Environmental Sustainability

The primary role of the Environmental Services Division is to implement the Climate Action Plan and to manage the City’s integrated waste management activities. 

The 2018 La Mesa Climate Action Plan, or CAP, outlines a roadmap to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 53% by 2035 from the 2010 baselines. Within the CAP there are 25 measures and additional key actions to reduce GHG emissions related to energy, transportation, solid waste, green infrastructure, and water. For more news and information on the CAP and La Mesa’s sustainability efforts, visit the Climate Action Plan page. 

Waste management activities include solid waste franchise administration and compliance with the CalRecycle requirements for reduction of waste thrown into the landfill. La Mesa has an exclusive franchise agreement with EDCO Disposal Corporation for solid waste disposal and recycling services. Household hazardous waste and electronic and universal waste disposal and recycling are also coordinated through this division. For more information, visit the Waste & Recycling page. 

News and Updates!

Climate Action Plan Progress Report - January 24, 2023 - Presentation to City Council on CAP progress.  

2023 CAP Update - The City of La Mesa is currently updating the 2018 Climate Action Plan and is expected to complete in 2023.  Subscribe to the City of La Mesa City Manager Update newsletter to stay up to date on workshops and updates. 

2022 CAP Annual Report -  Learn about Climate Action Plan implementation in the City’s most recent annual report. You can find the Annual Report and Appendix on our Climate Action Plan page.

Mandatory Organics Recycling for Businesses - In 2014, Governor Brown signed AB 1826 into law requiring businesses to recycle their organic waste. The law phases the requirements and includes more businesses over time so be sure to learn more about the requirements today.

La Mesa a founding member of San Diego Community Power - On September 10, 2019, La Mesa City Council approved a regional Community Choice Aggregation program in partnership with Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, and San Diego. As of March 2022, SDCP officially launched all phases of service to La Mesa municipal, industrial, business, and residential accounts. Learn about Community Choice Energy.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event - Make an appointment to dispose of your hazardous waste at our next Household Hazardous Waste collection event. Visit the City's HHW webpage to learn more.