sfenvironment.org

Mandatory Recycling & Composting

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Moving Closer to Zero Waste in San Francisco

To help San Francisco move closer to its goal of zero waste by 2020, the Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance requires everyone in San Francisco to separate their refuse into recyclables, compostables, and trash. No one may mix recyclables, compostables, or trash, or deposit refuse of one type in a collection container designated for another type. All property owners are required to maintain and pay for adequate refuse service. Tenants can report if their property own fails to provide compost and recycling services by filling out the anonymous form here.


Requirements for Multifamily Buildings, Commercial Properties, Food Vendors, and Events

Owners or managers of apartments, condos, T.I.C.s, food establishments, and events are required to maintain appropriate, color-coded (blue for recyclables, green for compostables, and black for trash), labeled containers in convenient locations, and to educate tenants, employees, and contractors, including janitors, on what materials go in each container. Vendors that provide disposable food service ware or to-go containers must have appropriate containers for use by customers and visitors, placed inside near a main exit.

SF Environment, Sunset Scavenger, and Golden Gate Recycling & Disposal provide free consultation, container labels, signage, educational materials, tenant outreach, and other assistance to help make recycling and composting a success in any building and any event. To get help setting up recycling or composting service, call Recology at (415) 330-1300. For help setting up zero waste events please call (415) 355-3700.