How does recycling food waste relate to climate change?

California is now experiencing the effects of a climate crisis: hotter summers with world record-breaking temperatures, even more devastating fire seasons, more extreme droughts, and rising sea levels that erode our coastlines.

Scientists tell us that landfills are responsible for 21% of the state’s methane emissions, a gas that is 84 times more potent that carbon dioxide and significant contributor to climate change. Organic materials make up about half of California's waste stream, and food waste is the largest single waste stream. Therefore, organic waste recycling not only reduces emissions, but reduces the impacts of climate change and contributes valuable resources (such as compost) to our communities.

Show All Answers

1. Are bags accepted in the green, organics container?
2. How do I keep my green, organics containers clean and free of rodents?
3. Do I recycle or compost pizza boxes?
4. Do I need to pay more for organic waste and recycling collection?
5. What if I already have a compost bin at home? Can I be excluded from organics service?
6. What if I refuse to separate my food waste?
7. What happens to the materials I place in my organics recycling cart after they're collected?
8. How does recycling food waste relate to climate change?
9. How clean do items need to be to recycle?
10. How do I recycle cardboard?