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• Is my business or multi-family complex located in a densely or sparsely-populated area?

  Go to this map and type in your address in the top right hand corner to determine if your property is located in a densely or sparsely-populated area. 

• What are the recycling requirements for businesses?

  Businesses in the densely-populated areas must recycle the following materials-

  Designated Recyclable Materials: Aluminum Glass Bottles & Jars Cardboard & Paper Products Rigid Plastics (#1-#7) Tin & Bi-Metal Cans Large Appliances

  Organic Materials: Yard Trimmings Nonhazardous Wood Waste Food Scraps and Food Soiled Paper* *when service is available in your area

  • Businesses in the densely-populated areas must also have a minimum waste diversion service level ratio of 35% (meaning at least 35% of their total container volume must be available for recyclable and organic materials).
  • Click here to learn more about business recycling in densely-populated areas. 

   

  Businesses in the sparsely-populated areas must recycle the following materials-

  Designated Recyclable Materials: Aluminum Glass Bottles & Jars Cardboard & Paper Products Rigid Plastics (#1-#7) Tin & Bi-Metal Cans Large Appliances

  Organic Materials: Yard Trimmings Nonhazardous Wood Waste Food Scraps and Food Soiled Paper* *Required for commercial premises that generate 2 cubic yards or more of total solid waste, recyclables, and organic materials per week when service is available in your area.

  • Click here to learn more about business recycling in sparsely-populated areas. 

   

• What are the recycling requirements for multi-family complexes (5+ units)?

  Multi-family complexes (5+ units) in the densely-populated areas must recycle the following materials-

  Designated Recyclable Materials: Aluminum Glass Bottles & Jars Cardboard & Paper Products Rigid Plastics (#1-#7) Tin & Bi-Metal Cans Large Appliances

  Organic Materials: Yard Trimmings Nonhazardous Wood Waste Food Scraps and Food Soiled Paper* *when service is available in your area

  • Multi-family complexes in densely-populated areas must also have a minimum waste diversion service level ratio of 35% (meaning at least 35% of their total container volume must be available for recyclable and organic materials).
  • Click here to learn more about multi-family complex recycling in the densely-populated areas. 

   

  Multi-family complexes (5+ units) in sparsely-populated areas must recycle the following materials-

  Designated Recyclable Materials: Aluminum Glass Bottles & Jars Cardboard & Paper Products Rigid Plastics (#1-#7) Tin & Bi-Metal Cans Large Appliances

  Organic Materials: Yard Trimmings Nonhazardous Wood Waste

  • Click here to learn more about multi-family complex recycling in sparsely-populated areas. 

   

• How can I comply with the recycling requirements?

  Compliance options include subscribing to services with a County franchise hauler or Certified Recyclable Materials Collector (CRMC), registering with the County as a self-hauler, or securing an applicable waiver.

   

• What are waivers and am I eligible?
  • The County of San Diego offers waivers for businesses and multi-family complexes that generate a de minimis amount of recyclable and/or organic materials, have physical space constraints, or that manage organic materials onsite. Eligibility is based on overall waste generation and/or geographic location. Exact criteria and requirements are outlined in detail in the waiver application forms linked below. Note that waiver applications require supporting documentation and may require a site visit to verify eligibility.
    • Waiver for businesses and multi-family complexes in densely-populated areas.
    • Waiver for businesses and multi-family complexes in sparsely-populated areas.

   

• What is "self-hauling"?

  Self-hauling is the act of taking discarded materials, including recyclable and organic materials, to an appropriate processing facility instead of subscribing to service with a County franchise hauler or Certified Recyclable Materials Collector (CRMC). Registration with the County is required in order to waive subscription to service with a hauler. After you are registered, you will be required to provide proof of ongoing recycling, including facility receipts. Your property will also be subject to inspections to verify that recyclable and organic materials are separated from solid waste. Please contact Recycle@sdcounty.ca.gov or 858-694-2456 to learn more.

   

• What happens if I don't recycle?

  State law and County ordinance require all residents and businesses to recycle. Properties that do not exercise one of the compliance options above will soon be automatically enrolled in recycling service by their haulers along with the additional cost for these services. They may also be subject to administrative citations with escalating penalties.

   

• How do I contact my hauler to add service?
  • List of Franchised Waste Haulers