Beginning in 2022, California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) will require Merced County and all California counties to provide residents with a way to collect their food waste.

Residents will be instructed by their waste hauler how collection of these materials will be handled starting in 2022.

FOOD WASTE SEPARATION / PROPER DISPOSAL

Rather than throwing food scraps or spoiled food into your trash, you will need to separate this food waste from your trash.  One way you can start to practice keeping food out of the trash is by placing a small pail on our counter top or under your sink in your kitchen to collect daily food waste before disposing of it in the correct collection bin or on your compost pile. Depending on your hauler, you may be able to place fruit and vegetable waste in your green cart already. Yard trimmings mixed with food scraps will absorb liquids and help to minimize odor.

• Choose a container that works for you. Use a 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 are not allowed 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 participate in 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 but 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 benefit those in need in your community. Donating food can also 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

SB 1383

For more information about SB 1383, visit: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/