyclable Materials Collector (CRMC), or by self-hauling (registration with the County required). Designated recyclables include paper and paper products, rigid plastics (#1-#7), glass, tin/metal, and similar materials. The ordinance incorporates California's recycling mandates: AB 341 (commercial recycling), AB 1826 and SB 1383 (organics), and AB 827 (customer-facing bins).
For commercial and multi-family premises in densely-populated areas, the County sets a minimum diversion service-level ratio of 35% - meaning at least 35% of weekly container capacity must be available for recyclables and organics. Businesses must provide labeled, color-matched containers, co-locate trash and recycling bins for customers (except restrooms), train employees annually, and accommodate County inspections. Multi-family complexes (5+ units) should provide a minimum of 20 gallons of recycling capacity per unit. Sec. 570(i) prohibits disposing of designated recyclables as trash. Waivers are available for de minimis generation, physical space constraints, or on-site management.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance with recycling requirements is subject to an Administrative Citation. Code Compliance escalates citations ($100 to $1,000, up to $10,000 per violation per year for County code; up to $2,500 per day and $125,000 for state-code violations). Violations of Sec. 68.571 are infractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to recycle in unincorporated San Diego County?
What is the 35% diversion requirement for businesses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California trash & recycling overview
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