Food Scrap Recycling Program

Effective January 1, 2020, Waste Management and the City of Oceanside will partner together to launch the Food Scraps Recycling Program for all businesses in the City of Oceanside. 
 
The Food Scraps Recycling Program will recycle food waste, often referred to as organics, and food-soiled paper into its own bin - separate from landfill and landscape cuttings. The food scraps will be processed as renewable energy or reusable material.


All businesses are required to participate. The bins, technical assistance, and training are provided free of charge by Waste Management and the City of Oceanside. There is a new Food Scraps Recycling Program fee that is based on the amount and frequency of your food scrap recycling bin and is set at 75% of your landfill fee. This program will reduce the amount of material your business sends to the landfill, therefore your landfill fees may decrease.
 
There are many reasons for this program, including:
  • Forty percent of the material we send to landfills is food. Decomposing food creates methane gas. Landfills are the second largest source of methane generation in California.
  • State laws (AB 1826 and SB 1383) require landfill reduction of food scraps and materials by 50% in 2020 and 75% in 2025.
  • Supporting the City’s Climate Action Plan and Zero Waste Strategic Management Plan

Schedule
January through March 2020 – All businesses will receive a personal visit to receive information about the program, food rescue and recovery resources, and help to participate in the program.
March through May – Delivery of new Food Scrap Recycling bins, and Waste Management begins collecting food scraps/organic materials in the bins. While supplies last, business will receive indoor containers and signage. In addition, staff training and education will be available to interested businesses. 

Next Steps
Each business will be visited by the Zero Waste Assistance Team to provide program education and service evaluations to help choose the right sized bin.  

Acceptable Bin Materials
Acceptable materials for the Food Scraps bin include meat, bones, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables, peels, pits, cobs, coffee grounds, and food soiled paper (paper towels, napkins, paper cups, paper egg cartons and pizza boxes). Bagging these materials prior to putting into the Food Scraps Recycling bin is not necessary but if desired, clear plastic bags are required.

Waste Management will continue to collect and recycle commercial green waste and commingled recyclables (bottles, glass, cans, rigid plastics, aluminum cans, office paper and cardboard) separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click the following link to view frequently asked questions and answers. FAQ Commercial Food Scrap Recycling 

For More Information
The program is a partnership between Waste Management and the City of Oceanside and staff from both are available to answer questions.
Waste Management – Email: cssandiego@wm.com, Phone: (760) 439-2824
City of Oceanside – Email: oceansiderecycles@oceansideca.org,  Phone: (760) 435-4500