Organic Materials Management
Helping nature cycle.
What is Organic Waste?
Food. Green Material. Landscape and Pruning Waste. Lumber. Wood. Paper Products.
Diverting organic waste from the landfills is part of California’s effort to reduce harmful green house gas emissions. Organic waste can be transformed into value added products such as compost that are reintroduced to our soils. Compost is used: on agricultural lands to help supply organic matter and improve soil health, in water conservation, sustainable landscaping, carbon sequestration, erosion control, reducing waste, and combating climate change.
The mandatory statewide California Organic Collection Requirement, SB 1383, requires jurisdictions to provide organic waste collection to residents and businesses. This collected organic waste can make its way to composters like us. We want to encourage people to be knowledgeable on what they can and cannot throw into their organic waste bin, most commonly the “green” bin.
Accepted Materials
Green Waste (Leaves, Grass Clippings, Plants, Brush, Weeds)
Untreated Wood Waste (Sawdust, Wood Chips, Stumps, Tree Prunings)
Food Waste (Fruits, Vegtables, Bread and Grains, Eggshells, Nutshells, Coffee Grounds, Plate Scrapings)
Green Waste
Wood Waste
Food Waste
Unaccepted Materials
Plastic Utensils, Plastic Bags, BioPlastics (Anything Labeled “Compostable”) Styrofoam, Glass, Materials Recovered from Municipal Solid Waste, Painted-Stained-or Treated Wood, Plywood, Pressboard, Ash/Biochar, Glossy Paper, Colored Paper or Waxed Paper Products (including Cardboard), Paper Products with Ink, Mulch or Fertilizer Bags.
Trash
Metal
Plastic
Resources
Knowing what belongs in your compost bin and what doesn't makes all the difference. Our resources center is here to take the guesswork out of composting and recycling, giving you clear, reliable guidance on accepted materials, preparation tips, and best practices for your household or business. From understanding the difference between compostables and recyclables to navigating common questions about food scraps, yard waste, and packaging, everything here is designed to help you divert more from the landfill with confidence. The more informed our community is, the greater the collective impact we can make together.