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Why It Matters Throwing food away creates a myriad of problems; diverting it has a wealth of benefits BY ALLEN PIERLEONI
T
he science is straightforward yet devastating: The third and the waste haulers themselves.” Among the programs’ many positives is job leading contributor to the greenhouse gas methane, creation and a boost for San Diego’s economy. which traps heat in our atmosphere, is decomposing “Recycling is more labor-intensive than landfilling organic waste in landfills. Food waste is the No. 1 type of or incineration,” Weihe says. “Additional staff material disposed of any type, and it accounts for 15% of will be needed at the recycling and composting all material disposed. Greenhouse gases contribute to a facilities in order to manage and process the myriad of problems, including changes to our climate and additional volume of materials.” disruptions in the food supply chain. Economic development also includes And there is another reason to avoid wasting food: investments in new collection facilities. Our region has an ever-increasing hunger issue. One Data shows composting and in seven San Diegans were food-insecure diverting organic waste before the pandemic; now the number is creates more jobs than landfilling, one in three. If we and workers will be needed to California is addressing the issue recycle properly and manage materials at new and with statewide mandates requiring a existing sites. 75% reduction in organic waste divert food scraps and A key goal is to disposal and a 20% increase in other organics, there’s very remove all organics edible food recovery by 2025. little left to be disposed of in from landfills, which The regulations, going into effect will reduce methane. Jan. 1, 2022, will require cities landfills.” Currently, 40% of waste and counties to be responsible for Steve Weihe in landfills is organic. implementing programs—such as Recycling Specialist, Solid Waste “If we recycle properly food scraps collection service. Planning and Recycling County of San Diego and divert food scraps “SB 1383, the driving force Department of and other organics,” he behind these mandates, is a significant Public Works says, “there’s very little law in California around recycling left to be disposed of organics and will lead to a massive shift in in landfills. If that’s the behavior,” says Steve Weihe, Recycling Specialist case, the landfills should with the County of San Diego, and leading public last a long time.” outreach and education efforts. Following the program guidelines “is something “Most people are used to putting food scraps and we definitely need everybody’s help on,” Weihe says. other organic waste into the trash bin, but now it will “Diverting organics to create compost and healthy go into the green materials bin to become compost, soil is a positive step in helping mitigate the effects of renewable fuel or fertilizer,” Weihe says. “Getting that climate change.” message across will be a priority for us, and will require a coordinated effort from the County, as well as other cities
2 | REDUCING FOOD WASTE | County of San Diego Department of Public Works
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Composting 101 How we Californians handle our household organic waste will change when new state mandates go into effect. Did you know organic waste can be composted at home? Composting is nature’s way to recycle. Composting is a simple practice that can improve your landscape and our larger community. In fact, San Diegans can take a cue from the county’s 350 registered organic farmers. They know the advantages compost brings, both to their own crops and to home gardens. For starters, compost—decayed organic matter—enriches soil with nutrients and microorganisms, suppresses plant disease and promotes growth, bolsters soil structure, reduces erosion and suppresses pests. “Compost also allows the soil to hold more water, reducing the irrigation demand,” says Steve Weihe, Recycling Specialist and Master Composter with the County of San Diego. “With the ongoing drought, compost has the potential to help provide greater resilience to our soils and plants.”
To learn more about composting, visit www.sandiegocounty.gov/dpw/recycling/composting
