San Diego Creates Mandatory C&D Debris Recycling Program

After months of consideration, the San Diego City Council has created a mandatory construction and demolition debris recycling program, according to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

By implementing the program, the city hopes to extend the life of the Miramar landfill and meet the state’s 50 percent recycling requirement.

The ordinance will require contractors to pay a deposit for large construction and demolition projects when the city issues permits, according to the report. The money would then be returned based on how much of the debris is recycled.

The ordinance applies to large projects only, according to the report. Remodeling projects of residential spaces less than 500 square feet are exempt.

According to local media reports, San Diego has faced threats of hefty fines—up to $10,000 per day—from the state of California for failing to meet the state requirement of a 50 percent recycling rate.

The Union Tribune reports that city officials hope the approval of the program will show the state that San Diego is serious about boosting its lagging recycling rates.

According to the report, C&D debris accounts for about 586,000 tons of the city’s garbage per year.