Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
SB 1383: Short-Lived Climate Pollutants amends the definition of organic waste to also include applicable textiles and carpets, manure, biosolids, digestate and sludges. The regulations set a new statewide goal for a 75% reduction in the disposal of organic waste by 2025; as well as a statewide goal to increase donations of edible food that is currently disposed of by 20% by 2025. You can find more information about SB 1383 here.
According to California’s recent waste characterization studies, organic waste comprises over 50% of the waste stream in our state. Most of this waste is easily recycled or composted at existing facilities in California. Organic waste placed in landfills is the main contributor to methane production in the landfill. When organic waste, like a banana peel, decomposes it releases methane gas which is a greenhouse gas up to 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide in our environment. Greenhouse gases, especially methane, are the main culprits to climate change. By reducing the organic waste sent to our landfill in Tehama County we are able to have a direct impact on reducing the effects of climate change. Preventing organic waste from going in our landfill is easy!
See below for tips to reduce your organic waste.
Edible Food Donation
SB 1383 regulations require commercial edible food generators to recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed. Tier 1 commercial edible food generators must comply with this requirement beginning January 1, 2022 and Tier 2 commercial edible food generators must comply beginning January 1, 2024. Click here to see the definition of Tier 1 and Tier 2 commercial edible food generators.
The organizations listed below can take donations of edible food. Please contact the organization first to ensure they are able to take your donation(s). Entities mandated by the State of California to donate edible food must have a contract in place with an organization prior to donating food to that organization.
Corning Senior Center
1015 4th Ave., Corning, CA 96021
Karen Burnett – (530) 824-4727
Collection Service Area: Tehama County
Types of Food Accepted: Bread/Bakery, Deli, Dairy, Meat, Produce, Dry Goods (Canned, Packaged Shelf Stable)
Corning Christian Assistance
707 4th St., Corning, CA 96021
Jessica Brooke – (530) 824-3866
Collection Service Area: Tehama County
Types of Food Accepted: Bread/Bakery, Deli, Dairy, Meat, Produce, Dry Goods (Canned, Packaged Shelf Stable)
Seventh Day Adventist Community Services
24052 Hoag Rd., Corning, CA 96021
Barbara Thuemler – (530) 824-3425
Collection Service Area: Tehama County
Types of Food Accepted: Bread/Bakery, Deli, Dairy, Meat, Produce, Dry Goods (Canned, Packaged Shelf Stable)
Harvest Christian Center
1006 6th Ave., Corning, CA 96021
Jackie Langley – (530) 366-0036
Collection Service Area: Corning and surrounding areas
Types of Food Accepted: Bread/Bakery, Deli, Dairy, Meat, Produce, Dry Goods (Canned, Packaged Shelf Stable)
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
4010 Nelson Avenue, Concord CA
(925) 676-7543
Use the website below to connect with a local organization that can take your donations:
Collection Service Area: Tehama County
Local Collection Partners: Rancho Tehama Community Church, Salt Ranch, Tehama County Gleaners, Cornerstone Church of God, Spirit of Life Church, P.A.T.H, Salvation Army, Empower Tehama, Immaculate Conception Church, New Life Assembly, The Lord’s Table, High Point Assembly
Types of Food Accepted: Bread/Bakery, Deli, Dairy, Meat, Produce, Dry Goods (Canned, Packaged Shelf Stable)
Food Waste Reduction
The below tips are taken from the Natural Resources Defense Council’s www.SaveTheFood.com. Please visit their website for more details on food waste reduction tips listed here.
Meal Planning and Preparation
- While it may seem like a lot of work, it can be made simpler by starting with easy to prepare meals then adding more complex recipes little by little.
- Frozen foods help make meal planning easier and help reduce wasted food by allowing you to purchase smaller quantities of fresh produce.
- When freezing food make sure to use airtight containers so your food does not get ruined and leave room for liquids to expand.
- Before going to the grocery store, shop your pantry first so you do not buy more of what you already have and stick to the list you make.
- Purchasing items from bulk bins help you reduce waste by buying only what you need. An added benefit is that it helps reduce packaging waste.
Additional Tips
- The meal “Guest-imator” will help you plan for large gatherings or just a quiet meal for two.
- Storage tips for everything from beans and nuts to meat and dairy can be found here.
- Have an ingredient that needs to be used quickly? Their recipe page has lots of information on how to use that ingredient so it does not get wasted.
Landscaping
By incorporating the landscaping tips below, taken from the Univeristy of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, you can reduce how much maintenance your landscape requires leading to less waste and more free time to enjoy your area. Click here to go to their website for more detailed information.
- By knowing the species of lawn in your garden you can determine the appropriate watering schedule, fertilizer needs, and frequency of mowing.
- Grasscycling helps reduce fertilizer needs by as much as 20%! Be sure to use a mulching lawnmower and only cut the top 1/3 of the blades of grass.
- Composting helps to use the branches and dead plants from your garden to create nutrient rich soil amendments so you do not have to buy as many fertilizers.
- If you have service with a waste hauler, use the yard waste bin they provide to send off tree trimmings and prunings that you cannot compost yourself.
- Placing the right plant in the right place makes a huge difference in how much maintenance will be required. For example, a large bush or tree in a small space will require frequent pruning to keep it from taking over your garden.