Organic Waste Recycling
My Green Bin
Residents who receive waste hauling services from the City of San Diego have received green bins and kitchen pails for the collection of their organic waste. Kitchen pails are a helpful tool for in-home collection of food scraps and food-soiled paper, which can then be transferred to the green bin for weekly curbside collections.
Apartment and condos serviced by private waste haulers. Organic waste recycling bins at their complex. The organic waste bin will be picked up weekly from the property.
Green Bin Cleaning Tips
Reduce odors, deter pests and keep your bin clean with the following tips:
If possible
delay adding food scraps to the outdoor container until collection day, freeze or refrigerate until pick up day.
Drain
liquid from very wet food scraps before placing it the green bin.
Line bottom
of your outdoor container with newspaper, a paper bag or yard waste to absorb excess moisture and prevent food from sticking to the bottom.
Wrap
leftover food in newspaper, paper bag or other food-soiled paper products.
Always
keep the lid closed.
If serviced
by a private waste hauler, lock organic waste recycling containers to prevent contamination and access from potential pests.
If possible
keep your container in a shaded area.
Sprinkle
a layer of baking soda on top of organic waste if you notice odors.
Hire
an optional private container cleaning service.
More Green Bin Cleaning Tips
After collection, brush out anything remaining inside the green bin and rinse with water over a landscaped area to remove residue. Pour dirty water onto your lawn and not the street drain. It is illegal to discharge pollutants from waste carts and dumpsters such as trash, food scraps or liquid waste into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.
Find local service providers at WasteFreeSD (link is external) by searching for “Bin Cleaning Service.
Handout guide to learn more about how to Think Blue and properly maintain cans and dumpsters.
Obtenga más información sobre cómo mantener adecuadamente los contenedores de basura y reciclaje.
Green Bin Cleaning Videos
How to Choose the Best Way to Collect Food Scraps
Food Scrap Recycling 101: How to Fight Odors