Palm Springs preparing for changes to trash collection, green waste
There are big changes coming to how Californians throw out trash, including food waste, and it's all in the name of reducing emissions.
Starting this fall, Palm Springs will require organic waste, including food and landscaping, to be collected together in the same bin. The city is holding information sessions to alert residents to the changes and get people on board before they are implemented.
"These are the most aggressive changes to refuse collection since the 80s, since we started recycling," said Tracy Sheldon, a program coordinator with the Palm Springs Office of Sustainability.
The changes, which will ultimately affect all valley cities, are part of a state initiative to cut back on organic matter in landfills that emits huge amounts of methane gas, a major climate pollutant.
"When food waste breaks down in landfills, that is the number 1 offender of greenhouse gas emissions and the state has noted that and is making these aggressive changes," Sheldon said.
At the start of this year, state lawmakers passed SB 1383, aimed at reducing 75 percent of organic waste in landfills by 2025.
The city of Pam Springs hopes to issue residents a new green waste bin by October.
All cities and counties in the state have been required to collect organic waste from residents and businesses. Burtecc Waste and Recycling Services, which handles trash hauling for most of the Coachella Valley, said changes will be implemented city by city. An official said customers will receive mailed notice in advance of any updates to service.
State officials said fines will be imposed on those not participating correctly by 2024.
Holding a meeting Monday, Palm Springs Sustainability and Disposal Services officials hoped to address some lingering questions from residents, including how to store the green waste before collection.
"I just want to know what to do with it," said resident Linda Futterer. "I've heard some people put that in the freezer for a week. I don't know what you do with it for the week, and in hot weather, that could really be a problem."
"It's gonna reduce, hopefully, greenhouse gases – that's why I'm here," said Wayne Fellabaum.
Julie Warrn is the librarian at the Palm Springs public library. She said she's hoping to help get the word out early about changes to trash collection.
"We want to start the conversation now and we want to start having people think about it, start to acclimate to what changes they might have to make," Warren said. "It's just something we want to continue the conversation about."
