Can I use compostable bags?

Organic material, including food waste, paper waste, cardboard, and yard waste, that is placed in your green organics container is taken to the City’s Compost Facility and converted to rich, organic compost. You can place this material directly into the container, or in paper bags, cardboard boxes

Compostable bags require approval by the City for use.  If you choose to use compostable bags for our organics waste, please follow the below process:

Compostable Bag Process

  1. Find the right bag. Look for compostable bags that can be used in a municipal or commercial composting operation.

Terms to Look For:

  • Compostable (100%, certified)
  • Compostable in commercial or home compost facilities
  • Look for certification under ASTM International Standards D6400

Terms to Avoid:

  • Biodegradable
  • Recyclable
  • Made of Recycled Material, Recovered Plastic
  • Made of plants

   2. Email the Solid Waste Division pictures of front and back of the package or a link to the internet page for the ones you wish to purchase and your address. If there is a certification organization, please include that in the picture. The Solid Waste Division needs to ensure that the bag will break down in our composting process.

   3. Once you have received the approval, the City will email your solid waste hauler that you are approved to use compostable bags. Without this approval, the hauler may see bags in your green organics container, think that they are regular plastic, and tag the container for contamination. You cannot use compostable bags in the green organics container without emailing the City and receiving approval.

Show All Answers

1. What is SB 1383?
2. Why do we need a new container?
3. When will I get the third container for recycling?
4. Will my rate increase again?
5. Why are rates increasing twice, once in July 2022 and again in January 2023?
6. What happens if I do not separate my waste correctly?
7. How do I know where to put cardboard or paper products?
8. How often will they be picked up?
9. Do I need to have all the containers? Can I just have one or two and pay less?
10. I don’t have space for the Recycling container, I don’t want it
11. I already take my recycling to a Collection Center
12. What happens to waste in each container?
13. Can I self-haul my own waste?
14. Can I share my service with someone else?
15. How to I prevent issues from odor and pests?
16. Can I use compostable bags?
17. Do residents have to donate surplus edible food under the law?
18. Where can I find more information on the law?
19. I have a complaint or issue with my service or the City’s programs. What can I do?
20. What goes in which container?