When organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings, and other biodegradable material) ends up in a landfill, it breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Keeping organic waste out of landfills and sending it to composting facilities instead reduces these emissions and turns waste into a useful product.
Since 2024, City of San Diego residents have used green bins to separate organic waste for collection. This indicator tracks the annual tonnage of organic waste diverted from landfill to Miramar Greenery or other composting facilities, which is a direct measure of the green bin program's impact.