For those of us fortunate enough to have garbage disposals,
which I suspect is the vast majority of us, the recent addition of
food waste to our recycling collection system has created a
dilemma. Is it more eco-correct to add your food waste to your yard
trimmings or is it preferable (and easier) to grind them up in the
disposal?
For those of us fortunate enough to have garbage disposals, which I suspect is the vast majority of us, the recent addition of food waste to our recycling collection system has created a dilemma. Is it more eco-correct to add your food waste to your yard trimmings or is it preferable (and easier) to grind them up in the disposal?
The answer is, “YES,” placing your food waste in your organics collection cart is the more eco-correct approach. It ensures that the organic material is recovered and also minimizes water use. With that said, I realize that many people find it easier to use the garbage disposal and realize that many of you will continue to do so. With this preface, I wanted to remind people about the elements of our food waste collection program and lay out some common practices that make up different levels of eco-stars.
The Basics
In Morgan Hill, all food waste and food-contaminated paper waste can go in the green organics cart along with yard waste.
If you do not have an organics cart and do have your own garbage can collected by Recology, you can request one from Recology at no charge at 842-3358. If you live in a smaller unit that doesn’t have a lot of yard waste, consider requesting one of our “Jolly Green Junior” small carts which will allow you to send off your food waste for composting without taking up a lot of space at your home.
What’s Included?
Virtually all food waste is included in the program. This includes: bones, food scraps (both vegetable and meat,) food soiled paper (napkins, plates, coffee cups,) pizza boxes and waxed paper items.
Anything Else to Know?
Yes, the city makes countertop recycling containers (pitchers) available to all residents at no charge. You can use these to collect food waste in the kitchen and then take it out to your organics cart when the pitcher gets full.
Each residence can receive two so that one can be in the dishwasher while the other is in use. You can ask Recology to deliver a set or you can come by the Development Services Center (17575 Peak Ave.) to pick a set up.
The Food Waste Composting Olympics
Bronze Medalists are sure to place their pizza boxes and other large compostable items in the organics cart;
Silver Medalists do the above, plus, they also place most of their food prep waste and some of their table scraps in their countertop container and then dump it in their organics cart;
Gold Medalists do all of the above and more! They place all of their food prep waste, table scraps, soiled paper napkins and spoiled food into their countertop container and then shift it all into their organics cart. Gold Medalists notice that there is a lot less waste in their garbage can!
Hot Food Waste Composting Tip
Naturally, it’s good to cover your food waste in your organics cart to minimize flies and smells.
If you don’t have a lot of yard trimmings available, which is common in the winter, it is perfectly fine to place newspaper or paper bags in the can as well, since paper composts too.
Avoid placing plastics in the organics cart since they don’t compost.
Eco-Fact of the Week: According to the recycling directory Earth 911, at least 28 billion pounds of edible food is wasted each year – more than 100 pounds per person. If you can compost your food waste, now is the time to do it.
Eco-Web Site of the Week: There are lots of Thanksgiving Eco-Tips available at http://fakeplasticfish.com/2009/11/say-no-to-fake-plastic-wishbones-other-thanksgiving-waste/.
Anthony Eulo is a Program Administrator for the City of Morgan Hill who is happy to compost all of his food waste at home. He welcomes your questions, comments, and thoughts and can be reached at 778-6480 or
en*****@mo********.gov
.
