Food Scraps

ALL food scraps are accepted in your organic waste bin, including spoiled or moldy foods. Learn the Yes and No's of food scraps recycling below:

YES - DO place these in the Organics Bin:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Cooked or raw meat, seafood, and bones
  • Dairy products
  • Eggshells
  • Breads and pasta
  • Coffee grounds and tea leaves
  • Grains
  • Prepared foods
  • Baked goods
  • Nuts, jelly, and jam
  • Candy and snack foods

NO - DO NOT place these in the Organics Bin:

  • Liquids
  • Pet waste or kitty litter
  • Diapers
  • Plastic or compostable plastic bags

Helpful Tips:

  • Organic waste placed in your green bin can become compost, liquid fertilizer, and/or renewable natural gas, depending on how and where the material is processed. No matter what it becomes, by recycling your organic waste you are making a difference!
  • Remove and discard all rubber bands, fruit stickers and twist ties - These items are not recyclable or compostable and will contaminate the finished compost or fertilizer. 

 

Click the buttons below to learn more about the various materials that can and cannot be placed in the Organics Bin:

 

 

Resources

Reducing food waste: Why it matters, Who it helps, and How to do it
Recycling Home Page
Composting

 

Have a recycling question? Email Recycle@sdcounty.ca.gov or Call the Recycling Hotline: