New composting law taking effect

By: Mike Aldax
Examiner Staff Writer
October 20, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO — Composting bins are rolling into place, as the law that mandates proper refuse sorting in The City begins this week.

Starting Wednesday, residents who fail to properly sort their trash will face fines. The rules are part of Mayor Gavin Newsom’s plan to boost The City’s recycling rate beyond 72 percent.The ordinance is the first in the country to make composting mandatory.

The Board of Supervisors approved the law in June, despite concerns that inspectors would aggressively penalize residents.

City officials insist ratepayers will receive ample warning notices before getting a fine. Garbage haulers will tag out-of-compliance bins. Repeat offenders will be reported to The City.

During the past three months, calls requesting green bins have flooded the offices of Sunset Scavengers Co., which collects garbage and recycling in city neighborhoods, spokesman Robert Reed said.

“We’re delivering about 100 [compost bins] a day,” he said.

More from Mike Aldax

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Reader Comments

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Frustrated homeowner

Oct 20, 2009

Each week I methodically sort my garbage, recyclables and compost. Periodically, some "neighbor" decides they don't have enough room in their bins and places their garbage into my bins - without regard to properly sorting it, that I pay for the garbage service, and that now I may be fined for their putting garbage into my recycling/compost bin. I support the City's goal of zero waste, but maybe an incentive like a rebate on your garbage bill if you frequently compost/recycle instead of a fine would encourage greater compliance.... or am I missing the point ... is this really a disguised City tactic to generate additional revenue??

Oct 22, 2009

Frustrated Homeowner,
I think your right, and incentive based approach would seem a bit more honorable. As for the businesses who are switching over to this approach, its only because the cost of doing business for them has already increase- its simply cheaper for them to comply.
For more on zero waste initiatives around the world: http://www.newsy.com/videos/zero_waste_catches_on_worldwide

Nov 20, 2009

I am really tired of the misuse of city money-- you stay two minutes too long on your parking meter and you're slapped with a $53 fine! AND NOW you'll get an enormous fine if you don't separate your trash?! Especially in this economy, this is a crime! And I love how all that city money goes to a 'complimentary kitchen compost bin'. Yea thanks for that. I can't wait to put a rotting food bin in my 1-bedroom apartment. And then get fined when the rest of my complex doesn't comply. Oh yeah, and the increase of diseased rats should be nice too. I get the intention, but the execution is a big FAIL. Offer your residents incentives not punishment!