Waste Management Programs in San Francisco
Citywide Three-Bin Collection
Every property in San Francisco uses the standardized three-bin system—blue for recyclables, green for compost, and black for landfill. The program accepts a broad range of materials: all paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics labeled #1 through #7 go in the blue bin; all food scraps, yard waste, and soiled paper go in the green bin. The law requires property owners to subscribe to composting and recycling services.
Compliance and Outreach
The city enforces its Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance through a system of warnings and site inspections. Containers can be checked for improper sorting. While fines are legally allowed, enforcement is centered on education. Recology staff provide multilingual training, distribute compost pails for kitchens, and offer on-site support for apartment buildings and businesses. The result: high participation rates across sectors. Many restaurants report diverting over 90% of their waste.
Organics Composting
San Francisco collects more than 500 tons of organic material per day through the green bin program. All collected organics are processed at Blossom Valley Organics, where they are turned into compost in about two months. This compost is then used by farms, vineyards, and gardeners in the region. Recology has expanded processing capacity to over 1,000 tons per day to meet increasing volumes.
Source Reduction Policies
San Francisco has implemented several ordinances to reduce waste before it starts, with a focus on single-use plastics:
2007–2012: The Checkout Bag Ordinance expanded from supermarkets to all retailers and added fees to reduce plastic bag usage.
2016: Polystyrene foam banned across most products, including packaging and containers.
2019: Plastic, Litter, and Toxics Reduction Law restricted the distribution of plastic straws, utensils, and lids, and prohibited certain purchases by city agencies, such as bottled water.
Hard-to-Recycle Items and Producer Responsibility
San Francisco supports end-of-life collection for items not suited for curbside bins. The city facilitates drop-off events for electronics, hazardous waste, large items, and textiles. It also backs laws requiring manufacturers to cover disposal costs for items like paint, mattresses, and medications.
