Oceanside farmers, chefs and recycling experts are meeting to talk about a new state mandate. AB 1826 calls on cities to work with grocery stores and restaurants to divert methane-producing organic waste from landfills.
The state mandate went into effect in April for large scale organic waste generators. In January 2017 the requirement extends to midsize waste generators.
At a recent potluck dinner at Cyclops Farm, Charlie Anderson, co-owner and executive chef of Privateer Coal Fire Pizza, said Oceanside is already ahead of the game in its management of green waste.
He explained the benefits of composting organic waste that turns into worm castings.
“That goes back to our farms and reproduces our food, so it's a full circle program for us," he said."It is really exciting for us a small community, as an Oceanside community, to give that back and see it come full circle.”
Oceanside’s El Corazon Compost Facility has been open since 1995. The public composting facility is a public/private partnership run by Agri Service, Inc.
Currently, individuals or businesses have to bring green organic waste to the facility. Citywide hauling services to take business organic waste to the recycling facility are expected to be available within a couple of years.
In the meantime, city solid waste and recycling staff will provide businesses with trash evaluations, and coach them on ways to divert organic waste.
Businesses have already taken some initial steps to repurpose unsold food for use in soup kitchens and senior meal programs. Some have already begin on-site composting.
AB 1826 requires that cities must report their education and compliance efforts to the state by August 2017.
By 2025, all organic waste will be banned from landfills.
