#United States #Orange County #Earth Day #OC Waste #Compost Giveaway

Celebrate Earth Day with Free Compost from OC Waste & Recycling

Orange County residents are invited to participate in a Community Compost Giveaway hosted by OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) on April 18, from 7:30 a.m. to noon or until supplies last. This annual initiative aims to provide the community with free compost made from green waste collected throughout the county, promoting sustainable practices and environmental consciousness.

OC Waste & Recycling plays a vital role in ensuring that organic materials do not go to waste. The event encourages residents to take advantage of the compost produced from organic waste collected from their homes. Tom Koutroulis, the Director of OCWR, emphasizes the importance of composting, stating, "Green waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost that benefits our communities. By recycling organic materials, we improve soil health, conserve water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our Compost Giveaway supports compliance with Senate Bill 1383 and helps us reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills."

Event Details

Residents can get their hands on free compost at three different locations:
1. Bee Canyon Greenery (Frank R. Bowerman Landfill)
- Address: 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine
2. Valencia Greenery (Olinda Alpha Landfill)
- Address: 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea
3. Capistrano Greenery (Prima Deshecha Landfill)
- Address: 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

To collect compost from the Irvine and San Juan Capistrano locations, residents are encouraged to bring their own containers or heavy-duty yard waste bags and a shovel for loading the compost. At the Brea location, prefilled bags will be provided, limited to four bags per household while supplies last. This makes it easier for families to participate and contribute to a healthier environment.

OC Waste & Recycling's compost is certified by the Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) from the U.S. Composting Council, ensuring it meets rigorous safety and quality standards. This compost is suitable for various gardening and landscaping projects, emphasizing its versatility and effectiveness in enriching soil.

Furthermore, the quality of OCWR's compost and mulch is further validated by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certification and compliance with the USDA National Organic Program, reflecting OCWR's commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The compost is also licensed as Organic Input Materials (OIM) by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

The Importance of Composting

Composting organic materials is crucial not only for enriching soil but also for reducing landfill waste. In California, residents dispose of nearly 6 million tons of food scraps yearly, comprising about 18% of landfill material. By effectively engaging in composting and proper organic recycling, residents can significantly help reduce methane emissions and contribute to California's climate goals.

In addition to the compost giveaway, OC Waste & Recycling encourages residents to responsibly dispose of hazardous household materials, including batteries, paint, and cleaners. The county provides Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano, open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For those looking to enhance their recycling efforts, visit OCrecycleguide.com, a resource designed to offer guidance on the proper disposal of commonly encountered recyclables.

For more information regarding the compost giveaway, visit OClandfills.com. Remember, the event's occurrence may be affected by weather conditions, so keep an eye on the forecast as the date approaches!

About OC Waste & Recycling

OC Waste & Recycling is committed to meeting the county's solid waste disposal needs, providing resource recovery, operating public landfills, and fostering an environment that is conducive to recycling and sustainability. With a focus on community health now and in the future, OCWR engages in innovative practices to ensure the wellbeing of all residents across Orange County.