Composting is such a bother, isn’t it? Who wants to take the time to sort excess food and organic matter from the rest of their trash and recycling cans? And why should businesses take the time to sort through food before throwing it away? 

Well, a closer look gives us three good reasons why food waste disposal in landfills is, well, such a terrible waste. Sorting our food waste: 1) reduces greenhouse gases, 2) provides much-needed compost for sustainable agriculture, and 3) redirects quality food to feed food-insecure people. Thank goodness we live in a state that realizes the dramatic improvements reducing food waste in our landfills bring to our lives.

California took a significant step toward sustainability with the implementation of Senate Bill 1383, which aims to reduce the disposal of organic materials in landfills while promoting composting and recycling. Food waste is a major source of methane gas emissions. These pollutants remain in the atmosphere for less time than carbon dioxide, but they cause significantly more damage. Methane and similar short-lived gases are responsible for up to 45 percent of the greenhouse gases contributing to global warming and negatively impacting human health.

S.B. 1383 requires that all homes and businesses dispose of all organic waste in a green compost bin provided by our garbage collectors. This green waste is taken to a composting facility where it is turned into non-polluting compost used for sustainable agriculture and a circular economy. The bill also directs unsold food items to people in need.

While S.B. 1383 focuses on reducing organic waste to combat climate change, Marin County’s Reusable Foodware Ordinance emphasizes reducing single-use plastics and non-compliant disposable foodware. Together, they contribute to Marin’s environmental goals by addressing waste holistically and promoting sustainable practices that align with the county’s climate action plan. The two policies work together to create a comprehensive approach to waste management.

S.B. 1383 focuses on reducing organic waste—food scraps, plant waste and other biodegradable materials—to lower methane emissions, while the reusable foodware ordinance seeks to reduce single-use plastics and promote the use of fiber-based compostable foodware that can be added to organic compost.

Single-use foodware items like plastic utensils, straws and food containers frequently become waste or pollution. The use of durable, reusable alternatives offers a sustainable, circular solution that aligns with good environmental stewardship.

Businesses impacted by the foodware ordinance may find compliance with S.B. 1383 easier because reusable foodware reduces the overall volume of disposable items, and fiber-based compostable materials comply with the statewide law. S.B. 1383’s educational requirements may reinforce awareness of proper waste sorting, including organics and recycling, and encourage more reusable cup and container options.

Both policies encourage a shift toward a circular economy. S.B. 1383 promotes composting, which converts organic waste into useful quality soil amendments, completing the lifecycle of biodegradable materials. Compost is an absolute necessity for carbon and regenerative farming. Currently, there is not enough compost to enable climate-smart agriculture practices statewide. Carbon farming was one of the driving forces in getting S.B. 1383 passed.

The foodware ordinance reduces the demand for single-use items made from plastic, encouraging sustainable practices in the food service industry and decreasing overall waste production. By promoting the use of fiber-based plates, utensils and foodware containers, it streamlines waste sorting for consumers, making it easier to dispose of compostable items in organics receptacles.

S.B. 1383 also brings unsold food to people in need. About 700 million meals and groceries have gone to Californians in need, including here in West Marin, since the food recovery rules started in 2022. 

West Marin residents and businesses can do their part to educate themselves on the correct way to compost. Here are some local composting guidelines that align with the capabilities of our waste hauler, Recology Sonoma Marin.

Acceptable compost in the green bin includes food scraps, coffee grounds and tea bags; soiled paper such as pizza boxes, coffee filters and soiled paper bags; plants, branches and brush, flowers, leaves, hair, fur and feathers.

Materials that cannot be placed in green bins include cat litter or animal feces, corks, diapers, dirt, rocks or stones, terracotta flowerpots, juice or soy milk boxes with foil liners, liquids and ice, milk and juice cartons, treated wood, plywood, pressboard and painted or stained wood.

In addition, bags and utensils made from plant-based plastics and labeled “compostable” are not accepted in Recology’s green bins. Our local compost facility is currently not equipped to break down these types of compostables. It is best to avoid bioplastics, as they will never create an organic soil fit for growing food. The best materials to use are brown paper bags, paper leaf bags and reusable flatware. The soil and food grown in the soil created with bioplastics is not fit for human or animal consumption. 

Until we adapt, single-use plastics will always contribute to our wicked plastic problem.

Trinka Marris is a certified naturalist and a member of West Marin Climate Action.  Madeline Hope works with West Marin Climate Action to advance initiatives in school wellness, farms and gardens, and community meals. They both live in Point Reyes Station. This is the last in a series of Local Food Resilience columns published in the Light and organized by members of West Marin Climate Action.