Composting: Bonsall vs El Cajon
How do composting rules compare between Bonsall, CA and El Cajon, CA?
Bonsall has fewer restrictions than El Cajon.
Bonsall, CA
San Diego County
Backyard composting is permitted in unincorporated San Diego County. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion statewide. Composting should avoid attracting wildlife in rural foothill areas.
View full Bonsall rules →El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
California SB 1383 requires El Cajon residents and businesses to separate organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings) from trash; EDCO provides curbside green-waste and food-scrap collection citywide.
View full El Cajon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bonsall | El Cajon |
|---|---|---|
| Composting | Permitted | - |
| SB 1383 | Organic diversion required | - |
| Wildlife | Enclosed bins recommended (rural) | - |
| State Law | SB 1383 (2022) | SB 1383 (2016) |
| Effective | - | Jan 2022 enforcement |
| Hauler | - | EDCO Disposal |
| Items Accepted | - | All food + yard waste |
| Fines | - | $50-$250 residential |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bonsall FAQ
Can I compost in SD County?
Yes. Use enclosed bins in rural areas to avoid wildlife.
Is composting required?
SB 1383 requires organic diversion. Compost or use green bin.
What about wildlife?
Enclosed bins prevent coyotes and raccoons. Open piles not recommended in foothill/rural areas.
El Cajon FAQ
Does El Cajon allow backyard composting?
Yes. Backyard composting of yard waste and vegetable scraps is encouraged and protected under CA Civil Code §4735, but you still must maintain EDCO organics service per SB 1383.
Can meat and dairy go in my green cart?
Yes — EDCO's curbside organics program accepts meat, fish, bones, dairy, and cooked food that you should not put in backyard compost piles.
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