Composting: Fairfield vs Vacaville
How do composting rules compare between Fairfield, CA and Vacaville, CA?
Fairfield and Vacaville have similar restriction levels.
Fairfield, CA
Solano County
Under California SB 1383, all Fairfield residents and businesses must subscribe to organic-waste collection and separate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from the trash. Backyard composting remains permitted and counts as compliance for residents.
View full Fairfield rules →Vacaville, CA
Solano County
Vacaville residents and businesses must subscribe to Recology Vacaville Solano's organics (green-cart) curbside service under California SB 1383 (Public Resources Code Sections 42649.8-42649.97). Food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings go to Jepson Prairie Organics on Hay Road for composting. Backyard composting is allowed as a complement, subject to standard nuisance and rodent-control rules.
View full Vacaville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfield | Vacaville |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | California SB 1383 | - |
| Resident requirement | Subscribe + separate organics from trash | - |
| Business start date | January 1, 2022 | - |
| Resident enforcement start | January 1, 2024 | - |
| Cure period after notice | 60 days | - |
| State Law | - | Cal. SB 1383 (PRC 42649.8+) |
| City Hauler | - | Recology Vacaville Solano |
| Compost Site | - | Jepson Prairie Organics (Hay Rd) |
| Bin Color | - | Green = organics |
| Backyard Compost | - | Allowed (no nuisance) |
| Free Compost | - | Yes, to Vacaville residents |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfield FAQ
Can I backyard-compost instead of using the green cart?
Yes. SB 1383 recognizes on-site composting as a valid diversion method. You still pay the standard waste service rate, but you can divert food scraps and yard waste to a properly maintained home composter rather than the cart.
What goes in the green organics cart?
Food scraps of all kinds (including meat, bones, and dairy), food-soiled paper such as napkins and coffee filters, and yard trimmings. Do not put plastic, including 'compostable' plastic, in the green cart unless your hauler specifically accepts it.
Vacaville FAQ
Do I have to use the green organics cart in Vacaville?
Yes. California SB 1383 requires every resident and business to subscribe to and participate in organics collection. Vacaville and Recology Vacaville Solano operate the curbside green-cart program; food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings all go in.
Can I still compost in my backyard?
Yes. Backyard composting is allowed and encouraged as a complement to curbside service. The pile must not create odor, attract rodents, or otherwise violate VMC Chapter 6.20 or 8.04 nuisance rules. The Solano Resource Conservation District offers free composting workshops.
Where does Vacaville's organic waste end up?
Jepson Prairie Organics, located next to the Recology Hay Road Landfill at 6426 Hay Road in Vacaville - one of the largest food-scrap composting operations in the nation. Free finished compost is available there to Vacaville residents.
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