SACRAMENTO — January 1 marks two years since California implemented its organic recycling law, aimed at reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The law, which requires cities to collect food scraps separately from trash, has made significant strides, with 93% of California communities now participating in residential organic waste collection.
Starting next month, the law will take its next big step: 75% of all organic waste must be diverted from landfills.
Tackling Holiday Food Waste
“During the holiday season, Americans throw away an average of 316 million pounds of food,” said Jessica Pureco-Garcia of CalRecycle, the state’s recycling agency. Waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
To curb this, Californians are reminded to toss food scraps into green waste bins instead of the trash. Cities like Davis are actively monitoring compliance, with teams of “trash trackers” issuing notices to residents improperly disposing of green waste in garbage cans.
Why It Matters
The law’s primary goal is to prevent organic material like food scraps from decomposing in landfills, where it produces methane — a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
“If it just sits there, it turns into methane and contributes to the overall heating of our planet,” Pureco-Garcia explained.
From Scraps to Soil
So, where does all that collected food waste go?
Once picked up, food scraps are taken to composting facilities. The compost is then used on farms across California to grow healthier crops.
“It’s a full-circle process,” said Pureco-Garcia. “From kitchen to crops.”
The compost helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, saving farmers money and improving soil health. Additionally, during drought years, compost helps soil retain more moisture, making it an invaluable resource.
Christmas Tree Recycling
The state also encourages residents to recycle real Christmas trees by cutting them up and placing them in green waste bins or dropping them off at free mulching collection sites. This keeps trees out of landfills and gives them a second life as mulch for landscaping.
Small Changes, Big Impact
CalRecycle is optimistic about the progress made in the last two years. “We’re seeing positive progress across the board,” Pureco-Garcia said.
She emphasized that even small changes, like properly disposing of food scraps, can make a big difference in protecting the environment and reducing waste.
For California, the organic recycling law is not just about waste management — it’s about creating a more sustainable future for everyone.
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