Organic Waste

organics food assortment graphic

What is organic waste?

Organic waste includes the following materials:

  • Yard trimmings and plants
  • Food scraps and spoiled food including meat, bones, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables, peels, pits, apple cores, corn cobs, and coffee grounds
  • Soiled paper including paper towels, napkins, paper cups, paper egg cartons, pizza boxes, and coffee filters

Why is organic waste collection required?

Senate Bill (SB) 1383, California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction law, established methane reduction targets as part of a statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from short-lived climate pollutants such as organic waste.

Organic waste significantly contributes to California's methane emissions and makes up much of the waste we send to landfills. SB 1383 requires a 75% reduction in the amount of organic waste sent to landfills by 2025. Further, SB 1383 requires 20% of edible food, that would otherwise be disposed of, be recovered for human consumption by 2025.

To meet these goals, SB 1383 requires that organic waste be collected separately from trash for all residential and commercial customers.

Organic Waste Collection

For Residents

All households are required to separate organic waste from trash and recyclable materials by placing it in the green cart along with yard trimmings.

Westlake Village households can put their organic waste in plastic bags. The bags may be biodegradable or regular plastic. (Please note that other communities may not allow plastic bags.)

Food Waste Prevention Tips

For Businesses

All businesses are required to comply with organic waste collection and recycling requirements by doing the following:

  • All businesses must subscribe to organics waste collection service in addition to trash and recycling service.
  • All businesses are required to collect recyclable materials and organic waste in separate containers from other waste.
  • Separate containers for recyclables and organic waste must be made available to employees, contractors, tenants, and customers.
  • Businesses that are classified as edible food generators must arrange to recover edible food that would otherwise go to landfills through an agreement with a food recovery organization.