"Tossing food scraps in your garbage can is a crime — at least in San Francisco.

A brand-new city law requires residents to discard food waste in a separate bin.

... so far, it's a mandate San Franciscans seem to relish. In fact, many residents and landlords began implementing the law before it took effect, using their city-provided food recycling bins to separate waste."

Seattle has a composting law that took effect last April, but it exempts businesses, restaurants, and apartment buildings.

David Gorn reports for NPR October 21, 2009. [2]