The rule that trips everyone up: in Solana Beach, Encinitas and Del Mar, EDCO takes no plastic bags in the green cart, not even certified compostable or biodegradable ones. Put food scraps in loose, or wrapped in newspaper, paper towels or a paper bag.
Green cart: organics
Food scraps, Meat, fish, bones, Dairy and eggshells, Coffee grounds and filters, Greasy pizza box, Paper towels and napkins (used), Yard trimmings, Halloween pumpkin, Christmas tree.
Freeze scraps in a container or a paper bag between pickups to keep the smell down. EDCO cities: request a free kitchen caddie from EDCO. Carlsbad: pick one up free at the Palomar Transfer Station, 5960 El Camino Real.
Blue cart: recycling
Glass bottles and jars, Aluminum and steel cans, Aluminum foil, Empty aerosol cans, Clean, dry paint cans, Cardboard, Mail, office paper, magazines, Cereal boxes and egg cartons, Shredded paper, Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs (#1-7).
Everything empty, with no liquids, and loose in the cart (paper bags are fine; no plastic bags).
Never in a cart
- Plastic grocery bags: Not in the blue cart: return them to a grocery store or reuse them.
- Batteries: Never in any cart. Hazardous waste.
- Light bulbs: Never in trash or recycling. Hazardous waste.
- Leftover paint: Free paint drop-off at many paint and hardware stores; never curbside.
- Motor oil, pesticides, pool chemicals: Hazardous waste program.
- Electronics: Free e-waste drop-off.
- Furniture, mattress, appliances: EDCO bulky item pickup, by request.
Who picks up, and when
- Solana Beach: EDCO, (858) 350-8544 · pickup schedule
- Encinitas: EDCO, (760) 436-4151 · pickup schedule
- Del Mar: EDCO, (619) 287-7555 · pickup schedule
- Carlsbad: Republic Services, (760) 332-6464
Carlsbad switched to Republic Services in July 2022 with new blue, gray and green carts. Not sure? The hauler is named on your cart and your bill.
Need a hand hauling the bulky stuff or sorting a garage? Text PJ. More: just need a human.
Sources: EDCO organics, recycling and hazardous waste guidelines · City of Carlsbad. Checked October 5, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
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Questions people ask
Can I put compostable bags in the green bin in Solana Beach or Encinitas?
No. EDCO, the hauler for Solana Beach, Encinitas and Del Mar, says not to use any plastic bags in the organics cart, including certified compostable or biodegradable bags. Paper bags and newspaper are fine.
Does a greasy pizza box go in recycling or the green bin?
The green cart: food-soiled paper, including pizza boxes, goes in organics.
Where do batteries go in North County?
Never in any cart. Batteries, including lithium-ion, are household hazardous waste; use a hazardous waste drop-off or your hauler's program.
Who picks up trash in Carlsbad?
Republic Services, since July 2022. Solana Beach, Encinitas and Del Mar are served by EDCO.
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