Composting: El Cajon vs Vista
How do composting rules compare between El Cajon, CA and Vista, CA?
Vista 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 →Vista, CA
San Diego County
Vista supports residential composting under California SB 1383 organic waste diversion requirements. Backyard composting is permitted, and the city's waste hauler provides organic waste collection for food scraps and yard waste.
View full Vista rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cajon | Vista |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | SB 1383 (2016) | - |
| Effective | Jan 2022 enforcement | - |
| Hauler | EDCO Disposal | - |
| Items Accepted | All food + yard waste | - |
| Fines | $50-$250 residential | - |
| Backyard Composting | - | Permitted and encouraged |
| SB 1383 | - | Organic waste diversion required |
| Setback | - | 5 ft from property lines |
| Green Cart | - | Food scraps + yard waste |
| Complaints | - | Code Enforcement (760) 639-6141 |
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.
Vista FAQ
Can I compost in my backyard in Vista?
Yes. Backyard composting is permitted and encouraged. Keep bins at least 5 feet from property lines and maintain them to avoid odor and pest issues.
Does Vista require food scrap recycling?
Yes. Under SB 1383, Vista provides organic waste collection through green carts. Residents must use the service for food scraps and yard trimmings.
What can go in Vista's green waste cart?
Yard trimmings, food scraps, and other organic waste. Meat, dairy, and oils should go in the green cart rather than backyard compost bins.
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