You might have already noticed, but California recently enacted a statewide law that enforces a mandatory organic waste collection. Homes, businesses, and residential communities are able to implement this new mandate in different ways, but this is a huge step forward for waste reduction efforts everywhere.
We wrote about how California’s compost law will reduce food waste in landfills by 75%, along with other impressive benefits. In this article, we’ll talk a bit more about how to effectively compost in California.
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Table of contents
Let’s talk about the new composting law in California first, and what it means for the state’s residents. It might sound intimidating, but abiding by the mandate might be easier than you think.
What is the new composting law in California?
According to CalRecycle, SB 1383 “requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses.” This means that every single resident and visitor of California will have the opportunity to compost their food waste instead of letting it go to the landfill.
You can think of a “jurisdiction” as any entity that would need to provide waste and recycling bins and services. Each jurisdiction is responsible for suiting the unique needs of their constituents and/or residents.
Whether it’s residential areas, businesses, or schools and federal buildings, each of these will need to provide accurate educational materials, suitable bins and receptacles, and maintain the systems so that organic waste can be collected properly.
To learn more about the new compost law in California, you can check out this article.
Composting in California: 3 methods you can try
Now that we’ve talked a bit about the new composting law in California, let’s dive into three composting methods you can start today. Even though the mandate went into effect at the beginning of 2022, it’s not too late to start or upgrade your composting methods. Even if you are just beginning to compost, here are three really easy ways to get started.
1. Green bin
Green bins are one of the simplest methods of composting. If you live in a residential area in California, chances are there is a compost pickup service that is gaining traction in your neighborhood. Whether they provide a bucket or not, you can use a green bin to help your compost service make efficient pickups.
All you have to do is toss in your food scraps and compostable items into the bucket and keep it sealed. Then, you can depend on a pickup service to take your compost and process it industrially.
We also wrote a guide to the best indoor composting bins, so make sure you check it out if you need help picking out the right indoor green bin for your home.
Pro tip: Layer each addition of food scraps with brown matter like paper, cardboard, brown grocery bags, or yard waste. This will minimize the smell and help the decomposition process.
2. Lomi countertop composter
Lomi kitchen composter is even more simple than the green bin method. You don’t even have to lug a heavy bin down to the curb; you can make nutrient-rich dirt all from the comfort of your home.
Electric composters are unique because they use electricity to speed up the composting process. Heat is one of the most important elements of composting, and electricity can provide the right amount of energy to your food waste to turn it into nutrient-rich dirt.
Simply add your kitchen waste and other food scraps into Lomi’s opening. Set it to the appropriate setting and press the button. In a matter of hours, you’ll have an end product that you can add to your garden or your houseplants.
Pro tip: Make sure you set it to Grow mode and add a Lomi pod into the barrel for optimum plant-growing dirt! Read what people are saying about Lomi here.
3. Tumbler method
While there are so many composting methods you can do from home, the tumbler is one of the most efficient. A tumbler is built so that you can easily turn and agitate your in-progress compost without pulling out the pitchfork.
Add your organic waste into the barrel and turn it every so often; once or twice a week should do. You’ll find yourself with a fresh pile of compost after 2 months. You can add it to your garden, give it to your neighbors, or use it on your houseplants.
Pro tip: Make sure you find a compost tumbler with a strong door and lock. Since it’s an outside method, critters might be tempted to find their way inside to feast on your food scraps!
Try Lomi - the easiest & best way to compost in California
If you are stressed at all about complying with California’s new law, Lomi is the simplest solution. The entire process from beginning to end is super quick, incredibly convenient, and easier than you think.
Hardly larger than a toaster, the Lomi electric kitchen composter is the easiest way to comply with California compost laws. Plus, it does not require very much space and can be stored away if needed.
Hopefully this helped you get a better sense of California’s new composting law and how you can follow the mandate. Sustainable living in California just got that much more approachable!
Written by: Jess Savage