The city of Elk Grove’s practical plans to reduce residential food waste

The city of Elk Grove is entering the third year of implementing Senate Bill 1383, California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, which aims to reduce organic waste in landfills and increase access to edible food for food-insecure Californians. The city is actively taking steps to support residents in meeting the bill’s goals and mandate, including efforts to reduce residential food waste.

“Elk Grove residents and businesses have been doing their part to reduce organic waste in landfills by recycling, composting and practicing food recovery,” says Brandon Colldeweih, Elk Grove’s residential recycling coordinator.

Since the launch of the city’s Senate Bill 1383-compliant organics recycling program in the summer of 2021, residents have been mandated to sort organic food waste from regular refuse. To support the change, the city has distributed educational materials to residents, outlining how properly sorted green waste can be converted into compost and renewable natural gas, which can be used for fuel and electricity.

“Through collaborative efforts and educational outreach, Elk Grove and its residents are making strides in reducing food waste in landfills and increasing edible food recovery and reuse.”

Brandon Colldeweih, Elk Grove’s Residential Recycling Coordinator

“True to the Elk Grove slogan of ‘having a proud heritage,’ Elk Grove residents understand the importance of the program, and they are happy to participate and do what they can,” Colldeweih says.

Residents of Elk Grove are adjusting to the organic waste sorting program, understanding its significance in reducing landfill waste and contributing to local food security. The city provides the organic waste green carts and kitchen pails to facilitate convenient collection and transfer of food scraps, with funding assistance from CalRecycle. Residents can also obtain up to 5 cubic yards of compost, twice annually, from the Elder Creek Transfer Station, as well as learn how to create their own compost through quarterly workshops at the Elk Grove Community Garden.

“Through collaborative efforts and educational outreach, Elk Grove and its residents are making strides in reducing food waste in landfills and increasing edible food recovery and reuse,” Colldeweih says.

For more information about organic recycling in the city of Elk Grove, go to www.elkgrovecity.org/recycling-and-waste/organic-recycling.