Composting: Fairfield vs Vallejo
How do composting rules compare between Fairfield, CA and Vallejo, CA?
Fairfield has fewer restrictions than Vallejo.
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 →Vallejo, CA
Solano County
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
View full Vallejo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfield | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Statute | - | SB 1383 |
| Code | - | Public Resources Code 42649.8 |
| Target | - | 75% organics diversion |
| Max fine | - | $10,000 per day |
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.
Vallejo FAQ
Do I have to use the green bin?
Yes, unless your jurisdiction approves backyard composting or self-haul. SB 1383 requires every resident to keep organic waste out of the landfill stream.
Is home composting allowed everywhere?
Yes. State regulations explicitly permit backyard composting as a compliant alternative, though local nuisance and rodent rules still apply.
Compare other topics
See how Fairfield and Vallejo compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool