Waste Not : Nevada County New Food Waste Program Transforms Trash Collection

The WM Program: A State-Mandated Initiative

In June 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-11-22, which mandated that all waste management companies in the state separate food waste from household trash. The goal of this initiative is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change by diverting organic waste from landfills.

The McCourtney Road Transfer Station: A Hub for Waste Management

The McCourtney Road Transfer Station, located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its waste management capabilities. The facility, which has been in operation for over three decades, has been transformed to meet the growing demands of the region’s residents and businesses.

Improving Traffic Flow

One of the most notable upgrades to the McCourtney Road Transfer Station is the addition of two new lanes, one for inbound traffic and one for outbound traffic. This improvement in traffic flow is expected to reduce congestion and increase the efficiency of the facility. With the increased capacity, residents and businesses can now transport their waste more easily, reducing the likelihood of delays and improving overall traffic flow.

Expanded Scales and Increased Capacity

The McCourtney Road Transfer Station has also introduced new scale houses, doubling the number of scales available. This upgrade allows residents and businesses to weigh their waste more accurately, ensuring that they are disposing of it in the correct manner. The increased capacity to accept food waste is particularly welcome, as it provides residents with a convenient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of organic materials.

A Hub for Waste Management

The McCourtney Road Transfer Station is now a hub for waste management in the San Francisco Bay Area. With its improved infrastructure and increased capacity, the facility is better equipped to handle the region’s growing waste management needs.

Greenhouse gas emissions from landfills pose a significant threat to the environment.

The Problem of Methane Emissions

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is released from landfills and organic waste. In California, it’s estimated that 20% of the state’s methane emissions come from organic waste in landfills.

Preparing for the New Program

To get started, residents will need to sign up for the program and provide some basic information about their household and composting needs. This includes details about the types of materials they plan to compost, the size of their household, and the amount of space they have available for composting.

WM’s Trash and Recycling Services

Overview of Services

Waste Management (WM) provides a comprehensive range of trash and recycling services to its customers. The company’s services cater to the diverse needs of households, businesses, and institutions, ensuring that waste is managed efficiently and effectively.

Collection Schedules

WM’s trash and green waste bins will be collected weekly, providing customers with a regular and reliable service. Recycling will continue to be collected biweekly, allowing customers to recycle their waste on a more frequent basis. The collection schedules are designed to minimize disruptions and ensure that waste is collected in a timely manner. ### Service Requirements*

Service Requirements

There is no “opt-out” option for curbside customers without foregoing all WM cart services, including trash and recycling. Customers who choose to opt-out of curbside services must return their carts to the designated location. WM’s services are designed to provide customers with a convenient and hassle-free experience.

The Great Food Waste Debate

Food waste has become a pressing issue in many communities, with millions of tons of edible food being discarded each year. This staggering statistic has sparked a heated debate about the best ways to address this problem. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of food waste, the role of WM, and the changes they’re implementing to reduce waste.

The Impact of Food Waste

Food waste is not only a significant environmental concern, but it also has economic and social implications. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. This not only results in significant financial losses for farmers and producers but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. Food waste is estimated to account for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The production, processing, and transportation of food result in significant energy consumption and emissions. Food waste also has social implications, with many communities struggling to access nutritious food due to food insecurity.

WM’s Role in Reducing Food Waste

WM, a leading waste management company, has taken steps to address the issue of food waste. In March and April, they will be swapping out oversized carts for smaller ones, making it easier for residents to separate their organic waste. This change is part of a larger effort to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

Effective Composting Strategies for Home Gardeners

Composting is a crucial process for home gardeners, as it helps to reduce waste, create nutrient-rich soil, and promote a healthy ecosystem. However, many gardeners struggle with the process, often due to a lack of knowledge or ineffective strategies. In this article, we will explore effective composting strategies for home gardeners, including tips on how to store and maintain compost piles.

Choosing the Right Compost Materials

When it comes to composting, the quality of the materials used is crucial. Gardeners should aim to create a balanced compost pile that includes a mix of “green” and “brown” materials. Green materials, such as food scraps and grass clippings, are high in nitrogen and provide energy for the composting process.

The county was required to upgrade the facility to meet the new standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to ensure the facility was equipped to handle the new organic waste diversion program.

The Background of SB 1383

SB 1383, also known as the California Organic Waste Recycling Act, was first introduced in 2016 by Senator Bob Wieckowski. The law aimed to divert 75% of organic waste from landfills by 2025. This ambitious goal was designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Key Provisions of SB 1383

Organic Waste Diversion: The law requires that 75% of organic waste be diverted from landfills by This includes food waste, yard trimmings, and other organic materials. Food Waste Reduction: The law sets a goal of reducing food waste by 50% by This includes reducing food waste in households, restaurants, and food retailers. Waste-to-Energy: The law allows for the use of waste-to-energy facilities to convert organic waste into energy.

“It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to learn and adapt.”

The Challenges of Implementing Food Waste Regulations

The implementation of food waste regulations can be a daunting task for businesses, particularly those in the food service industry. The new regulations aim to reduce food waste by 50% by 2025, which is a significant challenge for many establishments.

Key Challenges

Staff Training: One of the biggest challenges is training staff to understand the new regulations and how to implement them effectively. This requires significant investment in time and resources. Inventory Management: Food waste regulations require businesses to track and manage inventory more closely, which can be a challenge for small businesses with limited resources. Customer Education: Educating customers about the importance of reducing food waste is also a challenge, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on take-out and delivery orders.

McCourtney Road Transfer Station Traffic Camera: https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/solidwaste