START COMPOSTING, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In 2022, California enacted a law requiring all food waste to be collected separately from trash from state homes and businesses and, in most cases, added to their green waste collection.
In Southern California, counties are working to make this easy while educating residents that it’s smart for the planet. Food waste in landfills creates a large amount of methane gas as it decomposes, which is one of the major causes of global climate change. When food waste is collected by facilities that can process it, it can be used to create compost for parks and schools, processed into renewable energy or even to create biofuels, so there are many benefits (and good feelings) to separating your egg shells, rinds and coffee grounds.
How do I get started?
The easiest way is to get a separate bin for compostables in the kitchen, just like an extra can for recyclables, and get you and your family into the habit of using it. In the city of Los Angeles, you can get a countertop food waste bin for free – simply visit lacitysan.org for pickup locations.
In Orange County, different waste jurisdictions will handle food waste differently, but in general, it will be added to existing green bins. See oclandfills.com for details about your specific city or neighborhood.
What is collected in food waste?
Generally, anything organic can go in the food waste bin, as well as some packing materials (paper products contaminated with food waste, like greasy pizza boxes or coffee filters). Meat scraps, uneaten veggies, eggshells, expired food and anything else you’d otherwise toss should be added to green waste. Use a covered container and empty it into your outside trash can frequently to cut down on smells, just like any trash in the home. Plastics and other items cannot be composted at this time, even if they are labeled “biodegradable.”
If you live in a condo or apartment, your property manager is required to add bins and collection for green waste – speak with them or your local sanitation department if you have questions.
What about restaurants?
Under the new law, they are required to separate food waste as well. Some restaurants will do this in back-of-house, but you will also see more instances of an extra bin for diners to scrape any leftover food into, especially in fast-casual or fast-food restaurants. Some forward-thinking restaurants had already begun this process, in some cases to create their own compost.
What if I already compost?
You can continue to use your food waste for your own compost blend – just make sure that any extra you aren’t using to create topsoil goes in the bin.