San Francisco Expands Commercial Composting Mandates
San Francisco, CA – A significant update to San Francisco’s waste management policy is set to take effect on May 1, 2025, with new mandatory composting regulations impacting all commercial food establishments across the city. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has formally announced these updated requirements, underscoring the city’s ongoing commitment to its ambitious Zero Waste goals.
Under the revised ordinance, restaurants, cafes, food service businesses, and other commercial entities handling food are now subject to expanded requirements regarding the separation and disposal of organic waste. The core of the change lies in the mandated inclusion of all food scraps and compostable materials, specifically broadening the scope to include items such as meat and dairy products that were previously excluded from the mandatory composting stream for certain businesses.
This move represents a critical step forward from the city’s existing waste diversion efforts. San Francisco has long been a leader in urban sustainability, having implemented a citywide mandatory recycling and composting ordinance back in 2009. This foundational mandate required residents and businesses to separate recyclables and compostable materials from landfill-bound waste. However, the specifics of what constituted ‘compostable’ material within the mandatory commercial stream had certain limitations, particularly concerning animal by-products.
The new regulations directly address this gap, ensuring that the entire spectrum of food waste generated by commercial kitchens is diverted from landfills. Businesses are now explicitly required to collect all food scraps, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and other putrescible organic materials, alongside plant-based food waste, compostable paper, and other approved compostable items. These materials must be separated from both recycling and landfill waste streams and placed into designated bins provided for municipal collection.
The primary objective of this expanded mandate is to further accelerate San Francisco’s progress towards its Zero Waste targets. By incorporating a wider range of organic materials from the commercial food sector, the city anticipates a substantial increase in diverted waste. Projections estimate that this regulatory update will help divert an additional 15,000 tons of organic material annually from landfills. This significant volume of waste, once processed, can be transformed into valuable compost, contributing to soil health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfill decomposition.
The environmental benefits of diverting organic waste are considerable. When food scraps and other compostable materials are sent to landfills, they decompose anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting, conversely, allows for aerobic decomposition, which produces far less methane and results in a beneficial soil amendment. By capturing this additional 15,000 tons, San Francisco is directly mitigating its contribution to climate change and extending the lifespan of its landfill facilities.
Implementation of the new requirements is set for May 1, 2025. The SFDPH has indicated that it will work with businesses to ensure understanding and compliance with the updated rules. Recognizing that businesses may need time to adapt their waste separation practices and educate staff, the department will initially focus on outreach and providing warnings for non-compliance.
However, strict enforcement is slated to begin shortly thereafter. Starting June 1, 2025, businesses found to be in violation of the mandatory composting regulations will face escalating penalties. Initial repeat offenses after the warning period will be subject to fines starting at $500. The SFDPH retains the authority to increase fine amounts for persistent or egregious violations.
The city’s infrastructure for collecting and processing organic waste is already established, building upon the foundation laid by the 2009 ordinance. Businesses will continue to utilize their existing municipal collection services, ensuring a relatively smooth transition from a logistical standpoint, provided internal separation practices are updated.
City officials emphasize that compliance is not merely a regulatory burden but a shared responsibility in achieving San Francisco’s environmental objectives. The success of this expanded program relies heavily on the active participation of every commercial food establishment. Proper separation at the source is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the compost stream and maximizing the amount of material that can be successfully processed into compost.
This regulatory update aligns with broader trends in urban waste management and highlights San Francisco’s continued leadership in pioneering comprehensive waste diversion strategies. The inclusion of all food scraps, including meat and dairy, marks a significant refinement of the city’s organic waste management system, pushing the boundaries of what is captured and composted.
Businesses are encouraged to review the detailed requirements provided by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and reach out for assistance if needed to ensure they are fully prepared for the May 1, 2025 effective date. Adhering to these new rules is essential for avoiding fines and, more importantly, for contributing to a cleaner, greener San Francisco and the realization of its ambitious Zero Waste future.
