New Organics Recycling Program in Fountain Valley

As required by California Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383), the City of Fountain Valley has launched a recycling program in partnership with the City's waste hauler, Republic Services. Beginning October 1, 2022, residents must place organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, in your existing green yard waste cart.

​Contamination

SB 1383 requires contamination monitoring of residential carts to ensure program success. Contamination occurs when you place incorrect items in recycling and organic carts. If contamination is found in your carts, a courtesy pickup notice will be left on your cart. On the subsequent occasions of reported contamination, fees may be assessed.
 

​Helpful Tips

​Kitchen Pails

Collect your food waste and minimal amounts of food-soiled paper in a kitchen counter pail of your choice. You can also place food in paper bags, which are allowed in the green organics carts and can be used to collect food scraps. Once filled, empty the pail, or place the paper bag into your green organics cart with your yard waste.

Keep your kitchen pail clean. Rinse your pail daily or as needed, and use a paper bag to line your pail. Baking soda and charcoal filters can help minimize odors.
Keep your food scraps in the fridge or freezer. Empty them directly into the green organics cart on your service date to minimize odors.
Keep your organics cart clean. Line your cart with yard waste first, then place your food waste on top. Rinse your cart as needed. Add baking soda to the bottom of your empty cart.
No plastic bags or compostable utensils. Plastic bags of any type are not acceptable, even if they are labeled as compostable or biodegradable. Compostable cups, plates or utensils are also not acceptable.

Why Organics?

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills has been identified as a significant source of emissions contributing to global climate change. Mandatory recycling of organic waste is the next step toward achieving California's aggressive recycling and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission goals. Organic wastes, such as plant waste and food materials, are recyclable through composting and mulching, and through anaerobic digestion, which can produce renewable energy and fuel. Processing the material into other uses reduces GHG production.  

The organic recycling program represents a significant ratcheting up of waste management regulations that began with AB939 in 1989. AB939 led to the residential curbside recycling programs that have become a standard feature of the waste management landscape. SB 1383 will produce both challenges and cost to the residential and business community.

Implementation

For commercial customers, the standard size trash dumpster is 3 cubic yards. Commercial food waste generators are required to recycle all organic waste produced at their facility. Republic Services has developed an organic waste recycling program that will achieve the state mandated goals. For more information and to set up service, please contact Republic Services at (714) 847-3581.

Please visit Cal Recycle for more information.