"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.
Source: NPR, 10/22/2009
Advertisement 
