Oceanside, CA
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Residential Curbside Food Scraps Recycling
As of January 1, 2024, residents have the power to make a positive impact by including food scraps and food-soiled paper along with their green waste in the green organics cart. Residents can place food scraps like fruit, vegetables, dairy, bread, meat/bones, food-soiled paper like pizza boxes and paper napkins in the green cart. In the U.S., about 40% of the food grown is never eaten and thrown out. Organics like food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings are the largest waste stream in landfills. Including food scraps and food-soiled paper along with green waste in the organics cart reduces greenhouse gases, creates a renewable energy source, compost and mulch as well as preserves landfill space.
What Can You Do to Prevent Food Waste?
Reduce Food Waste Before It Ends Up in the Organics Cart:
- Take inventory of your food to prevent over buying.
- Create a meal plan.
- Store and eat leftovers.
- Review the meaning of Date Labels.
- Glean/pick your produce from your backyard trees and donate.
- Find zero-waste workshops, cooking tutorials, zero-waste recipes, downloadable guides and resources on the City's Green Oceanside Kitchen webpage.
Schedule a Pick of Your Backyard Produce Trees and Feed Our Community
Did you know? The City has partnered with local non-profit, ProduceGood, to rescue surplus backyard produce to feed those in need. You can schedule a pick of your backyard produce for direct donation to local food pantries. Check out the Harvest Oceanside Flyer for a Seasons of Fruit Calendar or visit ProduceGood’s Grower Page for more information on how to schedule a pick.
Backyard Compost Program
Compost is organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, that has decomposed to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment. By keeping your organics out of the landfill, you prevent the production and release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Compost also improves soil quality, biodiversity, and moisture retention. Composting is simple and it can be done at your home, apartment, office, or even classroom! Use the below guides, videos, and resources to start composting at home today.
Static Composting (Typically for Homes with Larger Backyards)
Vermicomposting (Best for Small Households and/or Those with Limited Space)
Free Compost at the El Corazon Compost Facility
All green waste and food scraps collected curbside goes to Oceanside’s El Corazon Compost Facility to be processed and composted. The compost is free to Oceanside residents, courtesy of the City of Oceanside and AgriService Inc. The El Corazon Compost Facility is located at 3210 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside 92056. Bring a shovel and be prepared to self-haul. Call (760) 439-9920 for more information.
Need Additional Assistance or Training?
The City’s Green Oceanside team is here to help with an array of free resources and technical support. Virtual training, including one-on-one assistance, is available to residents to help troubleshoot any issues with their backyard composting bins. Email GreenOceanside@oceansideca.org for assistance.
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