Composting is an easy way to keep organic material out of the landfill and reduce the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.  When food scraps are sent to the landfill, they emit methane, which is 25 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.  Compost made from the food scraps is a valuable resource for landscapers, farmers, community gardens, and home gardens. Using compost helps soil retain water and reduces water consumption.

When you put food scraps down the garbage disposal, it takes a lot of energy for wastewater treatment plants to clean the water – not to mention it can cost a lot of money to fix clogged up pipes and disposals. 

Follow these tips to help reduce odor and mess INSIDE

1. Store your food scraps in a container such as a pitcher, pail, bucket, bin, milk carton, or paper bag.
1. Empty the container regularly into your compost cart.
2. Lining your kitchen pail or container is a helpful way to reduce mess but it is not required. Allowable liners: newspaper, paper bags, or BPI-certified compostable bags (no plastic). See below for examples of kitchen pail alternatives and pail liners. 
3. Wash your kitchen pail with soap and water regularly. Add baking soda to absorb extra odor. 
4. Refrigerate or freeze your food scraps until your collection day.

 Follow these tips to help reduce odor and mess OUTSIDE

1. If there are no yard trimmings in the cart, layer some newspaper, paper bags or cardboard in the bottom to absorb moisture.
2. Try to pick up fallen inedible fruit weekly and add it to your cart to avoid attracting pests.
3. Keep the cart lid closed to prevent birds and animals from scavenging and making a mess.
4. Set out your cart every week for collection, even if not full. Store cart so it is screened from street view, and keep in a shady spot in hot weather.
5. Sprinkle baking soda in your cart to deodorize. If needed, lightly rinse out cart with mild soap, water, or a mild vinegar solution to discourage pests. Empty water into landscaping, never down the storm drain. 
6. You can request a cart exchange for a small fee by contacting Recology. 

Request a free pail below or use a pail alternative

Use a pail, pitcher, coffee can, cereal box (remove plastic bag) or other container that suits your needs and counter space.

Pail liners Options

Food Scraps

• Bread, grains and pasta
• Coffee grounds (and filters)
• Dairy
• Eggshells
• Fish and shellfish
• Fruit, including pits
• Meat, including bones
• Poultry
• Vegetables

Yard Trimmings

• Branches and brush
• Flowers and floral trimmings
• Grasses and weeds
• Leaves and tree trimmings

Soiled Paper Products

• Coffee filters
• Milk Cartons
• Paper cups (including disposable paper coffee cups) and plates
• Paper ice cream containers
• Paper bags, napkins and towels
• Paper take-out boxes and containers
• Paper tea bags
• Pizza Boxes
• Waxed cardboard and paper

Search specific items at recyclestuff.us or Recology’s WhatBin Tool.

Planning

Meal planning is one of the best ways to prevent food waste. Some people like to dedicate a shelf or section of the refrigerator for perishable food or things they need to eat first. 

Having a party? Use a online tool to calculate how many servings to prepare. 

Read more about food planning here. 

Reuse tips/recipes

Get creative with these recipes to reduce food waste sent to the landfill.  

Find more ideas here.

Food storage tips

Proper food storage extends the life of your food. More time for you to eat the food means a lower chance of the food going to waste.  Explore the best way to store the specific food in your kitchen at Savethefood.com/storage.

Did you know that you can revive wilted carrots and lettuce, re-crisp stale chips, and save the overly salted meal? Check out these 5-ways to revive food before tossing it out. 

Understanding Common Date Labeling Phrases

There is no uniform food dating system in the United States. As a result, there are a wide variety of phrases and dates used on labels with a variety of meanings.

Examples of commonly used phrases:

• A "Best if Used By/Before" date indicates when a product is guaranteed by the producer to be of best flavor or quality.  It is not a purchase or safety date.
• A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management.  It is not a safety date. 
• A “Use-By" date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date except in the case of Infant formula.
• A “Freeze-By” date indicates when a product should be frozen to maintain peak quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

Data Source: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating

Need a Way to Store Your Food Scraps?

Please fill out the form below

This kitchen scrap container is designed to sit on your counter or go under your sink to make it easy to collect your food scraps and soiled paper when cooking. It is about 2.5 gallons, 12 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 8 inches deep.

COVID-19 Response: Please note there is a delay in delivery of the kitchen scrap containers. Your container may take 3-6 weeks to arrive.

 If you have questions or want to check the status of your order, please email environmental@cupertino.org.