FAQ

Organic waste is material that comes from living organisms such as, but not limited to, food, food scraps, food-soiled paper, paper products, yard or green waste, wood, manure, and organic textiles like cotton.

Schools can dispose of food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings in their organic waste bin.

When organic waste is buried in a landfill and decomposes, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that pollutes the air and contributes to climate change.

• In 2016, California established a goal to reduce methane emissions by targeting landfills that are one of the top three sources of methane production in the state.
• The State waste authority, CalRecycle, developed regulations to achieve this goal, requiring the separation of organic waste from going to landfills to fight climate change.

Organic waste collection services may vary slightly depending on the area you are in and what is accepted by the organics processing facility your waste hauler takes the waste to.

• Containers must be labeled and/or have images to indicate the primary materials accepted and prohibited by your hauler.
• Generally, organic waste collection service includes the acceptance of green or yard waste, food and beverage soiled paper, and food scraps.

The use of plastic bags is highly discouraged as it creates a challenge to ensure food waste being correctly processed and composted. However, if you must use plastic bags for the collection of food waste, then the use of plastic bags depends on the facility that processes your waste. 

• Currently most of the facilities require the use of clear or transparent bags because it allows for the facilities to easily inspect a bag’s contents for contaminants or prohibited materials.  
• Confirm with your waste haulers on the usage of plastic bags for your food waste collection.

Food waste collected by a hauler is transported to a permitted organic waste processing facility that creates mulch, compost, energy, or fuel. 

• Mulch and compost are deposited back to the earth where it can enrich the soil. 
• Energy and fuel are used to power electricity or fuel vehicles lessening our dependency on non-renewable energy and fuel resources. 

Yes, education and outreach materials about what can be collected in your waste containers is available from your waste hauler. You may also find education material under our Resource Page.