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 the Yolo County Landfill's composting 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 2025.

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

Acceptable Items

Use the Waste Wizard below to search for items not listed.

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 (no plastic lining)
  • BPI Certified Bompostable Bags
  •  Compostable Packaging

Resources

Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Food Scrap Pail 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use compostable bags in Organics?

Yes! We only accept BPI Certified bags that are green in color. The BPI Certification ensures the bag is made of plant material and will compost in our facility.

Where can I find compostable bags?

Most grocery stores in Woodland now carry compostable bags and you can find them online. Don’t forget to look for the BPI Certified logo on the packaging.

Can I place plastic or biodegradable bags in my cart?

No, both are trash and can cause an entire truckload of organics to end up in the landfill. Biodegradable bags are usually composed of plastic and can add harmful toxins and microplastics to our compost.

Won’t separating my organics make my trash smell worse?

It depends. Your organic matter is already going into your trash, so the only difference is the bag that contains it. We find that compostable bags and closed paper bags are just as good at reducing odors and discouraging pests as plastic bags. Make sure to put your cart out for service every week even if it isn’t completely full. 

Where are my organic materials taken for composting?

After Waste Management services your cart, it is taken to the Yolo County Landfill’s Composting Facility where it is turned into soil amendments that are used in agricultural fields in the area. It is a fully circular system! 

Can I buy the compost made from Woodland’s organics?

Yes, you can buy it year-round or you can get free compost from the Landfill every Spring and Fall. Look out for the announcement on our Instagram or Facebook (@EnviroWoodland).