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San Diego, CA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
SDMC §66.0706(c)(2)
Collection frequency
Weekly, separate container
Applies to
Franchisee-serviced residential & commercial
Landscaper option
Contract must route waste to composting facility
Commingle option
May combine with food material instead

Summary

San Diego's Recycling Ordinance requires weekly separate-container collection of yard trimmings and wood waste at residential and commercial facilities served by a franchise hauler, diverting green waste from the landfill.

weekly collection in a separate container of yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste. If yard trimmings or nonhazardous wood waste will be hauled away by a gardening or landscaping service provider as an incidental part of its services at the property, then the service contract or agreement shall require the gardening or landscaping service provider to take the yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste to a mulching or composting facility for recycling

Source: San Diego Environmental Services – Greenery RecyclingView official code

Full Breakdown

SDMC §66.0706(c)(2) requires residential facilities served by a Franchisee to provide weekly collection, in a separate container, of yard trimmings and nonhazardous wood waste. If a landscaping service instead hauls the trimmings as part of its work, the service contract must require delivery to a mulching or composting facility. The parallel commercial rule is §66.0707(c)(2); the code sets no separate 'brush collection' program.

Violations & Fines

Failing to comply with any Division 7 recycling requirement, including the yard-trimmings separation duty, is unlawful under §66.0705's Unlawful Acts clause; the facility's responsible person bears the duty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my landscaper have to haul yard waste to composting?
Yes: if a gardening or landscaping service removes yard trimmings, §66.0706(c)(2) requires the service contract to send that material to a mulching or composting facility, not a landfill.
Is there a separate brush-collection program?
No. The city's Recycling Ordinance covers yard trimmings and wood waste through the same weekly franchisee collection requirement; there is no distinct brush pickup provision in this code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Diego

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Organics RecyclingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All San Diego rules

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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities

How other cities in San Diego County handle yard waste collection.

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