The dos and don’ts of composting in LW

Athens Services collects LW’s compostable materials from the small green compost containers near trash bins.

Landfills are the third largest source of methane in California. Organics waste emits 20% of the state’s methane; a climate super pollutant up to 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By diverting organics from the landfill, residents are part of the solution in helping to protect the environment and future generations.

Per Senate Bill 1383, singlefamily home residents and multifamily complexes across California will be required to place into their green waste container all of their landscaping waste, food scraps, and foodsoiled paper (100% fiber-based).

Athens’ American Organics compost facility converts organics waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment. The resulting compost is used by commercial farmers, city projects, garden shops, landscapers, and residents.

To collect kitchen food scraps, residents can choose to use a portable, reusable pail-like container with a tight-fitting lid. It could be plastic, metal, or ceramic. People can also consider reusing a coffee canister, large yogurt or margarine tub, or juice pitcher. Pail options can be purchased at a retail store or searched online for “Kitchen Pail.”

Storage ideas can include the kitchen counter, under the sink, in the freezer, or wherever there is room and easy accessibility.

Liners are optional. Plastic and bioplastic “compostable” bags are accepted in the organics/ compost container, but must be clear or translucent-green, and bag contents must be visible.

Acceptable organics will be processed, but the bags will not be recycled or composted.

Accepted materials include: Green Waste

• Flowers/hedge trimmings

• Grass clippings

• Leaves and branches

• Lumber, scrap wood and plywood (not painted or treated)

• Weeds Food Scraps

• Bread, rice and pasta

• Cheese and dairy

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Fruits and vegetables

• Herbs

• Meat, bones and poultry

• Seafood and soft shells (lobster, crab, and shrimp)

• Pet food (non-medicated) Food-Soiled Paper The following must be 100% fiber-based. No materials with bio-plastic, wax, or petroleumbased plastic coating, liner or laminate

• Food-stained paper

• Paper egg cartons

• Paper napkins and kitchen towels

• Pizza boxes

• Plates

• To-go boxes (no coating)

• Wooden and fiber-based utensils Do not include:

• All plastics

• Cacti, succulents and yucca

• Compostable plastics (bioplastics) • Coffee cups and pods

• Fats, oils, and grease

• Food stickers

• Gloves

• Hard shells (clams, mussels and oysters)

• Medication

• Palm fronds

• Paper napkins and towels with cleaning chemicals

• Parchment and wax paper

• Pet waste

• Rocks and soil

• Rubber bands and twist ties

• Tea bags

• Textiles

• Tissues and wet wipes For best practices, visit CanIRecycleMy. com. To learn about the new organics collection program, contact Athens Customer Care Center at 888336-6100 or visit www.Athens-Services.com/SB-1383. For more information on SB 1383, visit

CalRecycle.ca.gov/Organics/ SLCP and www.athensservices. com/food-waste-recycling.