In a pilot program to keep more food waste out of Santa Cruz County landfills, about 100 Santa Cruz city residents have been bringing food scraps to a locked box on Trescony Street for nearly the past 12 months. Early next year, curbside food-waste collection could start because of a new state law that requires cities to phase in organic waste collection from residents and businesses. Santa Cruz city trash bills also are likely to increase to help pay for the program, said Leslie O’Malley, the city of Santa Cruz’s waste reduction production manager.
Food waste accounts for nearly 25% of the garbage in the city’s landfill on Dimeo Lane, according to a city study. A goal of state law SB 1383 is to reduce 75% of food waste sent to landfills compared with 2014 levels. Some of the new state requirements for cities include:
- Organic waste collection to all residents and businesses
- Diversion of unsold edible food from restaurants and groceries to food banks and soup kitchens instead of landfills
The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2022 and includes penalties for noncompliance. O’Malley said she hoped the pilot program and next year’s efforts would help more residents understand the importance of separating household trash, recycling and food waste.