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• Step 1: The Debris Management Plan (DMP)

  The Debris Management Plan (DMP) identifies the types and quantities of materials that will be generated by your project and will help you choose the appropriate facilities and services. The DMP shall be provided at the County’s Land Development Counter. The plan must be completed by the contractor identified on the building permit and be submitted to the DPW Recycling Section as a condition of approval prior to the building or demolition permit issuance. A DMP with an estimation calculator is available to help determine project recycling estimates. If you are using subcontractors, inform them of the recycling requirements. 

  The Debris Management Plan along with other helpful forms are available from the PDS Land Development Counter or online at the Recycling section's C&D webpage.

  Submit the completed Debris Management Plan by mail to:

  County of San Diego, PDS Land Development Counter

  5510 Overland Ave., Ste. 110

  San Diego, CA 92123

  Or email to: LDPermitCenter@sdcounty.ca.gov

   

• Step 2: Choose a Compliance Method

  There are two (2) methods of compliance:

  1. The Enhanced Collector Method
     • Projects greater than 5,000 ft² MUST use this method.
     • Projects 1,000 - 5,000 ft² are allowed to use this method.
     • Requires a fully refundable Performance Guarantee of $0.40 per square foot with a $40,000 maximum guarantee.
  2. The Approved Collector Method
     • Projects 1,000 - 5,000 ft² are allowed to use this method.
     • Projects greater than 5,000 ft² may NOT use this method.
     • NO performance guarantee required but must submit Letter of Agreement with an Approved Collector.

   

• Step 3: Recover/Recycle Construction and Demolition Debris

  The ordinance requires a 65% diversion rate by the construction and demolition projects, which must include, at a minimum 90% diversion of inert material. If you cannot meet these percentages, you may apply for an Infeasibility Exemption. Submit an Infeasibility Exemption Form.

  Before starting a demolition, construction, or a remodeling project, determine how to manage construction and demolition debris and any excess building materials onsite. You can use the required Debris Management Plan to help determine where project materials will be reused or recycled during the process. Recovering or recycling your projects debris will reduce the amount of debris related to your project that is buried in the landfill.

  Options Include:

  • Debris can be source-separated on site or commingled and hauled off site to a Certified Mixed C&D Debris Recycling Facility for separation and recycling. While source separation is generally preferable to commingling, there are pros and cons to both methods.
  • Materials can be re-used onsite or donated, whereby photo evidence must be supplied.
  • A combination approach: some materials can be taken to a facility for recycling and other materials can be re-used or donated.

   

• Step 4: Save all Receipts/Photographs/Other Documentation Tracking Material Flow

  It is important to document how you are handling your projects' debris and that you save all receipts. All landfill, transfer station, and recycling facility receipts are required to receive a full or partial refund of your Performance Guarantee.

  If material is reused onsite, please submit photographic proof of how it was reused. A Daily Log is required to keep track of a project's material flow. Projects on or after January 1, 2021 may choose to use an Approved Collector to transport, track, and report all material movement.

   

• Step 5: Apply for a Performance Guarantee Refund

  Applicants must submit a Final Debris Management Report (DMR  Excel / PDF) to calculate the final diversion rate for the project within 180 days of the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. The applicant will also need to submit all the receipts and photographic or other diversion proof indicating that 65% of overall project material, including a minimum of 90% inerts, was recycled or reused.

  Submit the Final Debris Management Report, receipts, and proof by mail to:

  Solid Waste Planning and Recycling

  5510 Overland Ave., Ste. 310

  San Diego, CA 92123 

  Or email to: CDRecycling@sdcounty.ca.gov

  The applicant will receive a full or partial refund depending on the recycling rate within 30 days confirmed submittal.