RESIDENTIAL

Starting in 2022, California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) mandates that Fresno County, along with all counties in California, provide residents with a green cart for organic waste collection. Now, residents must use the green cart for food scraps and yard waste, in addition to the blue and gray carts for recycling and trash.

TYPES OF FOOD WASTE

Fruit and Vegetable Scraps

Peels, cores, and leftover pieces.

Meat, Poultry, and Fish

Bones, fat trimmings, and leftovers.

Dairy Products

Small quantities of cheese, yogurt, and other dairy waste.

Eggshells

Shells from any type of egg.

Bread, Pasta, and Grains

Stale or leftover bread, cooked or uncooked pasta, rice, and other grains.

Coffee Grounds and Tea Leaves

Used coffee grounds and tea leaves (without plastic components).

Baked Goods

Cookies, cakes, and other bakery items.

Spoiled or Expired Food

Any food that has gone bad, excluding liquids.

These items should be placed in the green cart along with leaves, plants, grass trimmings, branches, brush, and untreated, uncoated wood, without plastic or other non-organic materials.

Food waste that cannot go in the green cart includes liquids like soups and sauces, cooking oils and grease, and seafood shells. These items should be disposed of in the gray solid waste cart or bin.  

FOOD WASTE SEPARATION

1

Collect Scraps

Use a countertop pail in your kitchen. 

2

Transfer

Move scraps from the pail to your green cart.

3

Avoid Plastic Bags

 Do not use them in the green cart.

4

Manage Odors

You may add yard trimmings like grass clippings to absorb liquids and control smells.

5

Clean Pail

Rinse out your pail as needed to keep it fresh.

Tips for Managing Organic Waste

Select a container that fits your needs—whether it's a countertop pail, plastic tub, or decorative pail with a lid.
Store your pail in a convenient spot, such as on the counter, under the sink, or in the fridge.
Clean your green cart as needed with a hose.

Line your pail with a clear plastic bag to prevent leaks, but remember that these bags should not be placed in the green cart.

Keep food scraps in the fridge or freezer until collection day to keep your cart cleaner.

Minimizing Waste

Reduce food waste with practices like meal planning, proper food storage, utilizing leftovers, understanding expiration dates on food labels, and preparing accurate portions. Access additional resources here.

Composting

Composting is an excellent way to repurpose food waste and enrich your garden soil. Learn more about composting at EPA Composting and CalRecycle.

Food Recovery

If you have edible but unwanted food, consider donating it to local organizations. This helps prevent waste and supports those in need. Discover more about the benefits of food recovery here.

EXEMPTIONS

Certain areas of Fresno County may be exempt from SB 1383 organics regulations. For more information, please check with your solid waste hauler or the Fresno County Resources Division at (559) 600-4259 or email recycling@fresnocountyca.gov.