San Diego

City of San Diego Expands Curbside Recycling to Add Styrofoam Food Service Containers

The move is a part of the City's "Zero Waste" plan

The City of San Diego is expanding its curbside recycling program within city limits, adding polystyrene food service containers to the lineup. 

“By expanding what we’re able to recycle, we’re moving in the right direction as we try to reduce, reuse and recycle as much of the trash we collect every day as we can,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer said in a statement.

The additional materials - usually referred to as Styrofoam - includes cups and food containers. The change is effective July 1, 2017. 

The move is a part of the City's "Zero Waste" plan. By 2040, the City of San Diego hopes to reuse, instead of throwing away, the City's trash. 

Adding items to the City's recycling lineup helps put the City closer to that goal. 

“After several years of hard work and analysis, City residents are finally able to conveniently recycle Styrofoam materials. This action will not only improve our local environment but also prolong the life of the Miramar Landfill. I applaud the Mayor and ESD staff for making this vision a reality,” said City Councilmember Scott Sherman, a member of the Council’s Environment Committee, in a statement.

Residents can continue to recycle their cardboard, paper, newspapers, metal containers, plastic and glass bottles, and more. 

For more information about recycling programs in San Diego, including details about the City’s efforts to divert waste from the Miramar Landfill, click here.

Contact Us