Organics

The term "organic waste" covers a wide variety of items including yard trimmings, manure, food waste, and more. Organic waste makes up a large portion of waste that goes to disposal in landfills. LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) has had a program since the 1990's for the collection and recycling of yard trimmings and manure, and has been training City residents for the past 20 years on how to manage organic waste in their own backyards through composting workshops.

When organic waste is buried in landfills it can decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) and generate methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that has negative effects on our environment. Because recycling organic waste helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, LASAN is working on a number of programs to beneficially reuse food waste and compostable materials, thus preventing them from being buried in landfills. These programs include food waste prevention, food rescue of edible food to provide meals to those facing food insecurity, creation of renewable energy from food scraps, and the enrichment of the soil through the creation of compost.
OrganicsLA - Curbside
Effective immediately, all residential households served by LASAN must put food scraps and food-soiled paper, along with yard waste, in their green bin. Click here to schedule your pail pick up.More about Curbside Organics Recycling
Mandatory Organics Recycling 425x260
AB1826 requires local jurisdictions to implement an organic waste recycling program to divert organic waste generated by businesses.More about Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling
Farmers Market Landing Picture
We've partnered with LA Compost so that you can drop off food scraps at local farmers markets! Visit the page to learn what they accept and where to find them.More about Farmers Market Drop-Off
Food Rescue Program organics landing page 425x260
Learn about the City's efforts to reduce and divert food waste and increase the donation of edible surplus food that may otherwise be going to the landfills.More about Food Rescue Program
Food Prevention
40% of food in the US goes uneaten. We'll show you how to prevent food waste.More about Food Waste Prevention
Free Composting Workshops - Organics
Learn how to turn kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.More about Free Composting Workshops
Green Waste - Organics
Green waste such as grass, leaves and branches from your yard, is biodegradable and reduces landfill usage when recycled.More about Green Waste
Garbage Disposal In-Sink Pilot
We recently completed the Food Waste Diversion In-Sink pilot, using garbage disposals to send food waste through the sewer system to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, diverting it from landfills.More about In-Sink Pilot
Mulch Program - Organics
LASAN is "closing the loop" by providing free quality mulch to residents at locations across the City. Bring your own supplies including shovels, containers or a pickup to load as much mulch as you need. More about Mulch Program
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