Recycling Requirements: El Cajon vs Fallbrook
How do recycling requirements rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Fallbrook, CA?
El Cajon and Fallbrook have similar restriction levels.
El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon residential recycling is mandatory under California's recycling laws and the city's waste hauler agreement with EDCO. AB 341 requires businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste to recycle. SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion for all residents and businesses.
View full El Cajon 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 | El Cajon | Fallbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Blue bin — weekly pickup | Recycling + organics separation required |
| AB 341 | Businesses 4+ cu yd must recycle | - |
| SB 1383 | Organic waste diversion required | - |
| Multi-Family | Must provide recycling access | - |
| Goal | 75% waste diversion statewide | - |
| Commercial | - | Mandatory recycling for 4+ cu yd/week |
| Organics | - | SB 1383 — required since Jan 2022 |
| Accepted Materials | - | Paper, cardboard, glass, metals, plastics |
| State Laws | - | AB 341, SB 1383 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cajon FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in El Cajon?
Yes. All residents receive a blue recycling bin from EDCO. Businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste per week must also arrange for recycling under AB 341.
What cannot go in the blue bin?
Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-contaminated paper, electronics, and hazardous materials cannot be placed in the recycling bin.
Do apartments need to provide recycling?
Yes. Multi-family properties must provide recycling bins accessible to all tenants under California's recycling mandates.
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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