Before the Gavel: Public Works to Update City Council on Residential Organics Recycling Program

The Pasadena City Council will receive an update on the city’s residential organics recycling program during Monday’s meeting with a presentation from the Public Works Department.

Since January 2020, the City has composted over 91,500 tons of yard waste, while food waste diversion has accounted for 463 tons since 2022. The city has secured nearly $570,000 in grants from CalRecycle to support program implementation, including education and outreach efforts.

Pasadena’s community composting hubs, launched at several parks across the city, have enrolled 230 members who have composted over 7,500 pounds of vegetative food waste. These hubs are free for residents, but membership requires training.

The city plans to enhance compliance enforcement, with staff reviews of waste collection routes expected in the next 90 days. CalRecycle will conduct onsite reviews within the next 16 months to ensure adherence to state regulations.

Community outreach initiatives are in place, including virtual workshops and a marketing campaign dubbed “Wrap Your Scraps.” Residents can obtain organic recycling pails at various city events, with the next opportunity at an e-waste and shredding event on December 7.

This program complies with state mandates under SB 1383, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2016, which requires a significant reduction in organic waste disposal.

The law mandated a 50% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2020 and a 75% reduction by 2025.

Enforcement of these regulations began this year, which includes mandatory recycling program implementation.

“Organic waste consists of materials from living organisms, including food scraps, green waste, landscape materials, and more,” according to the presentation, which is included in Monday’s agenda.

City officials have emphasized the importance of proper disposal methods for food waste, which includes fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and seafood.

Residents are encouraged to bag food waste in reusable containers and place it in designated yard waste bins.

City officials are urging residents to participate actively in these programs to help Pasadena meet its organic waste reduction goals.