Recycling & Waste

The Recycling and Waste Reduction Division promotes sustainable waste management through a variety of initiatives. These include educational presentations at schools, multifamily complexes, and public events, as well as workshops on backyard composting and vermicomposting (worm bin). The Recycling and Waste Reduction Division also coordinates cleanup events at Dixon Lake, oversees the Household Hazardous Waste program, and partners with Escondido Disposal, Inc. for waste collection services.

Programs

The City of Escondido is dedicated to encouraging trash, organic recycling, and recycling reduction. There are several initiatives available to help Escondido residents with their conservation initiatives. For details on specific programs, please refer to the items mentioned below. For information on other programs, contact our office at 760-839-6216.

• Christmas Tree Recycling
• Compost Workshops
• Dixon Lake Cleanups 
• Free Mulch Distribution Information

Earth Day Recycling Art Contest

The annual Earth Day Recycling Art Contest is now open! Formerly known as the Earth Day Poster Contest, this program invites Escondido K-8 students to turn trash into art in honor of Earth Day. The 2026 theme “What Earth Day Means to ME!” asks artists to consider their own perspective on how and why we celebrate our planet on this special day each year. See the flyer below for contest rules, eligibility, and deadlines, or contact emma.potratz@escondido.gov for more information.

2026 Earth Day Recycling Art Contest Flyer

Waste Collection Services

To report concerns regarding your waste collection services or for any additional inquiries about your Trash, Recycling, or Organic waste bins, please contact EDI at 760-745-3203 or visit EDI website.

EDI can assist with concerns, including:

• No blue or green waste bin collection service  
• Missing blue or green waste bins  
• Waste collection billing questions  
• Scheduling an appointment for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Food Recovery

For concerns related to food recovery collection, please email Recycling or call us at 760-839-6216. We can assist with issues such as:

• Missing signage or labeling on waste bins  
• Lack of educational and outreach materials on proper disposal methods

For more information about edible food recovery programs and education, visit our Food Recovery Webpage here.