Solid Waste

• What is organic waste?

  Organic waste is any material that is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or an animal. Biodegradable waste is organic material that can be broken into carbon dioxide, methane, or simple organic molecules.

• What items are considered organic waste?

  • Yard Waste

    • Grass clippings

    • Weeds, leaves

    • Prunings 

    • Flowers

    • Wood scraps/chips

  • Kitchen Waste

    • Fruit

    • Bread

    • Fish

    • Meat (no bones)

    • Vegetables 

    • Dairy

    • FOG (Fats, oils, grease)

    • Compostable bags

• What items are NOT considered organic waste?

  • Pet waste

  • Palm fronds

  • Plastic 

  • Glass 

  • Metal

  • Treated lumber

• Why are the requirements changing?

  A focus on recycling organic materials is central to California’s efforts to combat climate change. When organic materials such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) in a landfill, they produce methane, which is one of the most potent climate pollutants in the atmosphere and a major contributor to climate change.

• Where will organic waste go?

  The comingled organic waste is sent to CR&R's Regional Organics Anaerobic Recovery Facility in Perris, CA to be converted into renewable natural gas and anaerobic compost

• Where will recovered surplus edible food go?

  • Recovered surplus edible food will be donated to food banks, homeless shelters, and other organizations for those who are food insecure. 

  • Starting in 2022, food service businesses must donate surplus edible food to food recovery organizations. This will help feed the almost 1 in 4 Californians without enough to eat. California has a 2025 goal to redirect 20% of surplus edible food (currently being thrown away) to people in need.

• Am I required to participate? What if I don’t change anything about how I dispose of my trash?

  • Yes, everyone is required to participate.

  • As of January 2024, the state has mandated that the City of Orange fine residents and businesses who do not participate. 

  • Additionally, if your waste is not sorted, you may receive contamination charges from CR&R Environmental Services.

• Is the agreement between CR&R Environmental Services and the City of Orange available online?

  Yes and in compliance with Assembly Bill 2048, the Agreement Between City of Orange and CR&R Incorporated for Integrated Solid Waste Management and Street Sweeping Services has been made available to the public.