Recycling Requirements: San Diego vs Vista
How do recycling requirements rules compare between San Diego, CA and Vista, CA?
San Diego and Vista have similar restriction levels.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
San Diego requires recyclable materials to be placed in approved blue recycling containers per SDMC Chapter 6, Article 6, Division 7. The City collects recyclables biweekly. SB 1383 compliance requires organic waste separation in green bins. The City has updated collection operations and amended franchise agreements to meet state recycling mandates. Contamination of recycling bins with non-recyclable materials may result in service warnings.
View full San Diego 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 | San Diego | Vista |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | SDMC Ch. 6, Art. 6, Div. 7 | - |
| Collection | Biweekly curbside recycling | - |
| SB 1383 | Organic waste must go in green bin | - |
| Blue Bin | Paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals | - |
| Contamination | Non-recyclables in blue bin may trigger warnings | - |
| 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.
San Diego FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in San Diego?
Yes. SDMC Chapter 6, Article 6, Division 7 requires recyclable materials to be placed in approved recycling containers. SB 1383 also mandates organic waste separation.
What can I put in the blue recycling bin?
Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, glass bottles and jars, and metal cans. Check the City's Environmental Services website for the full accepted materials list.
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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