Food Waste FAQ | Pomona, CA

What is SB 1383?

Is everyone participating?

What’s the benefit in doing this?

What happens to the green organics container contents?

The food waste will be collected along with your green waste in the green organics container. The contents of the organics container will be composted in a commercial facility, and that compost will be used to grow plants, vegetables, and build good soil for agricultural and park uses. That's why it's so important to keep trash, pet waste, household hazardous waste, and other contaminants out of the green bin.

I backyard compost, do I have to participate?

How is commercial composting different from backyard composting?

Commercial facilities have compost piles that are much larger and achieve much higher heat than those you would reach in your own backyard composting efforts. As a result, they can take products such as meat and dairy along with other organic waste, and then appropriately break them down into nutrient-rich compost without any pathogens. In non-commercial backyard composting, you should never add meat or dairy products to your compost.

How often will you pick it up?

Why can't I put compostable plastics in the green bin?

If you are using compostable bags in your green organics container, these bags will be sorted, cut, and emptied. All plastic and compostable bags are removed from the organic waste prior to composting.

Although marketed as "compostable" or "biodegradable", these items do not actually break down in the amount of time the commercial facilities compost the material. Although these bags are "certified" under various certifications such as ASTMD6400 or BPI, the testing conditions for this certification do not actually match what many real commercial composting facilities operate at. This means the products don't fully decompose with the other organics in the compost. This causes issues in the quality of compost when it is sold to agricultural producers. As such, we are advising residents to NOT place "compostable" utensils, bags, or service ware in the green bin with their organics. Although these items have good intentions they should be placed in the trash at this time as they will also cause issues with the recycling of conventional plastics in the blue bin.

What is the fine/penalty for residents and businesses (including schools and multi-family properties) who don’t comply?

Does the food waste have to be bagged?

No plastic bag is preferred. Food scraps may be placed loosely in the green waste container. However, you can line your container with a paper bag, paper towels/napkins, or newspaper. If you use a plastic bag, it should be a CLEAR or translucent green bag so it is easy to see the contents. You can place the bag directly into your green waste container on trash day. As part of the collection service, Athens Services will sort the bags, cut them open, and empty the contents. The plastic bag will be placed in the trash since it cannot be composted.

What kind of container can I use to collect food scraps?

The City of Pomona is providing free Kitchen Pails to Pomona residents on a first come, first served basis. You can also use alternate containers such as coffee cannisters, large plastic or glass food storage containers, ceramic or stainless steel pots. Any container works as long as it has a lid! No plastic bags are preferred. However, you can line your container with a paper bag, paper towels/napkins, or newspaper. If you use a plastic bag, it should be a CLEAR or translucent green bag so it is easy to see the contents. You can place the bag directly into your green waste container on trash day. As part of the collection service, Athens Services will sort the bags, cut them open, and empty the contents. The plastic bag will be placed in the trash since it cannot be composted.

How do I prevent odors and insects?

Tips for preventing odors and insects:

Inside Your Home

Line the bottom of your green container with yard waste, cardboard, newspaper prior to placing food waste in the cart.
Sprinkle baking soda or coffee/tea grounds in your kitchen pail to reduce odors.
Empty your kitchen pail into your green organics container regularly and just before collection day.
Wash your kitchen pail regularly. If you place it in the dishwasher, remove the lid to avoid warping.
Wrap meat and smellier items and store them in your refrigerator until pickup day. If you use a plastic storage bag, just toss the bag in the trash after emptying the contents in your green organics container.

Outside Your Home:

Put some yard trimmings in your green bin before and after adding your food scraps. If you don't have yard trimmings, trying using cardboard or paper products that can absorb any moisture from food waste. These materials become food-soiled paper and can be composted with your yard and food waste.
Keep your green container lid closed and store your cart in the shade during warm weather.
Rinse your green organics container regularly and then use the grey water to water your grass or garden.