Capture organic waste and develop regional capacity for beneficial reuse

Organic waste includes food waste, green waste, landscaping and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste. When organic waste ends up in landfills,
it releases methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Organics can be separated out from the waste stream and utilized in many ways. Early diversion programs can enable food to be shared with those in need while it is still edible. Organic waste may also be converted
into useful products such as compost, biogas, and fertilizer. We have many opportunities to reduce waste or use it in beneficial ways, but we have a deep need for more infrastructure for organics recycling. These facilities, and recycling facilities in general, are unpopular in neighborhoods. The zoning code should be modified to ensure these facilities are properly located and that issues related to truck trips, noise, or odors are fully addressed.

Most important to the growth of organics recycling is proper source separation of waste. Any contaminated waste streams provide difficulties to waste management and oftentimes deem waste non-recyclable. It is
critical that all LA County residents are educated on waste separation.