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Mandatory Organics Recycling

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1. How can I search this FAQ?

You can use the FAQ search box to narrow results of questions and responses. Type in a word or short phrase, select "Mandatory Organics Recycling" from the dropdown and then click the search icon.

Using a Desktop Browser: The search box is located on the right side of this page.

Using a Mobile Browser: The search box is located towards the bottom of this page, under the last question. 

2. What is SB 1383?

Senate Bill 1383 is a statewide organic waste recycling mandate which was passed in 2016 and is intended to divert short-lived climate pollutants from landfills, reducing organic waste, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. You can view the legislation text here.

3. How will this law help the environment?

Landfill gas created by decomposing organic waste is a significant source of overall greenhouse gas emissions. This law helps California achieve its aggressive recycling and greenhouse gas emission goals and address climate change by reducing materials in the landfill which produce gas. 

4. How much landfill waste will this law reduce?

Despite the state’s robust and traditional recycling infrastructure, organic materials (yard trimmings, food scraps and soiled paper) make up about half of the State’s waste stream, and food waste is the largest single waste stream in California. Redirecting these resources to composting and digesting operations will save landfill space, generate energy, reduce emissions, and restore soi 

5. Who must comply with the new law?

The law affects all California residents, including those in single- and multi-family homes, commercial entities, and schools. The City of Citrus Heights is planning to launch its organics recycling program for residents in summer 2022. Education and outreach will be provided to Citrus Heights residents before the anticipated launch. 

6. What is Organic Waste?

Organic waste is the food, food scraps, food-soiled paper AND yard waste that will be collected and recycled. 

7. What is the difference between “organic food” vs “organic waste”?

Organic food often refers to food that is grown without the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, or bioengineered genes (GMOs). Organic waste is the food, food scraps, food-soiled paper AND yard waste that will be collected and recycled. 

8. What is the difference between "food waste" vs "compost"?

Food waste is the food, food scraps and food-soiled paper intended to be disposed of. We can recycle that material to create fuel, energy and compost. Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. “Backyard Composting” is the process of creating compost by placing materials in open piles outside, mixing them and allow the process to turn organic waste into compost material. 

9. What does this mean for residents?

Residents will dispose of all organic waste in their green waste bin, which is currently only used for yard waste, instead of the garbage bin. Organic waste refers to food waste (including vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, meat, dairy, bones, and rotting food), food-soiled paper, (including pizza boxes, coffee filters, and paper napkins) and yard trimmings. Residents who do not currently have a green yard waste cart will be provided a new cart for their organic waste service.

10. Will the Green Waste collection service become weekly once the food waste program goes into effect?

Yes, starting in July 2022, Green Waste service will be renamed "Organic Waste" service and will include green waste, food waste, and food soil paper products. Organic Waste carts will be serviced weekly on the same day as trash service. 

11. Will there be any other changes to collection days?

There will be an A week and B week blue Recycling cart collection schedule for the city. There will only be a small percentage of residents who will be receiving a day change for their collection. Check the online calendar tool to see which week your blue Recycling cart is serviced. Direct outreach will also be delivered to those affected by the change. 

12. How do I find out my Recycle schedule?

Your can view the collection schedules using our online calendar. Type in your service address to view your schedule and sign up for text and email reminders. 

13. What is the size of the free counter top pail? When will they arrive?

Free counter top pails will hold 1.9 gallons of organic waste and will be delivered in July. Compostable liners and bags are available in various sizes. 

14. Will residents be able bag food waste and reduce food waste sticking to the insides of their green Organic Waste carts?

Yes, when the organics collection starts in July 2022, paper bags and BPI certified compostable bags or liners may be used to contain and deposit food waste inside the green Organic Waste carts.  It also remains acceptable to deposit organics loosely in the cart. 

Will residents be able bag food waste to reduce food waste sticking to the insides of their green Organic Waste carts?

15. Do I need to use a compostable bag for my food waste?

No. Residential customers are not required to use a bag for your food waste, but if you do, it must meet the ASTM D6400 standard for compostability. Food may be placed in the Organic cart in paper bags and BPI certified compostable bags or liners. Can't confirm the plastic bag origin? When in doubt, throw plastic out!  It is still acceptable to deposit organic waste directly into the cart. 

16. Where should I store food waste until I bring it out to my green Organic Waste cart?

Food waste may be put directly into Organics Waste carts when able. Food can be stored in kitchen pails, paper bags and BPI certified compostable bags or liners and then deposited directly to Organic Waste cart. Best practice tip: Freeze food waste in paper bags or BPI certified compostable bags to prevent smell and bacteria in the kitchen.

17. What happens if a resident has more than one Green Waste cart now?

As of July 1, 2022 there will be weekly service for green Organic Waste carts (formerly known as Green Waste carts). This weekly collection service means most residents will no longer need an extra green cart. In addition, from November through January, residents can place up to 6 bags of leaves out (35 lbs limit) on collection day for free. 

• Starting July 4^th, if you choose to keep two or more green carts you will be charged a $14/month fee for the second cart and any thereafter. If you intend to reduce your number and/or size of carts for weekly collection, you must contact Republic Services Customer Service at 916-725-9060.

18. What if you don’t have an Organic Waste cart?

If you are in an HOA, your residential organization leadership should reach out to Republic Services to remedy. All single-family homes will be charged for this service whether the use their Organics Cart or not. 

19. When does the new requirement take effect?

Although the law takes effect for residential sectors in January 2022, organics recycling services is scheduled to begin for Citrus Heights residential customers in July 2022. Commercial entities and businesses were required to begin their mandatory organic recycling services starting July 1, 2021, or sooner depending on the amount of organic material generated.

20. Can a resident apply for an exemption or waiver?

This is a statewide mandate and there are no exemption waivers granted for individual residents. Business owners seeking a commercial exemption can apply here.

21. Can I start using my yard waste bin to dispose of my food waste now?

No. Although we are very happy to see residents getting excited about upcoming residential organics recycling, residents cannot currently use their green yard waste cart for food waste. Waste processing facilities have different processing requirements for only green waste versus green waste mixed with organics. At this time, residents should continue placing only green waste in their yard waste cart until notified otherwise.

22. Will there be an exemption for residents who are currently do not have a green waste cart?

Residents who do not have a green waste cart will not be exempt from SB 1383, as all residents will be required to subscribe to organics collection service in order to comply with the law. 

23. What if I have no space for a new or larger cart?

All residents must have an organic waste bin to comply with the law. Multi-family residences (such as apartment complexes) will be provided with bins for their properties. The City and Republic Services will assess space concerns on a case-by-case basis to ensure all properties are in compliance with state regulations. 

24. What if I already compost all my food waste/generate no food waste?

Under SB 1383, we are unfortunately not able to offer exemptions to customers who compost their food waste or who generate minimal food waste. However, Republic Services will provide free kitchen compost pails to customers before the launch of the new organics collection services, along with compost seminars and providing information about composting. 

25. Can I self-haul my food waste?

We do not currently offer the option to self-haul food waste. Residents must be provided with organic waste collection service to comply with SB 1383. 

26. Will there be a special rate for low-income residents?

There are no special rates currently offered for this service.

27. What can be put in the green Organic Waste cart?

Food waste, green waste (landscape and pruning, flowers, leaves), and food-soiled paper items such as pizza boxes or used paper plates and coffee filters can be put in the Organic Waste cart. View acceptable and unacceptable items here or use our Sort Smart tool to search specific items and learn the proper disposal cart.

28. Which paper products can go into the green Organic Waste Cart? Do paper coffee or soda cups count)?

Do deposit:

• Food-Soiled Paper: Used napkins, paper plates (non-coated), paper towels, coffee filters, tea bags, and greasy pizza boxes go into the green Organic Waste cart. Many restaurants are now switching to paper or “biodegradable” takeout containers. (no waxy or “shiny” linings; no foam containers)  
• Pleated and uncoated paper cups: Used pleated water cups, uncoated paper coffee cups, and used kraft paper cups. 

Don't deposit: 

• Regular Clean Paper: Regular clean paper goes into the blue Recycle cart. (i.e. copy paper, newspaper, etc.; no inside linings, wax or food-soiled) 
• Waxed or Lined Paper: Paper with wax, plastic lining or foam goes into the Trash cart. (i.e. waxed or foam coffee cups, drink cups, some paper straws)  

29. How do we know if these food-soiled items can go into the green Organic Waste cart?

If the takeout container is “SHINY”, it is most likely trash. We cannot take food- soiled paper that has lining, or wax included. 

• The Recycling or biodegradable sign/designation icon on containers does not apply to our collection and recycling. Even if the item says that it is compostable, it may not meet the specifications of our program and processors may not be able to use the product for benefits (compost, fuel, and energy).
• Plastic bags should not go in the green Organic Waste cart. Even if it says compostable plastic spoon/fork, it does not meet our criteria for organics recycling.

30. Can I put compostable cutlery in the green Organic Waste cart?

Only paper-based food soiled items (no lining or wax) can go into the green Organic Waste cart. Even if it says compostable plastic spoon/fork, it does not meet our criteria for organics recycling. 

31. Do I need to change any of my garbage disposal habits?

You do not have to change your garbage disposal habits. However, it is better for the water quality and environment to dispose of food waste using your green Organic Waste cart to divert food products going to the water treatment plant. Best Practice: Reduce first, then Reuse, then Recycle. 

32. Do you know if there will be any banning of garbage disposals?

Although, there is no law prohibiting the use of garbage disposals in residential homes, SB 1383 requires that all food waste be put into organic waste carts for recycling. 

33. Does this program change how I dispose of fats, oils, and greases (FOGs)?

FOGs must be taken to the North Area Recovery Station (NARS). Motor oil is not considered a FOG and Republic Services collects motor oil under specific circumstances. For more info, visit: Stop the Clog - Sacramento Area Sewer District (sacsewer.com)

34. What should I do with Keurig cups?

Keurig and other instant coffee pods must be deposited into the trash. 

35. What happens to the organic waste after collecting it?

The organic waste will be taken to a composting facility in California to be composted and turned in to soil amendment, which can be used for farming and other agricultural uses.

36. Will residents be able to obtain compost for their yard?

Republic Services currently provides compost for Citrus Heights residents to pick up from the Republic Services transfer station at 8642 Elder Creek Road in Sacramento. In addition, Republic Services will provide compost locally for residents to access, and is working on finalizing a location. 

37. Where can I find more information?

If you would like information on SB 1383 regulations and statewide resources, you can find it at CalRecycle’s website: https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp