In just a few months, most Nevada County residents will be required to separate food waste from the rest of their trash.
The change, expected in January, is part of a massive effort the County is making to comply with Senate Bill 1383, a state law that aims to divert 75% of organic waste going to landfills prior to the bill's passage in 2016.
“SB 1383 is a paradigm shift,” said Solid Waste Program Director David Garcia, who updated the Board of Supervisors Tuesday on the County’s progress. “This is no small change. In addition to establishing new collection programs, we’re also required to develop edible food recovery programs, procurement programs, provide outreach and education, and develop inspection and enforcement protocols. We’re working really hard to get everything in place before 2025, so we are in compliance with state mandate.”
The County is close to finishing a $20+ million renovation of McCourtney Road Transfer Station so the facility can accept organic waste and address traffic congestion. Beginning in 2025, food waste collection will be done using the existing green waste bin, which will be provided to all WM customers on a weekly basis and will become an organics bin for both green waste and food waste. Residents without trash pickup will be required to segregate their organics waste and either self-haul to the McCourtney Road Transfer Station or home compost, but this waste will no longer go in the trash bin.
Supervisor Sue Hoek said much work still needs to be done to educate the public about these changes. If residents do not get on board, the County will eventually face hefty financial penalties. “It’s going to take all of us to keep spreading the message to separate food waste to keep us out of hot water,” she said.
For more information about these efforts, visit www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/OrganicsRecycling, call 530-265-7038, or email SolidWaste@nevadacountyca.gov.
