Zero Waste

Reduce and recycling

Go green by reducing the material sent to landfills.

The City of Del Mar generates about 9,800 tons of solid waste annually, which accounts for 5% of total greenhouse gas emissions from residents and businesses. Approximately 3,200 tons of this waste is recycled.

In its Climate Action Plan, Del Mar aims to exceed state requirements for waste diversion, which CalRecycle defines as "any combination of waste prevention (source reduction), recycling, reuse and composting activities that reduces waste disposed at landfills and recycling facilities."

Food waste diversion is critical to reaching these goals. In 2022, Del Mar introduced food waste recycling programs for all residential and commercial customers. In Del Mar, residential and commercial waste and recycling collection is provided by EDCO.