Starting on January 1, 2022, the state of California mandated that all businesses, multi-family properties, and single-family residences begin collecting organic waste materials. This means that instead of throwing away leftover food waste into the trash, we are required to collect it separately and throw it away into a separate bin.

SummerHouse has not yet begun this process. We are working with Waste Management, the Association’s refuse company to get this set up. So in preparation for this new system, I just wanted to educate the Community about what exactly organic waste materials are and what they are not. So that when the time comes for the Association to begin this process, everyone is up to speed and ready to hit the ground running.

Here is what IS organic waste materials:

-all food scraps

          -cooked meat, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables, peels, pits, cobs, coffee grounds

-food-soiled paper

          -paper towels, napkins

-commercial green waste

          -yard waste, small tree limbs, brush, plant materials, grass

Here are examples of what is NOT organic waste materials:

-oil and grease

-plastic containers, bags, film & gloves

-raw meat

-cans and glass

-packaging and cardboard

-paper and Biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils