Composting: El Cajon vs San Diego
How do composting rules compare between El Cajon, CA and San Diego, CA?
San Diego has fewer restrictions than El Cajon.
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 →San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Backyard composting is permitted in San Diego. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion. The city provides organics collection through its Environmental Services Department.
View full San Diego rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 (2016) | - |
| Effective | Jan 2022 enforcement | - |
| Hauler | EDCO Disposal | - |
| Items Accepted | All food + yard waste | - |
| Fines | $50-$250 residential | - |
| Composting | - | Permitted |
| SB 1383 | - | Organic diversion required |
| City Collection | - | Environmental Services Dept |
| Code Enforcement | - | (619) 236-5500 |
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.
San Diego FAQ
Can I compost in San Diego?
Yes. Encouraged for SB 1383 compliance.
Does the city collect organics?
Yes. Environmental Services provides food waste and green waste collection.
What can I compost?
Food scraps, yard waste, coffee grounds, paper. Avoid meat/dairy.
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