Posted on March 31, 2022
| 2:44 p.m.
Santa Barbara County businesses and residents are now recycling green waste and food waste; and the county’s longstanding organics recycling programs and new resource center will ensure the community meets and exceeds compliance with the new statewide requirements.
Commercial and residential waste thrown into a trash can or trash can in Buellton, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Solvang, and unincorporated areas of Cuyama Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, and the South Coast are handled at the new center resources from the county public works department.
Recyclable materials are recovered and sold, and organic materials (including food waste) are separated from garbage and turned into compost and energy; enough energy to power up to 3,000 homes a year.
With the new facility, approximately 60% of additional waste from the bins is diverted from landfill, bringing the region’s diversion rate to over 85%, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This means that residents who live or work in these areas do not need to change the way they manage waste to meet the new requirements.
In addition to the ReSource Center, the county offers other ways for the community to recover and recycle organics:
· Yard waste collection: Continue to put grass clippings, leaves and yard waste in your green bin. Do not mix food scraps with yard waste, as this interferes with mulch production. To visit www.LessIsMore.org/mulch to learn more about the county’s Mulch program.
· Home composting: The county’s home composting program makes it easy to compost where you live. To visit www.LessIsMore.org/compost to access a free “ABCs of Composting” booklet and learn more about the discounted compost bin program. Within months, you can create your own on-site compost for your garden.
· Commercial Food Waste Collection and Disposal: The county’s commercial food waste collection program is available for large food waste generators, such as schools, restaurants, and grocery stores. Collected food scraps are processed at the Resource Center, increasing the overall quality of the finished compost.
As a reminder, for those who live in the “waste” Resource Centre, there is no change in the way you must manage your waste. Residents should continue to use their green waste, recycling and trash cans as they always have.
Contact the County Department of Public Works with questions, 805-882-3600 or [email protected]