You may have heard that California recently passed a new organic waste law, SB 1383, that went into effect this year, but what does it mean exactly? To put it simply, it means that every jurisdiction in the state, every city, county, or special district that provides solid waste collection services, is required to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses.

Residents will be required to separate organic waste, including “food, green material, landscape, organic textiles and carpets, lumber, wood, paper products, biosolids, manure, etc.” SB 1383 was passed in order to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, and it set ambitious goals of reducing organizational waste disposal 75% by 2025. For now, no fines will be imposed for failure to comply, but this will most likely change in the future.

More information about when you could potentially get your new bin is available through CalRecycle, the agency overseeing this new change.

If you’re eager to begin your journey to a more eco-friendly household, we are covering some composting basics below.

Why composting is beneficial

You may first be asking: Why is composting beneficial? Our compostable ingredients have serious environmental benefits. It also helps reduce the amount waste that sent away to landfills, which can in turn reduce garbage collection bills and, for municipalities, reduces the expenses used to transport and dispose of waste. When done properly, compost acts like an all-natural fertilizer by providing important nutrients your soil needs.

How to get started composting

Believe it or not, there is a right way to compost so that you don’t end up with a smelly mess. You also to make sure your compost pile has adequate oxygen and moisture levels, plus the right balance of carbon and nitrogen in order to be successful. All of these things can be achieved by simply paying attention to the ingredients you’re using. The best news? Most of these ingredients are already found in your home right now!

Because the microorganisms in your compost pile are working to break down all of your ingredients, you need to make sure they have the right conditions:

• Water: The ideal moisture level of your compost pile should be about 50 percent. 
• Oxygen: It’s extremely important to maintain oxygen levels if you want to avoid a smelly compost pile. Remember to add dry ingredients that contain oxygen, such as small branches, to create air pockets. It’s also important to regularly turn your pile every week or two. Consider using a shovel or compost tumbler. 
• Carbon: Carbon gives energy and growth to your pile, so the microorganisms can do their job. Ingredients like straw, shredded cardboard, dried leaves, tissue paper, and wood ashes are excellent sources of carbon.
• Nitrogen: Nitrogen is used for protein and reproduction. Coffee grounds, manure, kitchen scraps, hair, and fur all contain nitrogen.

If you’re looking for DIY compost ideas, product suggestions, and composting tips, don’t forget to check us out on Pinterest!

To sum up our thoughts on compost, homemade compost is a great alternative to buying expensive fertilizer, plus it benefits your plants and the environment and saves you money. In addition to your personal benefits, composting helps benefit our community and local environment as a whole, especially under the new organic waste law.

Ready to get started? Let us know how your composting journey is going!

Sources: LA Times, CalRecycle