Residential Organic Waste

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Overview

The City of Palm Springs made big changes to both residential and commercial trash, recycling, and food and yard waste collection service changes in 2022.

Why are we making changes?

On December 9, 2021, the City Council passed a new ordinance that, among other things, will mandate organic waste collection services to all residents. This includes collection of yard waste (which was previously optional) and food waste. We refer to food and yard waste collection as "organics recycling." Collection began in late 2022.

This FAQ describes some of the changes that Palm Springs and other California cities are making due to a new state law, SB1383.

SB 1383 FAQ in English

SB 1383 FAQ en español

Since the fall of 2022, all residents and businesses have been required to separate food waste and yard waste into their green bins. Separating this organic waste material allows us to process it into compost, reducing the amount of methane which is generated from our landfills when food and yard waste breaks down. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, meaning that it contributes significantly to climate change, so reducing methane emissions is key to helping us reduce the impacts of climate change.

How can I recycle my food and yard waste?

This brochure from Palm Springs Disposal Services (PSDS) contains a lot of helpful information about organics recycling. If you have any questions, you can email our office at recycling@palmspringsca.gov or give us a call at 760-323-8214.

Organics Recycling Brochure (English and español)

Residents in multi-family residential complexes with 5 units or more that have centralized waste collection should look out for the green bins in their centralized waste collection areas and place food waste in these bins.
Residents with individual cart service that already had a green waste bin for yard waste should put food waste in the same bin.
Any resident with individual cart service that did not have a green waste bin for yard waste should have received one from PSDS last fall. If you did not receive a green bin, please contact PSDS at the number below.

We ask residents to put their food waste inside a bag to help our processing facility handle the different types of material. We recommend that you use compostable bags, available from most grocery stores and local retailers; however, if those are not available, you can use a paper bag, reuse a bag you already have (such as a produce bag from the grocery store), or use a clear plastic bag if necessary. This will also help you keep your green bins clean. Yard waste should be left loose in the green bin.

Optional cart sizes: Residents can choose from a 95, 65 or 35-gallon rolling cart depending on how much organic waste they may generate.

Yard waste: If your gardener is currently hauling away your yard waste, we encourage you to direct them to use your green waste bin. That will help them save time and money and help ensure that the material always goes to the right place.

If you are in a multi-family complex with space constraints: You may receive a 2.5 gallon bucket instead of a cart.

660-41 English 660-41 Spanish

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Questions & Answers

What is SB 1383?

In September 2016, the State set methane emission reduction targets for California in Senate Bill 1383, intended as a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (like organic waste) in various sectors of California’s economy.

SB 1383 establishes statewide targets to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills (50% reduction by 2020 and 75% by 2025). It also sets a goal to rescue at least 20% of currently disposed edible food by 2025 and redirect that food to people in need.

From 2016-2020, the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) worked to develop regulations to achieve the goals of SB 1383. These new regulations were finalized by CalRecycle in November 2020 and took effect in 2022.

What is Organic Waste? What about Organic Recycling?

The state defines “Organic waste” as food, landscape and pruning trimmings, lumber, wood, manure, cardboard, paper products, printing and writing paper, and other plant and animal-based products. This includes such items as food-soiled paper such as pizza boxes, paper plates, and napkins. We refer to the separation and collection of organic waste as "organic recycling".

When will I get Green Waste Service?

All residents began receiving this service by the end of 2022.

How will I put my food waste in my Green cart?

When the City starts its new service, residents will be asked to place their food waste and yard waste in the same container. If you don't have yard waste, that is fine. Residents should put their food waste inside a bag to help our processing facility handle the different types of material. We recommend that you use compostable bags, available from most grocery stores and local retailers; however, if those are not available, you can use a paper bag, reuse a bag you already have (such as a produce bag from the grocery store), or use a clear plastic bag if necessary. This will also help you keep your green bins clean. Yard waste should be left loose in the green bin. THIS DIRECTION MAY CHANGE, PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.

We recommend collecting materials and consolidating as much as possible so you only put our one bag of food waste material for each collection. You can do this by accumulating food waste in a bag in your freezer or by using a ventilated bin on your countertop until you put it out on pickup day. You can also use paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and help reduce odors.

What can and can't go into the Green cart?

Check the PSDS website for an updated list of frequently asked items. In short, plant material, food scraps (including cooked meat and bones), and food-soiled paper can go into the bin. Animal waste and plastic containers cannot go into the bin.

CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING DAY - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, December 2, 7:30AM-5:30PM

City of Palm Springs