What is organic waste?

When referring to SB 1383 requirements, organic waste include yard waste, food waste, and plant fibers such as paper and cardboard. All of these materials are currently recycled across the City in some capacity. Single family homes have curbside yard waste collection service AND existing state law, Assembly Bill 1826, requires large generating businesses such as restaurants and hotels and others to recycle food and yard waste. Paper and cardboard are also recycled city-wide in curbside and commercial recycling programs. 

One thing to note - In the recycling business, the term “organic waste” or “organics” has a meaning different from the term “organic” in farming. In farming, an “organic” product is one grown without chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides.

Show All Answers

1. What laws require food waste recycling?
2. What is food waste?
3. What is organic waste?
4. How do I separate my food waste?
5. Can I place my food waste directly in my yard waste container without bagging it?
6. Why do we need to bag food waste?
7. Do the bags have to be made of plastic?
8. What happens to the bag of food waste after it's collected?
9. Can I add compostable materials, like compostable plates, cups, utensils and napkins, to my yard waste bin?
10. Will separating food waste cause odor or pests?
11. Do I have to participate if I already have a backyard compost bin at home?
12. How does this program prevent methane emissions?
13. Can I put my new kitchen pail on the curb?
14. What happens if I don’t participate in the program?