Composting: Carlsbad vs El Cajon
How do composting rules compare between Carlsbad, CA and El Cajon, CA?
El Cajon has fewer restrictions than Carlsbad.
Carlsbad, CA
San Diego County
California SB 1383 requires all Carlsbad single-family and multi-family households to separate organic waste (food scraps, yard waste) from trash. Republic Services provides weekly green-bin collection; backyard composting is also allowed and encouraged.
View full Carlsbad 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 | Carlsbad | El Cajon |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 (PRC §42649.8) | SB 1383 (2016) |
| Green Bin | Mandatory — food scraps + yard waste | - |
| Hauler | Republic Services (weekly) | EDCO Disposal |
| Backyard Compost | Allowed, no vectors/odor | - |
| Fines | Up to $250 per violation | $50-$250 residential |
| Effective | - | Jan 2022 enforcement |
| Items Accepted | - | All food + yard waste |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carlsbad FAQ
Do I have to put food scraps in the green bin in Carlsbad?
Yes. Under California SB 1383, all Carlsbad residents must separate food waste, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings into the green organics cart collected weekly by Republic Services. Food scraps in the trash are a violation.
Can I compost in my backyard instead of using the green bin?
Yes. Backyard composting is permitted and encouraged in Carlsbad. However, the compost must be managed to prevent rodents, flies, and offensive odors — otherwise it can be cited as a nuisance under Municipal Code Chapter 6.08.
What are the fines for not sorting organics?
After warning and education periods, violations of SB 1383 organics separation can result in administrative penalties of $50 (first), $100 (second), and $250 (subsequent) per Title 14 CCR §18997.2.
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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