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Organics Recycling FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions- Korean

 Commercial Organics Recycling FAQ

Commercial Organics Recycling- Food Recovery Information

Who is the waste hauler through this transition into organics recycling in Fullerton?

Republic Services 

Why is the City requiring mandatory organic waste recycling? 

The City is complying with a state mandate that includes financial penalties for non-compliance following an extensive educational outreach phase. Organic waste recycling keeps food and yard waste out of the landfill, which helps reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere.

 Is everyone required to recycle organic waste? 
 
Yes. All residential, multi-family properties, and commercial businesses across the state are required to recycle organic waste generated onsite.

Will I be fined if I don’t do this?

SB 1383 requires a City fine for non-participating accounts. Fines won't begin until 2024.

What if my organics cart gets really dirty or smelly?
 
 The following tips can help maintain cart cleanliness and minimize odors:

  • Line the bottom of your organics cart with yard waste or newspaper prior to placing food waste in the cart.
  • Alternate layers of food scraps and yard trimmings.
  • Store your cart in the shade during warm weather.
  • If possible, keep your food scraps in the freezer or stored indoors until collection day.

What else can I do to reduce food waste in the landfill?
  • Shop smart. Plan your meals by using grocery lists and avoiding impulse buys.
  • Manage your leftovers. Freeze leftovers or eat the leftovers the next day. Once a week create a “use it up” meal from all of your leftovers that are about to go stale or be unusable.
  • Use it all. Use vegetable and meat scraps to make healthy homemade stocks. Soft fruit can be used in smoothies, or simply freeze food to be used later.
  • First in, first out. In many cases food gets spoiled because it gets pushed to the back of the refrigerator or pantry shelf. Remember to rotate older foods to the front and use them first.
  • Donate. Give what you don’t or can’t use to your local food pantry or your neighbors.
  • Compost it. Start a compost system at home or give your food waste to a neighbor who has a compost pile.

When will I get inspected?
 
The City’s contracted waste hauler, Republic Services, will be conducting ongoing contamination checks on collection days. Residents will receive a notice on their container if contamination is found.

SB 1383 also requires formal inspections to be conducted annually for a small percentage of all waste producers. Inspections will occur for some residents at random intervals throughout the year and will be conducted by Republic Services.

How will this law help the environment?

Landfill gas created by decomposing organic waste is a significant source of overall greenhouse gas emissions. This law helps California achieve its aggressive recycling and greenhouse gas emission goals and address climate change by reducing materials in the landfill which produce gas.

 How can I reduce my food waste? 

According to the National Resources Defense Council, a four-person family can spend up to $1,500 per year on food that is ultimately thrown away. The good news is that there are many ways we can reduce food waste! This can be as simple as planning a menu for more purposeful shopping, or by using proper food storage techniques to ensure the food we buy lasts until we are ready to use it. Find helpful food waste prevention tips here. 

Taking leftovers for lunch is an easy way to reduce food waste, but what do you do when your plans change unexpectedly, leaving unprepared food in the fridge and your meal planning out the window? Find ideas and recipes to use the food you already have.