In January 2022, California passed a law that requires all of its residents to compost organic materials, aka food waste, instead of simply throwing them in the garbage. Food waste that goes to landfills produces methane, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. This is part of an effort to reduce food waste in landfills by 75%!

Once collected, organic waste materials are used for so many positive things for the environment. They are composted to stabilize organic matter agricultural and biological-sciences/organic wastes, develop disease suppressiveness, reduce greenhouse gases, and can be used in urban landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture. You can do your part by separating your organic food waste from your regular garbage, which includes items like:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Eggshells

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Teabags

• Nutshells

• Shredded newspaper

• Cardboard

• Paper

• Fireplace ashes

• Wood chips

It’s simple to separate these items and do your part by disposing of them in compost bins. Many companies including Glad and Simple Human have created compostable bags that are also accepted in compost bins.

If you live at a Camden community in California, you can rest assured knowing that your community is compliant with California state’s composting guidelines! Check your community’s site map to see where the composting bin locations are. It feels good to compost!