Food Scraps - Waste or Resource

I left off my last blog with a bit more to write about recycling wax-covered containers, but I wanted to give you all a break because the last post got a little long.  Being called out on Christmas for not recycling the wax OJ container is still with me a little, and I mentioned last time, it has made me think……..do I really know what can, and cannot, be recycled in my area & if I don’t, how do I find out?

So I checked, and I was right……..but so was my aunt.  Wax covered containers are not accepted by the waste management company in Butte County,  but they are accepted in Alameda as part of the Food Scrap Recycling program.  I am super impressed by Alameda’s recycling program and their StopWaste.org website.  It looks like they have done a great job of creating an online environment for the citizens of Alameda to get information about how to reduce their waste.   I think we all know, or maybe a few of do, that I get really excited about a well executed marketing effort.   Good marketing just makes me smile. So props to Alameda, for your Food Scrap Recycling program and for getting the word out.

Alameda identified that food scraps, and food soiled paper, is their single largest waste stream, accounting for 35% of what citizens in Alameda County throw away.  Alameda took action and started a Food Scrap Recycling program so scraps can be turned into compost – a resource instead of waste.  So now those wax covered container (including the OJ container from Christmas) can be taken out of the waste stream and composted. 

Composting may not be on the top of the list when you think Chic, but it doesn't have to be a messy process.  You can compost and keep your manicure too.  I encourage you to take a few small steps to try it out:

Start a composting program at home.  (If you don’t have the space, or desire for the actual compost, check out NIMBY.

1. Start in the kitchen – pick a container to hold your compost until you can take it outside.   I keep a small container so that I am forced to take it out frequently.   I would suggest using something you already have like a stainless steel pot you no longer use.  Some people prefer a container made specifically for composting that will cut down on the smell.  Check out GreenFeet.com for the popular Stainless Steel Compost Crock.
2. All aboard - make sure everyone in the house knows about the composting plan, including what can be composted.  Your local food scrap program will likely have a list for you.  If you are making your own compost, check out this list of commonly composted household items/scraps from the EPA website.  Another good source for tips and tools is the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s Home Composting website.  Most importantly, be kind to yourself – you don’t have to be perfect – do the best you can. 
3. Choose a Compost Container – you can use your household scraps to make your own compost without getting dirty.  I don’t like to get messy in the composting process, so I choose the easy-to-use Tumbler.  I got mine from GreenFeet.com.  Just toss in your scraps, turn it every once in a while and voila - you have compost.  You can also get the Outside Gourmet Composter recently seen on Oprah’s Living Green episode with Julia Roberts and Sophie Uliano, Author of Gorgeously Green.  But if you don’t want to make compost in your backyard……let someone else do it.

2.       Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) - Find out if your area has a curbside Food Scrap Recycling program similar to the program offered in Alameda County, or, find a compost facility near you and take your take your scraps to them.  

1. Many Counties and Cities already have Food Scrap Recycling programs.  For those that do not, here is a list of Permitted Food Scrap Compost Facilities in CA, which is provided by the California Integrated Waste Management Board.  I would guess that other states have similar information available on their State websites.  If you can’t find the information online, ask the company that picks up your recycling, and they will probably know a place.
   

 I wish you all the best with your composting effort.  Cheers to you for all your effort reducing your waste.