Have you been using your green bin for food scraps and other compostables? Organics recycling with your green bin helps divert waste from landfills, fight climate change, and can even reduce your monthly trash bill. Let’s explore how organics recycling works, tackle some common misconceptions, and talk about how you can participate.
Why It Matters:
SB1383: Organics recycling in Encinitas is modeled after California Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383). This groundbreaking legislation aims to reduce organic waste in landfills by 75% by 2025 and cut methane emissions significantly. SB 1383 requires all California cities, including Encinitas, to implement organics recycling programs and divert organic waste from landfills.
The Planet: When organic waste like food scraps, yard trimmings, and soiled paper products are sent to landfills, they decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By recycling these materials instead, we can dramatically reduce these harmful emissions.
How Encinitas is Getting Involved:
At Home: Residents are adding organics recycling to their daily routines. EDCO has provided all residents with curbside green bins for organic waste, making it easy to participate. Simply toss in items like fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, food soiled paper, and yard clippings. You can use Kitchen Caddies from various online retailers or convert your trash bin into a green bin in your kitchen!
In Schools: Schools are teaching students about waste sorting and sustainability. Kids are learning hands-on by maintaining gardens, using scrap carts, and installing compost bins, turning education into action. The City and its partners work closely with each local school to make green bin recycling effective and fun for students. Learn more about what our local students are doing in this video.
Local Businesses: Restaurants are separating organics in their back of house operations and are beginning to implement front- of- house green bins for customers as well. Some restaurants and grocers are required to donate unspoiled food leftovers to help those in need, which also reduces food waste.
Tips for Recycling Organics at Home
Using your green bin at home is simple and rewarding. Here are some easy tips to help you use your green bin effectively:
Know What to Throw: Only organic material items should go in the green bin, like fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, bones, pits, peels, eggshells, bread, and natural fiber paper products (paper towels, paper plates, etc). Bamboo cutlery, chopsticks, and other natural wood kitchen items can be placed in the green bin.
Avoid Contaminants: Keep non-organic items out of the bin. This includes plastic items labeled “compostable.” Though marketed as “compostable”, these plastic straws, cutlery, cups, and more, do not break down in the anerobic digestion process at the organics recycling facility.
Stay Away From Bags: If you prefer using bags, choose paper ones. These bags will break down with your organic waste and can be placed directly into the green bin. Even the “compostable,” plastic looking bags will not break down. If you choose to use a plastic bag of any kind to line your kitchen caddy, first empty the organics into the green bin and discard the bag into the trash bin.
Manage Odors: To keep odors at bay, you can store food scraps in a sealed container and empty it regularly into your green bin. Adding yard waste or paper products can also help absorb moisture and reduce smells. Various online retailers sell kitchen caddies that have a carbon filter to keep smells at bay.
Educate Your Family: Make sure everyone in your household knows what can and can’t be put in the green bin. Clear labeling and communication can help keep the process smooth.
Call us! When in doubt, feel free to call 760-633-2777 or email recycling@encinitasca.gov and we can assist.
The Future of Organics Recycling in Encinitas
Implementation of organics recycling is an integral part of a sustainable future. By reducing waste, cutting emissions, and enriching our soil, we’re building a healthier, more resilient community. As more of us join in, Encinitas can become an example of sustainability.
We are working hard to continue to implement organics recycling at City events and facilities, local businesses, and more.
We invite you to join us in this green movement. Let’s make organics recycling a part of our daily routine. Together, we can make a difference for our environment and ensure a thriving future for our beautiful city.