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Environmental Services

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1. Why is composting food scraps good for the environment?

Instead of going to the landfill, food scraps will be composted. Compost is used to improve soil, so instead of taking up space in the landfill, it will benefit homeowners and farmers.

2. Will food scraps attract rodents to my yard?

You must keep the bin lid closed to keep rodents away. If your green bin is overfull, DO NOT add food waste to the open top.

3. Is the food going to smell bad in my green bin?

To prevent odors, we recommend you add food after some yard trimmings have been added to the green bin and layer food scraps between yard trimming layers. In addition, you can wrap your food scraps in used newspaper or soiled paper containers such as food containers, paper take out boxes, etc. Keeping the bin in the shade will help too.

4. Why not just put food down the garbage disposal?

Garbage disposals use energy to grind food and water to carry it into the sewer system where it can build up in the pipes and clog the sewer lines. This can cause foul-smelling odors, unsanitary back-ups, and overflows in your home and the streets.

5. What paper can I put in the compost bin?

Any food-soiled paper such as used napkins and paper towels, paper plates, newspaper used to wrap your food scraps in or used take out containers made of paper.

6. Should I put all paper in the green bin?

NO, it is best to put paper and cardboard in the blue recycle bin, unless it is soiled by food.

7. What if I can't stand the smell coming from my neighbor's green bin?

Contact the city at (510)215-3083.

8. Why did the City choose to accept food scrap composting?

The State has mandated that we reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. Composting food is helping us to achieve our waste reduction goals.

9. How much am I going to pay for this "service"?

The monthly fees for San Pablo residents will increase by approx. $.32 per green bin starting in January, 2011.

10. Can I use compostable food bags to dump my food scraps in the green bin?

BioBag® bags are the only approved compostable bag allowed. Purchase the compostable bags to line your kitchen pail. If you have questions about the bags, contact Richmond Sanitary Service at 510-262-7100.

11. Where can I get a kitchen pail to keep my food scraps in until I dump them in the green bin?

Free kitchen pails with lids will be available for pick up by San Pablo residents at San Pablo City Hall, 13831 San Pablo Ave, Building 3, Mon-Fri 8-4. You must bring a copy of a recent PG&E bill to receive a pail. Limit one pail per household.

12. Am I required to participate?

The pilot program is a voluntary way to reduce your environmental footprint and the amount of waste you send to the landfill. If you have concerns about your own ability to participate without properly managing bad odors or pests, you may continue to use your garbage bin to dispose of your food scraps.

13. Should I compost everything I can?

Participation in the food scrap composting program is not an “all-or-nothing” proposition. If you have concerns about particular food scrap items creating a bad odor or attracting pests, (e.g. dairy and meat) then please continue to use your garbage bin to dispose of these items.