Composting: El Cajon vs Escondido
How do composting rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Escondido, CA?
El Cajon and Escondido have similar restriction levels.
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 →Escondido, CA
San Diego County
Escondido mandates organic waste separation under CA SB 1383. Residents receive green-waste carts from EDCO. Backyard composting is allowed and encouraged. Multi-family and businesses must subscribe to organics service.
View full Escondido rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Escondido |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 (2016) | CA SB 1383 |
| Effective | Jan 2022 enforcement | - |
| Hauler | EDCO Disposal | EDCO Waste |
| Items Accepted | All food + yard waste | - |
| Fines | $50-$250 residential | - |
| Backyard Compost | - | Allowed, no permit under 100 sq ft |
| Setback | - | 5 ft from property line |
| Multi-Family/Biz | - | Must subscribe to organics service |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Escondido FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard compost bin in Escondido?
No — residential-scale composting (under 100 sq ft, 5 ft setback, no odor/vectors) is allowed without a permit on any single-family parcel.
Does Escondido require food scraps in the green cart?
Yes. Under SB 1383 food waste must go in your EDCO green organics cart, not the black trash cart. Paper plates and napkins with food residue are also accepted.
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