Every business in San Francisco is required to properly separate out their recyclables, compostables, and trash.

Property owners/managers must provide:

  • Color-coded, labeled bins in convenient locations: blue for recycling, green for composting, and black for trash
  • Education on what goes in each bin must be provided to tenants, employees, contractors, and janitors

Food vendors that provide disposable food service ware or to-go containers must:

  • Provide color-coded, labeled bins for use by customers and visitors
  • Place bins near a main exit in the establishment

Apartment property owners:

For help setting up refuse collection service and other assistance, call Recology at (415) 330-1300.

Related content

An apartment building at dusk in a residential San Francisco neighborhood

Recycling and composting toolkit for property managers

San Francisco's blue bin filled with recyclable products like milk cartons and glass jars

Recycling and composting requirements for residents

Various businesses along the sidewalk in Noe Valley

Zero Waste toolkit for businesses