Do I Need a Special Type of Garbage Disposal to Comply with San Diego's Waste Regulations?

May 19, 2025

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If you’re a homeowner in San Diego, you’ve probably heard mixed messages about what you can and can’t put down your garbage disposal. With California’s increasing focus on sustainability, food waste diversion, and municipal wastewater standards, it’s natural to wonder if your kitchen needs a certain type of garbage disposal to stay compliant with local regulations.

At Fox Plumbing, San Diego’s trusted plumbing experts with over 40 years of experience, we often get this question—especially from homeowners upgrading their kitchens or dealing with frequent drain issues. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding San Diego’s Food Waste and Plumbing Guidelines

San Diego County follows California state initiatives like SB 1383, a law requiring the reduction of organic waste in landfills. While this regulation mainly affects how cities handle food waste (such as curbside composting), it also puts a spotlight on how food scraps are managed in residential homes.

Are Garbage Disposals Illegal in San Diego?

No—garbage disposals are legal and widely used in San Diego homes. However, there are guidelines and best practices recommended by the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department and local plumbing codes to ensure your system doesn’t contribute to drain clogs, sewer backups, or water contamination.

Do You Need a Special Type of Disposal Unit?

The short answer is: Not legally. But not all garbage disposals are created equal, and some models are much better at meeting the functional and environmental expectations of San Diego’s plumbing and wastewater systems.

Here’s what to look for in a compliant and efficient garbage disposal:

High-Speed Motor (2,600 RPM or more): Faster motors grind food more finely, which helps prevent clogs and supports the flow of wastewater.
Multi-Stage Grinding Systems: Premium models use multiple grind stages to pulverize food scraps into finer particles, reducing the risk of pipe buildup.
Septic-Safe or Bio-Charge Models: If you’re on a septic system, opt for a model labeled as “septic-safe” or one that injects natural enzymes to help break down organic waste.
Quiet Operation and Jam-Sensor Technology: These are not regulatory features, but they help protect your system and improve long-term functionality.

Best Practices: What Can and Can’t Go Down the Disposal

Even with a high-end disposal unit, you should still be mindful of what goes down the drain. The following guidelines can help keep your plumbing system—and San Diego’s waste treatment facilities—running smoothly.

Things to Avoid:

Grease, oils, and fats
Eggshells
Fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery, corn husks)
Coffee grounds
Pasta, rice, and starchy foods (which expand and clog pipes)
Bones or large pits

Safe Items (in moderation):

Soft food scraps
Fruit peels (except thick rinds like melon)
Small meat trimmings

Remember: just because a disposal can grind something doesn’t mean it should. For many San Diego households, composting food waste is an environmentally friendlier—and regulation-aligned—solution.

Should You Switch to Composting?

While garbage disposals remain legal and convenient, San Diego is moving toward organics recycling as part of its climate and waste reduction goals. Many homes now receive green bins for food and yard waste. Using your disposal and composting bin in tandem is a smart way to reduce clogs, improve efficiency, and stay compliant.

Signs You May Need a New Disposal Unit

If you notice any of the following, it might be time to upgrade:

Frequent clogs despite proper use
Bad odors that don’t go away
Leaks or rust underneath the sink
A humming sound but no grinding
Outdated unit that doesn’t meet new grind efficiency standards

At Fox Plumbing, we can recommend the right unit for your home based on your usage, plumbing system, and San Diego’s evolving standards.

7. Test Water Pressure

The dry season often coincides with increased water usage. High pressure may stress your pipes and appliances. Use a pressure gauge to check your water pressure—ideal residential pressure ranges from 40–60 psi.

If you’re seeing levels higher than 80 psi, consider installing a pressure regulator or calling a professional to evaluate your system.

How We Can Help

At Fox Plumbing, we’ve been helping San Diego homeowners stay ahead of plumbing codes and performance issues for over 40 years. If you’re unsure whether your garbage disposal is up to the task—or if you’re thinking about upgrading—our team offers fast, affordable, and expert service to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

From emergency plumbing repairs to disposal installation and drain cleaning, we’re here for all your plumbing needs—anytime, day or night.

Call Fox Plumbing today for trusted advice and reliable service from San Diego’s top-rated plumbing professionals.

Understanding San Diego’s Food Waste and Plumbing Guidelines

Are Garbage Disposals Illegal in San Diego?

Do You Need a Special Type of Disposal Unit?

Best Practices: What Can and Can’t Go Down the Disposal

Should You Switch to Composting?

Signs You May Need a New Disposal Unit

7. Test Water Pressure

How We Can Help

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