Recycling Requirements: Fallbrook vs Vista
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Fallbrook, CA and Vista, CA?
Fallbrook and Vista have similar restriction levels.
Fallbrook, CA
San Diego County
California's mandatory recycling laws (AB 341, SB 1383) apply in unincorporated San Diego County. Residents must separate recyclables and organic waste. Businesses generating 4+ cubic yards of waste weekly must recycle. Organic waste diversion required since January 2022.
View full Fallbrook rules →Vista, CA
San Diego County
Vista requires all residents and businesses to separate recyclables and organic waste from landfill trash under California SB 1383 and AB 341. Recyclables go in the blue cart and organic waste (food scraps, yard waste) in the green cart. Contamination of recycling carts may result in non-collection.
View full Vista rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fallbrook | Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Recycling + organics separation required | - |
| Commercial | Mandatory recycling for 4+ cu yd/week | - |
| Organics | SB 1383 — required since Jan 2022 | - |
| Accepted Materials | Paper, cardboard, glass, metals, plastics | - |
| State Laws | AB 341, SB 1383 | - |
| Organic Waste Law | - | SB 1383 (effective Jan 2022) |
| Recycling Law | - | AB 341 |
| Accepted Plastics | - | #1-5, #7 |
| EDCO Contact | - | (760) 745-3203 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fallbrook FAQ
What can I recycle in unincorporated San Diego County?
Generally: paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, metal cans, and plastics #1-5 and #7. Check with your waste hauler for specific accepted materials, as they vary by facility.
Do I have to separate food scraps?
Yes. SB 1383 requires all California residents to separate organic waste including food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper for composting. Your hauler should provide a green organics bin.
What happens if I put non-recyclables in the recycling bin?
Contamination can cause entire loads to be sent to landfill. Common contaminants include plastic bags, food-soiled items, and non-recyclable plastics. When in doubt, put it in the trash.
Vista FAQ
What can I put in the recycling cart in Vista?
Paper, cardboard (flattened), glass bottles and jars, aluminum and tin cans, and plastics #1-5 and #7. Do not include plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-contaminated items, or electronics.
Do I have to put food scraps in the green cart in Vista?
Yes. Under California SB 1383, all residents must separate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings from trash and place them in the green waste cart. This has been mandatory since January 2022.
What happens if I contaminate my recycling cart?
EDCO may tag your cart and leave it uncollected. You will need to remove the contaminating items before the next pickup. Chronic contamination may result in additional charges or service modifications.
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