Organic Recycling

The largest material type found in California landfills is organic waste, which includes food waste. As organic material breaks down in these landfills, methane gas is released. Methane gas is a climate pollutant that is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide, causing various health conditions. In 2016, former Governor Brown signed legislation (SB 1383) that targets a reduction of short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane. This law aims to achieve a 75 percent reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025. Requiring all residential, multifamily, and commercial units to divert organic waste from the landfills. Visit CalRecycle's website for more information on the importance of SB 1383.


Your green waste cart can now be used as your organics cart. It is encouraged to recycle your kitchen food scarps along with your yard waste and other green waste. Your food scraps can be placed inside organics cart by itself or in a paper/compostable bag. Plastic bags and other trash materials are not allowed. By placing all organic materials into the organics cart and setting it out for collection, CR&R hauls it to their anaerobic digestor. At this facility then converts all organic materials into renewable energy, compost, and mulch. You can find more information on CR&R's anaerobic digestor HERE. 

For more information on a list of materials that is allowed into your organics cart can be found on the Organic/Food Waste page. 


Tips for Using your Organics Cart

  • Start with yard trimmings such as leaves, grass clippings and/or newspaper at the bottom of your cart to prevent food scraps from being trapped.
  • Alternate layering the food scraps and yard trimmings to keep the cart cleaner.
  • Paper bags and compostable bags (with the BPI logo) are allowed to store your food scraps. Other types of bags are not allowed.

Preventing Odor from your Organics Cart

  • Store you cart in the shade during warm weather.
  • Keep your food scraps in the freezer until collection day.
  • Sprinkle baking soda in your organics cart. 
CR&R is currently working to get every resident an organics cart if you currently do not have one. For more information on the organics cart and what materials are allowed inside please contact CR&R Waste Services at 949-728-0446.