Organic Food Waste FAQ’s

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Residential Food Waste Recycling Program Frequently Asked Questions

  • Am I required to participate?
    • Yes! This is a California law that requires all residents, multi-family tenants, and commercial businesses to participate in food waste recycling in order to comply with Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383).
  • Are plastic bags allowed?
    • NO! Food waste should be placed loosely into your green (yard) waste bin.
  • What is the benefit of recycling food waste:
    • Your recycling efforts contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in landfilled organic waste. This includes methane, a greenhouse gas of 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
  • I already backyard compost, do I have to participate?
    • We encourage you to continue backyard composting if it fits your lifestyle. Organic items not suitable for backyard compost can be recycle through this program.
  • What items are acceptable?
    • Green waste including tree trimmings, grass clippings, leaves, twigs, pruning waste, flowers, and weeds
    • Fruits
    • Vegetables
    • Cheese and Dairy
    • Bread
    • Pasta
    • Cooked meats and fish
    • Egg Shells
    • Plate scrapings
    • Peels
    • Expired foods
    • Fruit pits
  • What items are NOT acceptable?
    • Plastic bags
    • Trash
    • Bones
    • Raw meats
    • Paper (including newspaper, junk mail)
    • Cardboard
    • Food soiled paper
    • Styrofoam
    • Glass
    • Plastics
    • Metal
    • Diapers
    • Pet waste
    • Electronic Waste
    • Household Hazardous Waste