January and February 2022
The Food Waste Recycling Program for residents launched on January 1, 2022. Residents in single-family homes must bag food waste, tie it off, and place it in the yard waste cart. Food waste includes meat, bones, dairy, bread, fruit, vegetables, as well as all other edible and inedible parts of food typically thrown into the trash. Once at the sorting facility, bagged food waste is separated and composted into soil products. Do not place food waste directly into the yard waste cart, as this will contaminate the yard waste. Learn more here: FAQ for the Food Waste Recycling Program.

E.J. Harrison & Sons is providing complimentary food waste collection pails (2 gallons) to assist Ventura residents with participating in the new food waste recycling program. In December, the City's Environmental Sustainability team began delivering the pails to all single-family homes in Ventura. The food waste recycling pails are also available by request and to residents in multi-family housing units as the program expands.

The food waste recycling pails can be kept on a counter top or under the kitchen sink. Before buying new bags for the pails, consider reusing bread bags, takeout bags, or grocery bags as a liner for the pail to collect food waste. When the bag is ready to be disposed, tie off the bag and place it in the yard waste container. Do not place your food waste recycling pail out for curbside collection.

This new program is required by California’s Senate Bill (SB) 1383. SB 1383 aims to reduce methane emissions by diverting organic material from landfills by establishing statewide food waste recycling requirements for cities. The City is rolling out food waste recycling for all residents, businesses, and multi-family properties to comply with the law.
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Food Waste Recycling Program for Residents
Environmental Program Updates
Green Business
$500 Rebates are Back!

Does your business need upgrades? Want to switch to more environmentally friendly equipment or supplies, but don’t want to spend the money? The California Green Business Network is offering up to $500 in rebates to every business that becomes City of Ventura Certified Green Businesses. This money can go towards lighting upgrades, green cleaning supplies, or any other purchase that helps the business meet the Green Business Program requirements.

The Green Business Program is free, open to all businesses, and many businesses become certified by making a few simple changes that make their business run more efficiently.

For more information about program requirements, contact Lars Davenport at ldavenport@cityofventura.ca.gov, (805) 652-4595.
Green Schools
Anacapa Middle School Set to Divert More Material from the Landfill

Last fall, both kitchen staff and custodial staff at Anacapa Middle School began to divert food waste from the landfill by recycling food waste in the kitchen. Starting in February, students at Anacapa Middle School will also be able to separate their food waste from their recyclables and trash and during mealtimes.

This new change is required by SB 1383. Since 2013, local elementary schools have participated in the lunchtime recycling program, which gives students the opportunity to sort their waste into trash, recycle, and compost during mealtimes. This program typically diverts over 150 tons of waste from the landfill each year.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, contact Kelsey Hammond at khammond@cityofventura.ca.gov
Food Waste Prevention
In the US, food loss and food waste occur at each stage of the supply chain, with the majority happening at consumer-facing businesses like restaurants and retail. Additionally, homes contribute 37% of food waste, which equals about 30 million tons of food! Keep food from being wasted using these techniques:

  • Get creative with leftovers or cook smaller portions to avoid over-abundance of leftovers.
  • Take stock of what you have before grocery shopping and make a list 
  • Don't shy away from "ugly" fruits or veggies
Recycle Coach Tip
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) are common household items, which contain toxic materials and cannot be disposed of in either the recycle or trash bin. HHW should be properly disposed of at the monthly HHW Events. Common HHW items include paint motor oil, antifreeze, compressed gas, fluorescent tubes and light bulbs, pool supplies, pesticides, and smoke detectors.

Event registration is open for the January and February HHW events, which are free for City of Ventura Residents. For more information, visit City of Ventura's HHW website.
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