Beginning in 2022, California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) will require Fresno County and all California counties to provide residents with a green cart for the collection of their source-separated organic waste.

Residents will be instructed by their waste hauler how collection of these materials will be handled.

FOOD WASTE SEPARATION / PROPER DISPOSAL

Rather than throwing food scraps or spoiled food into your trash, you will need to separate this food waste and place it into a countertop pail to later place into your green or blue or compost at your home. Paper or plastic bags (including compostable types) may not allowed in your carts. Yard trimmings mixed with food scraps will absorb liquids and help to minimize odor.

• Choose a container that works for you. Use the countertop pail or your own plastic tub. You can also use a decorative pail with a filter and lid.
• Find a place to store it. You can keep food scraps on the counter, under the sink, next to your trash can or in the fridge.
• If your green cart gets messy, a quick hose out should do the trick.
• Use a clear plastic bag to line your pail and prevent leaks but know that these plastic bags maynot go in your green cart with your food waste.
• Keep food scraps in the fridge or freezer until collection day. This helps your outdoor cart stay cleaner too.

Composting is a great alternative use for food waste. This is an activity that the whole family can get behind and will provide rich nutrients for home gardens. For more information, visit the links below:

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/homecompost

Less food waste can start with a few things:

• Meal Planning / Developing a Shopping Guide
• Knowing how to store food properly in your home (including labeling items in the freezer)
• Knowing what to create with your leftovers
• Understanding the dates on food labels
• Preparing more accurate portions

There may be times where you have food that isn’t spoiled yet you no longer have a need for it. Donating food to local organizations is a great way to prevent food waste from entering the landfill and at the same time, benefiting those in need in your community. A bonus is that donating food can be a tax deduction. For more information, contact your tax professional.

Specific information regarding Organic Recycling and when/how it will be implemented in your area:

Merced County residents: https://www.co.merced.ca.us/756/Garbage-Service-Waste-Haulers

City of Atwater Residents:  https://www.atwater.org/departments/publicworks/

City of Dos Palos Residents:  https://dospaloscity.wixsite.com/dospalos/for-residents

City of Gustine: https://www.cityofgustine.com/pview.aspx?id=35354&catid=0

City of Livingston: https://www.cityoflivingston.org/publicworks/page/sanitation-and-recycling

City of Los Banos Residents:  https://losbanos.org/solid_waste_and_recycling/

City of Merced Residents:  https://www.cityofmerced.org/departments/public-works/refuse-trash-services/green-waste/-fsiteid-1