San Diego boasts 71 percent diversion rate in 2022

Calling it a “significant milestone in efforts to encourage recycling and limit waste,” the city of San Diego reports a 71 percent diversion rate for the amount of material diverted from landfills in 2022.

“According to data provided by CalRecycle, the diversion rate of 71 percent for 2022 was based on all waste generated by those who live, work and play within the city limits of San Diego,” the Environmental Services Department (ESD) says, calling that rate the highest it has ever been. 

“The city’s diversion rate is a clear signal that San Diegans are embracing recycling and are dedicated to meeting our climate goals,” says Councilman Joe LaCava, chair of the city’s Environment Committee.

“This positive shift toward zero waste is the product of hard work by city staff to educate the public about the impact of waste diversion,” LaCava adds. “It is in partnership with residents and businesses—who recognize the importance of recycling and the urgency to eliminate harmful greenhouse gases (GHG)—that we will continue to see these diversion rates rise in the coming years.”

San Diego’s previous highest waste diversion rate was 68 percent in 2012. The rate for 2021 was 63 percent and the rates from 2013 to 2020 were in the 64 percent to 67 percent range.

San Diego is close to reaching an initial Zero Waste Plan goal of 75 percent. “Looking ahead, the next goals are 82 percent by 2030 and 90 percent by 2035, with the ultimate goal of zero waste by 2040,” the city says.

The city of San Diego Zero Waste Plan is a road map to diverting almost all solid waste from going into landfills.

San Diego introduced curbside residential organics collection this year and is planning a larger composting facility to handle some of that material.

“We are very encouraged by our progress in 2022, and believe that 2023 will prove to be even better, after a full year of San Diegans participating in the city’s new Organic Waste Recycling Program by diverting their food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste into green bins,” ESD Director Renee Robertson says.

“Diverting waste from our landfills is a crucial part of the city’s overall climate action goals, and we are delighted to see the progress to date,” says Shelby Rust Busó, chief sustainability officer with the Sustainability and Mobility Department. “We are grateful to all San Diegans who are decreasing their carbon footprint by recycling and reusing materials on a daily basis.”