Recycling Requirements: Carlsbad vs Fallbrook
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Carlsbad, CA and Fallbrook, CA?
Carlsbad and Fallbrook have similar restriction levels.
Carlsbad, CA
San Diego County
Mandatory recycling + SB 1383 organics. Food scraps in green bin with yard waste. Republic Services provides three-bin service.
View full Carlsbad rules →Fallbrook, CA
San Diego County
California's mandatory recycling laws (AB 341, SB 1383) apply in unincorporated San Diego County. Residents must separate recyclables and organic waste. Businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste weekly must recycle. Organic waste diversion required since January 2022.
View full Fallbrook rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carlsbad | Fallbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling | Mandatory single-stream | - |
| Organics | SB 1383 | SB 1383 — required since Jan 2022 |
| Food Scraps | Green compost cart | - |
| Provider | Republic Services | - |
| Contact | 760-332-6464 | - |
| Residential | - | Recycling + organics separation required |
| Commercial | - | Mandatory recycling for 4+ cu yd/week |
| Accepted Materials | - | Paper, cardboard, glass, metals, plastics |
| State Laws | - | AB 341, SB 1383 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carlsbad FAQ
Mandatory?
Yes. Recycling and SB 1383 organics.
Food scraps?
Green compost cart with yard waste. Kitchen caddy recommended.
When did service change?
Republic Services took over July 2022.
Fallbrook FAQ
What can I recycle in unincorporated San Diego County?
Generally: paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and plastics #1-5 and #7. Check with your waste hauler for specific accepted materials, as they vary by facility.
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Yes. SB 1383 requires all California residents to separate organic waste including food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper for composting. Your hauler should provide a green organics bin.
What happens if I put non-recyclables in the recycling bin?
Contamination can cause entire loads to be sent to landfill. Common contaminants include plastic bags, food-soiled items, and non-recyclable plastics. When in doubt, put it in the trash.
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