Residential Organics Recycling

Yard Trimmings
Food Scraps
FoodSoiledPaper_no-plastic-lined

As of March 1, 2018, Woodland residents can place food scraps and food-soiled paper in their green waste carts (now referred to as organics carts). Instead of going to the landfill, your food scraps and food-soiled paper, along with your yard waste, will be taken to a facility to be processed into compost! Separating food scraps and food-soiled paper is easy and will help Woodland and California reach our goal to recycle 75% of our waste by 2020.

Organics carts are serviced once a week year-round, on the same day as your trash and recycle cart pick-up. Your organics cart must not contain limbs over 5 feet long, large stumps, metal, concrete, gravel, or other non-organic materials.

Acceptable Items

Yard Trimmings

  • Grass
  • Leaves
  • Non-Hazardous Wood Waste
  • Tree Limbs (Less Than 5 Feet Long)
  • Weeds

Food Scraps

  • Bread and Pasta
  • Meat and Bones
  • Cheese
  • Egg Shells
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Shellfish

Food-Soiled Paper

  • Coffee Filters
  • Greasy Pizza Boxes
  • Napkins
  • Paper Towels
  • Tea Bags

Compostable Packaging

  • Paper and Cardboard Take-Out Boxes
  • BPI Certified Compostable Packaging

Resources

Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Food Scrap Bin Clean

  • Collect it: Collect your kitchen food scraps in an old coffee can or bucket. Place under sink or counter for easy access.
  • Empty it: Empty your food scrap bin frequently to reduce odors.
  • Line it: If you decide to line your collection bin, use paper bags, newspaper, or BPI certified compostable liners. Learn how to fold a newspaper liner for your food scrap bin (PDF).
  • Wrap it: Wrap meat and leftovers in newspaper before placing them in your bin to avoid heavy odors.
  • Clean it: Rinse off residual food scraps or liquids from your bins. Sprinkle with baking soda to remove odors. Wipe the lid with vinegar to repel fruit flies.

Tips for Keeping Your Outdoor Cart Clean

  • Line it: Place a sheet of cardboard or green waste at the bottom of your cart to prevent food scraps from sticking to the bottom.
  • Layer it: Layer food scraps with green waste so the green waste can absorb moisture and potential odors.
  • Close it: Keep the lid closed to reduce odors and pests.
  • Take it out: Place your cart out to the curb each week for pick-up, even if it’s not full.
  • Clean it: You may need to clean your cart periodically to prevent potential odor or pest problems. Rinse your cart with warm water and a biodegradable detergent and let the dirty waste drain into your yard. Do not rinse into the street or storm drain water that enters the storm drains goes straight to local waterways without any treatment. Sprinkle baking soda or vinegar into carts to remove odors and repel flies.