Keeping Your Organics Container Free of Contamination
Recycling organics waste is a big deal—especially when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lessening the impacts of climate change. When organics materials decompose in the landfill, they create the third largest source of methane emissions. Here are easy tips to help keep your organics container free of contamination.
● SORT PROPERLY – Knowing the basics of what is and is not acceptable in your organics container will help streamline how you manage your household waste stream. Spoiled and leftover food, moldy cheese, chicken bones, dead flowers, as well as food-soiled paper (100% fiber-based) are just some examples of perfectly acceptable organics waste.
● AVOID COMMON CONTAMINANTS – Twist ties, bread clips, rubber bands, and produce stickers are among the most common organics contaminants. These items are made from plastic and need to be removed prior to disposing your food scraps. In addition, most tea bags and gum contain some degree of plastic and are considered contaminants.
● WATCH THE LABELS – Spot greenwashing. Under California law, manufacturers cannot label any bioplastic product as “biodegradable”, “oxo-degradable”, “environmentally friendly”, “beneficial to landfill”, and any other forms of these terms to prevent consumers from misleading and untrue environmental marketing claims. Bioplastics, a foodware item that looks like plastic, but is made from plants or other natural materials, are not acceptable for composting by Athens. This is due to the required time it takes to process them in full and compost facility certifications that do not allow inorganic material in our compost. Dispose of these items in the trash container.
● KEEP CONTENTS LOOSE – When it comes to disposing of organics waste into your outdoor green container, it is preferred to keep all contents loose. This helps team members at Athens’ composting facility easily identify and sort through potential contaminants. If you prefer to line your food scraps container, consider using a paper or loosely-tied clear/translucent plastic bag.
To learn more about what items you can include in your organics container and what you should avoid, visit CanIRecycleMy.com.