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🗑️ Trash & Recycling/Pickup Rules & Schedules

Pickup Rules & Schedules: El Cajon vs San Diego

How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between El Cajon, CA and San Diego, CA?

El Cajon and San Diego have similar restriction levels.

El Cajon, CA

San Diego County

Some Restrictions

EDCO Disposal provides weekly curbside collection of trash, recyclables, and green waste for El Cajon residents. Collection is on a scheduled weekday. Bins must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day with lids closed. California SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion.

View full El Cajon rules →

San Diego, CA

San Diego County

Some Restrictions

San Diego provides weekly residential solid waste collection per SDMC §66.0127 and the Waste Management Regulations. The City collects trash weekly and recyclables biweekly. The new organic waste program under SB 1383 compliance requires food scraps and yard waste in the green bin. Containers must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day and retrieved by 6:00 PM. The City transitioned all single-family homes to city-provided trash service.

View full San Diego rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactEl CajonSan Diego
ProviderEDCO Disposal — 619-287-7555-
CollectionWeekly — varies by neighborhood-
Bin PlacementBy 6 AM, lids closed-
Three BinsTrash, recycling, organics/green-
SB 1383Organic waste separation required-
Frequency-Trash weekly; recycling biweekly
Organic Waste-Green bin for food scraps/yard waste (SB 1383)
Set-Out Time-By 6 AM on collection day
Retrieval-By 6 PM on collection day per §66.0105
Service-City-provided for all single-family homes

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

El Cajon FAQ

What day is trash pickup in El Cajon?

Collection day varies by neighborhood. Contact EDCO at 619-287-7555 or check their website to find your scheduled collection day.

Do I have to separate food scraps?

Yes. Under California SB 1383, food scraps and organic waste must be placed in the green organics bin, not the trash bin.

What goes in the blue recycling bin?

Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum and tin cans, and plastic containers marked #1-#7. Check EDCO guidelines for specific accepted items.

San Diego FAQ

What goes in each bin?

Black bin for trash, blue bin for recyclables, green bin for organic waste (food scraps and yard trimmings) per SB 1383 requirements.

When should I put my bins out?

Place bins at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day and retrieve them by 6:00 PM the same day.

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