Gray Bin (Trash)
All trash must fit inside the container so the lid closes completely. Do not overfill the cart or pack it with heavy construction debris, as overweight carts will not be serviced.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable household trash
- ✓Diapers and feminine hygiene products
- ✓Foam packing peanuts
- ✓Ceramics and broken window glass
- ✓Treated wood (small pieces)
- ✓Pet waste and kitty litter (bagged)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Keep all items empty, clean, dry, and loose. Do not bag your recyclables in plastic garbage bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, unsoiled paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and rigid plastics marked #1-#7
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (all colors)
- ✓Aluminum and tin/steel cans
- ✓Cereal boxes and junk mail
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and grocery film
- ✕Styrofoam packing peanuts
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕PVC pipes and vinyl
- ✕Batteries and electronics
Yard Waste Bin
No plastic bags of any kind are permitted, including those labeled 'compostable'. Use standard paper bags to contain food waste or place it directly into the green cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps (meat, bones, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, paper napkins, coffee filters)
- ✓Grass clippings, leaves, and weeds
- ✓Small branches and tree trimmings
- ✓Natural fibers (popsicle sticks, wooden chopsticks)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand pickups must be scheduled directly with Escondido Disposal Inc. (EDI).
Placement
Place items at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day, keeping them clear of your standard carts, vehicles, and mailboxes.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and dressers
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large household appliances
- ✓ Televisions and electronics
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Concrete, rocks, and dirt
- ✕ Hazardous waste and liquid chemicals
- ✕ Tires
Items containing Freon (such as refrigerators or AC units) will incur higher processing and environmental disposal fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, service will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, there is no delay in service.
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular trash.
EDI/EDCO observes a standard set of major holidays; local or minor holidays typically do not disrupt collection schedules.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Ban on 'Compostable' Plastics
Despite the eco-friendly marketing, Escondido's local processing facilities cannot break down 'compostable' or 'biodegradable' plastic bags or utensils. Always use standard paper bags or toss your food scraps loosely into the green cart.
Never Bag Your Recyclables
Plastic garbage bags and grocery film are the top cause of machinery jams at EDCO's sorting facility. Place all your clean cardboard, glass, and approved plastics loosely inside the blue cart.
No Batteries in the Bins
Never throw AA, AAA, or lithium-ion batteries into your gray or blue carts. They are a massive fire hazard in the collection trucks. Utilize the local Household Hazardous Waste facility instead.
Seasonal Information
Winter/Holidays
December to JanuaryNatural Christmas trees are collected curbside. Remove all stands, lights, and ornaments, and cut the tree in half if it exceeds four feet. Flocked or artificial trees are not accepted in the green cart and must go to the landfill.
Rainy Season
December to MarchDuring winter storms, it is crucial to keep all cart lids completely closed to keep recyclables dry and prevent loose trash from washing into Escondido's storm drains.
Summer Heat
June to SeptemberTo prevent odors and pests in your green cart during the hot summer, store your food scraps in a container in the fridge or freezer during the week and only empty them into the cart the night before your collection day.
About Escondido Waste Management
Escondido's Exclusive Franchise with EDI
Escondido's residential and commercial waste services are managed by Escondido Disposal Inc. (EDI), a family-owned subsidiary of EDCO. Operating a fleet of clean, renewable natural gas (RNG) collection trucks, EDI manages all curbside trash, recycling, and organic waste. The city utilizes a standard three-cart system, providing residents with a gray cart for landfill trash, a blue cart for commingled recycling, and a green cart for all organic and yard waste to meet California's strict zero-waste initiatives.
Organics Recycling and SB 1383 Compliance
In strict accordance with Senate Bill 1383, the City of Escondido mandates that all residential households separate their organic waste from regular trash. The green organics cart is heavily utilized for more than just grass clippings. Residents are required to place all food scraps, including meat, bones, and dairy, as well as food-soiled paper products like greasy pizza boxes and used napkins, directly into the green cart rather than sending them to the landfill.
Rigorous Rules Against Plastic Bags
One of the most heavily enforced rules at the EDCO recovery facilities serving Escondido is the strict ban on plastic bags. Whether you are dealing with the blue recycling cart or the green organics cart, plastic film is prohibited. Recyclables must be kept loose, clean, and dry. Even plastics labeled as 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' are strictly banned from the green organics cart, as the regional anaerobic digestion and composting facilities cannot properly break them down.
Specialized Household Hazardous Waste Access
Disposing of hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries, paint, and used motor oil in standard curbside carts is strictly illegal and dangerous. To support safe disposal, the City of Escondido partners with EDI to operate a dedicated Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility on West Washington Avenue. This site is open exclusively for Escondido residents by appointment on two Saturdays per month, allowing for the safe drop-off of e-waste, household chemicals, and medical sharps.
Drop-off Facilities
Escondido Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
1044 W Washington Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Materials Accepted
EDCO Resource Recovery / Transfer Station
1021 W. Mission Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Escondido offer free bulky item pickup for furniture?
The City of Escondido and EDI do not offer unlimited free bulky item pickups. You can schedule a special curbside collection for items like couches and mattresses by calling EDI, but a per-item disposal fee applies.
Can I put food waste in my green yard waste bin in Escondido?
Yes. Under California's SB 1383, you must put all organic waste, including food scraps (meat, dairy, bones) and food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, coffee filters), into your green organics cart alongside your yard trimmings.
Are compostable bags allowed in the green cart in Escondido?
No. Escondido Disposal strictly prohibits any plastic bags, including those labeled as 'compostable' or 'biodegradable', from the green organics cart. You may use standard paper bags to contain food waste instead.
Where can I dispose of old paint and batteries in Escondido?
Residents can drop off household hazardous waste (HHW) like paint, batteries, and motor oil at the EDCO facility on Washington Avenue. It is open two Saturdays a month by appointment only. You must call ahead to schedule your drop-off.