Happy Earth Day! Everyone knows the general importance of recycling food waste, but we wanted to remind you of why it’s important. At Strategic, we are passionate about guarding the environment, which means that recycling organic matter is a big part of our job.
Importance of Organic Recycling
So why is organic recycling so important? Organic waste makes up a significant portion of the waste sent to landfills. In fact, California generates almost 40 million tons of waste in landfills every year. A third of this waste is compostable organic materials (18% food, 12% lumber, 9% landscape waste and almost 20% paper and cardboard).
Recycling organic waste can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which helps to conserve space and reduce environmental impacts. Recycling also helps save valuable nutrients that can be used to create compost, which can be used to enrich soil, support plant growth and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
Protecting the Ozone Layer
Recycling organic materials also helps to protect our ozone layer. When it decomposes in landfills, organic waste such as food waste and yard trimmings produces methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and damages the ozone layer.
We can combat this by working to reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. Luckily, California has created a plan for organic recycling.
SB 1383
Besides our commitment to protecting the environment, there are also legal reasons to pay attention to organic recycling.
In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown of California set new gas emission reduction goals, outlined in Senate Bill 1383, which aimed to decrease methane production and improve food security.
Despite this bill being passed, there wasn’t a clear outline for how these regulations would be enforced. Then, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an amendment to SB1383 that extended the deadline for compliance for multifamily complexes.
The amendment, AB1985 gave community managers more time (until 2025) to get their organic waste procurement in line with regulations.
Conclusion
Whether it’s for environmental protection or following the California law, there are plenty of motivators for recycling organic materials. Recycling benefits everyone in our community by supporting a circular economy in which waste is viewed as a valuable resource rather than a burden. We know that maintaining recycling standards can be difficult at an apartment or condo community. You can always rely on the expertise and aid of trash management companies with recycling programs to help your community contribute to looking after our Earth.
Sincerely,
Broomer