San Diego County, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- County Code § 68.570
- Applies to
- single-family, multi-family, commercial premises
- Core rule
- source-separate recyclables from trash
- Penalty
- infraction; misdemeanor for repeat violations
- Scope
- unincorporated San Diego County only
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County requires households and businesses to source-separate recyclables and organic waste from trash under County Code § 68.570, with violations charged as infractions.
(c) The owner, occupant, or operator of a premises subject to subsection (a) above shall: (1) source separate and store designated recyclable materials and designated organic materials separately from solid waste; and, (2) source separate and store designated recyclable materials and designated organic materials separately from each other. ... (i) No owner, occupant, or operator of a premises shall dispose of or arrange for disposal of designated recyclable materials or designated organic materials.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 68.570 requires owners, occupants, and operators of single-family, multi-family, and commercial premises in unincorporated San Diego County to source-separate designated recyclable materials and organic materials from solid waste, and from each other, then either subscribe to a collector's or certified recyclables collector's service or self-haul under § 68.572. Section 68.570(i) bars disposing of recyclables or organics as trash. Section 68.571 sets container and set-out rules for residents who subscribe to collection service. A first violation of § 68.571 is an infraction; two or more violations within a year can be charged as a misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 68.571 is an infraction; two or more violations within one year may be charged as a misdemeanor at the prosecutor's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to separate recycling from trash in unincorporated San Diego County?
What happens if I put recyclables in the trash?
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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