Composting: Vacaville vs Vallejo
How do composting rules compare between Vacaville, CA and Vallejo, CA?
Vacaville has fewer restrictions than Vallejo.
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 →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 | Vacaville | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
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