RESIDENTIAL
Beginning in 2022, California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) will require Fresno County and all California counties to provide residents with a green cart for the collection of their source-separated organic waste.
Residents will now have a three-cart collection system. Residents will continue recycling non-organic material in their blue cart and separate out their organic waste (food scraps and yard trimmings) by placing it into the green cart. All other trash will be disposed of in the gray cart. This is a big change for all of us and will require a commitment.
WHAT GOES IN THE GREEN CART
- NOW... Food Waste
- Grass Clippings
- Leaves
- Weeds & Plants
- Wood Chips
- Garden Trimmings
Residents may also self-haul. For self-haul locations, contact the county at 559-600-4259.
For more information as to what goes in the grey, blue and green cart, click button below.
FOOD WASTE SEPARATION / PROPER DISPOSAL
Separating food scraps from other recycling and trash will become a part of your new normal. Rather than throwing food scraps or spoiled food into your trash, you will need to separate this food waste and place it into a countertop pail to later place into your green cart or toss it directly into your green cart. However, plastic bags are not allowed in your green cart. Yard trimmings mixed with food scraps will absorb liquids and help to minimize odor.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS
- Choose a container that works for you. Use the 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 cannot go 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
Composting is a great alternative use for food waste. This is an activity that the whole family can get behind and will provide rich nutrients for home gardens.
See more information at epa.gov/recycle/composting-home and calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/homecompost
LESS WASTE
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
Click button below to view toolkit.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
There are many benefits of reducing food waste in the landfills. Learn more here.
FOOD DONATION
There may be times where you have food that isn’t spoiled yet 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 at the same time, benefiting those in need in your community. A bonus is that donating food can be a tax deduction. For more information, contact your tax professional.
Fresno County Community Organizations accepting food donation:
CONTACT YOUR WASTE HAULER
For any other questions, contact your waste hauler. Contact info at the below link.
*Certain areas of the county may be exempt from SB 1383 organics regulations. Please check with your trash hauler or the Fresno County Resources Division for more information.
SB 1383 FAQs
For more information from the state governing organization for SB 1383 – CalRecyle, click link below.