Articles supported by County of San Diego Department of Public Works

About County of San Diego Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works consists of four divisions responsible for a variety of activities. These range from the construction and maintenance of roads and highways in the unincorporated areas of the county, to the management of the region's sanitation and flood control districts. It also includes construction, operation and maintenance of regional general aviation airports, such as McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad and Gillespie Field in El Cajon.

Three people gathered in front of a large compost pile. One person is holding a hand full of dirt and all three people are inspecting it.

Collective Effort

April 25, 2026 County of San Diego Department of Public Works

Keeping organic waste out of landfills benefits everyone by Anne Stokes Landfills are a critical and limited resource. Reducing the amount of material sent to them benefits our entire community and region. By working together […]

Man smiles while in his greenhouse. His face is surrounded by his tomato plants.

A Healthy Foundation

April 25, 2026 County of San Diego Department of Public Works

Organic recycling contributes to healthy soil, supporting local farms by Stacy Brandt For Josh Raser, the quality of the soil at Hidden Valley Farm is as important as that of the vegetables that grow from […]

Father and daughter sitting at table with a countertop organic waste pail. The daughter is holding a banana.

One Food Scrap at a Time

April 25, 2026 County of San Diego Department of Public Works

Local family is committed to recycling, inside and outside of the home by Stacy Brandt For the Weihe family, recycling is a way of life—at home, school, and work. Nearly everywhere they go, they find […]

After some trial and error, Lakeside resident Karen Prath developed recycling habits that work for her home. Photo courtesy of Karen Prath

Progress, Not Perfection

April 25, 2026 County of San Diego Department of Public Works

Take small steps to build better habits by Anne Stokes Lakeside resident Karen Prath’s journey to recycle her organic waste has had its ups and downs, but she’s found a manageable routine to keep them […]