How Sonoma County residents are adjusting to California’s new composting law
DO NOT use “compostable” plastic bags or put “compostable” plastic utensils or packaging in organic waste. Though the bags can be put in green waste in Sonoma, these are items are otherwise not accepted by Sonoma County waste haulers. (Compostable bags are accepted in large commercial green waste dumpsters.)
DO NOT put coated paper plates or cups, or plastic-lined to-go containers in organic waste. Uncoated paper plates and cups and uncoated, compostable to-go containers are acceptable.
DO put paper napkins, paper towels and tissues not contaminated with chemicals or feces in organic waste.
DO put toilet paper and paper towel rolls in organic waste.
DO NOT put large amounts of solid fat or grease in organic waste.
DO NOT put wine corks in organic waste.
DO put wooden skewers, chop sticks and coffee stirrers in organic waste.
DO put paper coffee filters and non-nylon tea bags in organic waste.
DO put shredded paper in organic waste.
Sources: Recology, Sonoma County Resource Recovery,Sonoma Garbage Collectors
Resources for food and organic waste disposal
Information about sorting organic wastes and the new law is available at the Recology Sonoma/Marin website.
Recology also has a clever “WhatBin” search feature that allows customers to input an item to determine where to dispose of it.
Residents of Sonoma can consult sonomagarbage.com for informatoin about how to address organic waste disposal there.
Windsor residents can find help on the new law at Sonoma County Resource Recovery, sonomacorr.com, or townofwindsor.com.
