Composting: El Cajon vs San Marcos
How do composting rules compare between El Cajon, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos 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 Marcos, CA
San Diego County
Backyard composting is permitted in unincorporated San Diego County. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion statewide. Composting should avoid attracting wildlife in rural foothill areas.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 (2016) | SB 1383 (2022) |
| Effective | Jan 2022 enforcement | - |
| Hauler | EDCO Disposal | - |
| Items Accepted | All food + yard waste | - |
| Fines | $50-$250 residential | - |
| Composting | - | Permitted |
| SB 1383 | - | Organic diversion required |
| Wildlife | - | Enclosed bins recommended (rural) |
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 Marcos FAQ
Can I compost in SD County?
Yes. Use enclosed bins in rural areas to avoid wildlife.
Is composting required?
SB 1383 requires organic diversion. Compost or use green bin.
What about wildlife?
Enclosed bins prevent coyotes and raccoons. Open piles not recommended in foothill/rural areas.
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