Can that go in the yard waste bin? An overview of organic waste requirements in the San Diego region

BACKGROUND

Organic waste is the largest material type in California’s landfills and is a big contributor to the greenhouse gas problem. In 2016, then-Governor Brown signed legislation (Senate Bill 1383) that targets the reduction of some climate pollutants, including methane. The law directs the state’s Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery (CalRecycle) to adopt regulations and requirements to achieve a 50 percent reduction in organic waste disposal by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025.

As of Jan 2023, SB 1383 mandates that all residents and businesses reduce organic waste (food scraps and yard trimmings) sent to landfills. Each city or municipality must provide collection services for organic waste, but the waste collection services may differ in their requirements for what is put in the green waste bin, and what must continue to go in the trash bins.

HOW DO WE DO IT?

Instead of continuing to put your food waste into the trash bin, put it in the yard waste bin. San Diego residents must follow the rules of Miramar Greenery while Carlsbad residents use Republic Services who recycle at their own composting facility in Otay Mesa. Organic waste collection services for households in the City of San Diego began this month, and will continue as a phased roll-out, with completion expected by mid-year.

What’s “organic”?

A rule of thumb is this: if it grows, it goes in the organic waste recycling bin! That is, if the waste item grew out of the ground or from a tree, then it should be added to your organic waste recycling bin.

What goes in?

Fruits and Vegetables
Bread products
Eggs and dairy products
Coffee Grounds and Paper Filters
Loose Tea Leaves
Paper Towels, plates, and Napkins
Cut Flowers and Plant Trimmings
Prepared food scraps (Republic Services can handle seafood, meat, and bones, too.)
Food-soiled paper and cardboard (yes, that pizza box!) **
Yard trimmings

What does NOT go in?

Glass and Metals
Plastic bags, containers, dishes, and utensils
Fats, Oils and Grease
Dirt and Rocks

How do I keep the bin clean?

Collect your food scraps in a small, covered container on your countertop or under the sink. Note: kitchen “caddies” may be provided by your city’s service.
Line the caddy with a paper bag or newspaper
Drain as much liquid as possible from wet food scraps
If possible, place the bag in your freezer before dropping it into your outdoor green bin.
If practical, layer yard trimmings then food scraps inside the bin
Keep your organic waste bin in a shaded area with the lid closed at all times.
Rinse your green bin with mild soap and water when necessary. Do this on your lawn or over another planted area, and NOT in the storm drain.

DO NOT

Don’t put baking soda in your bin to kill the odors. It will kill the fungus that causes the odor, but since the contents are headed for a composting facility, the baking soda may kill beneficial fungicides in the compost pile, thus destroying the entire pile. What’s worse, baking soda may also kill earthworms.

What if the kitchen caddy develops fruit flies?

Use a vacuum to remove them.
Trap the next generation with a fruit fly trap: apple cider vinegar in a small bowl or cup, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the wrap with a toothpick. The flies will be drawn to the vinegar and will get trapped inside.

A Note on Food Containers in the City of San Diego

** Do NOT include soiled food containers if they are labeled “compostable” or “biodegradable”. These items, including bags, takeout containers, coffee pods, food packaging, cups, plates and service ware are NOT accepted in the San Diego green waste bin. These compostable or biodegradable products should be placed in the trash bin. This is an example of a local policy determined by the composting facility. In this case, San Diego’s Miramar Greenery composting facility cannot break down these types of compostable products. If these items are placed in the green composting bin, they would cause contamination and diminish the quality of the finished compost. The rules may be different in other communities so check with your local services department.