The City of San Diego provides weekly organic waste [green bin] recycling collection services to homes serviced by the City’s Environmental Services Department.
If the waste is edible, grew out of the ground, or grew on a tree, then it is OK to put it in your green bin.
According to the San Diego Environmental Services Department, the approximate tonnage of organics [green bin waste] collected in University City in 2025 was 2051 tons.
From the University City Fire Safe Council: We’ve learned that food scraps, most food-soiled paper products, cooked meat, bones, eggshells, and paper towels can now go in the green bin.
But don’t forget your yard waste such as grass clippings, yard trimmings, branches, sticks, twigs and untreated wood, flowers, fruit, and leaves – it’s all good for the green bin.
Not only can your green bin help you recycle food waste (and reduce the amount of waste entering the landfills), did you know that your green bin can also help you make your home less likely to catch fire?
Zone 0—the first five feet from your home—is the first line of defense against wildfires. Removing anything flammable from this zone is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your home’s chances of survival.
This small space can make a huge impact. You have the power to be ready. Homeowners and residents can relocate things that might burn from this area to a space that is more than 5 feet from the structure of the home.
In addition, yard trimmings, branches, sticks, twigs and untreated wood, flowers, fruit, and leaves from this area can all be placed in the green bin. If you’re in an community with weekly green bin pick up service, the Fire Safe Council recommends that you trim and prune every week, especially in the area that’s within 5 feet of the house.
- Zone 0 Compliance for Property Owners: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/defensible-space-property-owners
- What’s Good for Green Bins: https://www.sandiego.gov/organic-waste-recycling/good-for-the-green-bin
To learn more about the University City Fire Safe Council, visit:
