Organics

Composting and Organics Recycling in California

As part of California’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, residents in the City of Chino Hills are required to place food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste together in their organic waste cart (green lid). Organic waste is collected weekly on the same day as trash (black lid) and recycling (blue lid).

California Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires all cities and counties to provide organic waste collection services to both residents and businesses. The law aims to significantly reduce the amount of organic material sent to landfills—including food waste, green waste, wood, and paper products—by setting a statewide goal of 75% organic waste diversion by 2025. Additionally, the bill includes measures to help redirect edible food to those in need, addressing food insecurity across the state.

To comply with SB 1383, the City of Chino Hills and Waste Management have implemented an organics recycling program to help residents reduce waste and support a healthier environment.

Additional Info from Cal Recycle

Scrap Smarter, Not Harder!



What are Organic Materials?

Food Waste (png)Green Waste and Landscape Trimmings (png)Food Soiled Paper (png)
Food Waste: 
Cooked and raw food waste, such as uneaten fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, bones, baked goods, etc. 
Green Waste & Landscaping Trimmings: Grass clippings, small branches, leaves, cut flowers, garden trimmings, wood chips, and clean wood (no paint, no stain, etc.)
Food Soiled Paper:
Used napkins, food paper wraps, coffee filters, greasy pizza boxes, used paper plates and cups that do not contain a plastic membrane (thin plastic lining), etc.

How to Use Your Kitchen Pail

  1. Keep your food pail on the kitchen countertop or under the sink. Placing your pail in a visible area will help you remember to recycle your organics. 
  2. Place food scraps or your leftover food-soiled paper items directly into the pail. The pail can be used as is or lined with a paper bag or newspaper. Do not use plastic bags of any type, even if they are labeled as biodegradable or compostable. Compostable cups, plates, or utensils are not acceptable. 
  3. Scrape food prep scraps and leftovers from your plate or cutting board into your pail. Spoiled or stale food from your fridge and cupboards can also be placed in the pail. 
  4. Empty your pail directly into your organics cart. DO NOT place your small food waste pail out on collection day. Only the full-size organics cart should be placed at the curb. 

Food Pail 123

Recycling Food Waste at Home Information Sheet

  1. Acceptable Items
  2. Non-Acceptable Items
  • Bread and grains
  • Coffee grounds
  • Food soiled paper
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, fish, and dairy
  • Leftover food
  • Yard waste (grass, leaves, brush, and tree branches)

Tips for Preventing Odor and Pests

Indoors

  • Avoid placing liquids inside your food pail
  • Cut up citrus or bell peppers to keep smells away
  • Empty your food pail every day or every couple of days into your organics cart
  • Line your food pail with a paper bag or newspaper to reduce having to clean it out so often
  • Sprinkle the inside with baking soda to help absorb moisture and smells
  • Freeze or refrigerate meat, fish, and dairy scraps before adding them to the organic waste cart on collection day

Outdoor

  • Place food waste in a paper bag
  • Layer items like yard trimmings, newspaper, or a soiled pizza box on the bottom of your organics cart before discarding your food waste pail
  • Place your organics cart out on the curb every week for service no matter how minimal to avoid pests and bugs
  • Rinse your cart as needed
    • DO NOT rinse your cart out into the street or down a storm drain. Instead rinse your cart out in the grass, garden bed, or flower bed to nourish and feed your soil. 
  1. Who provides trash collection services for residents in the City of Chino Hills?
  2. How can I schedule a bulky item pickup?
  3. How do I recycle my holiday tree?

Contact Us

  1. Waste Management Customer Care

    Physical Address
    13793 Redwood Street
    Chino, CA 91710

    Phone: 800-423-9986