Organics Recycling

As required by state law SB 1383, the City of Yorba Linda has launched an organic recycling program in partnership with the City's waste hauler, Republic Services. Beginning July 1, 2022, residents can place organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, in your existing brown yard waste cart. To help explain the program, Republic Services mailed an information packet to all residents. The packet included a letter, brochure, and a label for the brown organics cart and one for the green recycling cart. 


Additionally, all businesses and multi-family dwellings in Yorba Linda will be required to subscribe to organic waste recycling collection services. For more information, view the Commercial Organic Recycling page and the Legislative Issues Affecting Waste and Recycling page. For additional resources please view CalRecycle and OC Waste & Recycling.


These changes in service will necessitate an increase in residential and commercial rates. To learn more about rates, view the Waste & Recycling page.

Organic Recycling in Your Brown Bin

Acceptable ItemS

  • Yard waste;
  • Food waste; and
  • Food-soiled paper & paper.

Non Acceptable ItemS

  • Recyclables;
  • Plastic bags & wrap;
  • Trash & pet waste;
  • Construction waste;
  • Fats, oils & grease; and 
  • Hazardous waste.


acceptable organics- Website format (1)

The Law

State law requires reductions of organic waste in landfills as part of a greater plan to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants. SB 1383 establishes targets to achieve a 75% reduction in statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025. For more information about SB 1383 and its corresponding programs, please visit CalRecycle's website.

What are the benefits?

Recycling organics helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, creating less air pollution.

What happens to the organic waste once I sort it?

Republic Services will collect the organic waste and transport it to a composting facility, which will turn the organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Kitchen pails

Collect your food waste and minimal amounts of food-soiled paper in a kitchen-counter pail of your choice. You can also place food in a paper bag. Once filled, empty the pail, or place the paper bag into your brown organics cart with your yard waste. Kitchen pails (2-gallon size) are available for purchase from various retailers or by calling Republic Services at 800-700-8610.

Yes, Paper Bags!

Only paper bags are allowed and can be used to collect food scraps. You may place a paper bag in the brown organics cart.

No plastic or compostable utensils

Plastic bags of any type are not acceptable, even if they are labeled as compostable or biodegradable. Compostable cups, plates, or utensils are also not acceptable.

Helpful Tips

How to Keep Your Kitchen Pail Clean

  • Rinse your pail as needed;
  • Use a paper bag to line your pail;
  • Baking soda and charcoal filters can help minimize odors; and
  • Keep your food scraps in the fridge or freezer, and empty them directly into the brown organics cart on your service day to minimize odors.

How to Keep Your Organics Cart Clean

  • Line your cart with yard waste first, then place your food waste on top;
  • Rinse your cart as needed; and
  • Add baking soda to the bottom of your empty cart.

No Fats, Oils, or Grease

Fats, cooking oils, and grease are not acceptable in the brown organics cart. Cooled fats, oils, or grease in a sealable container are acceptable in your trash cart.

Future Waste Bins

In the future, new waste bins will meet the State's required color scheme. All bins will have a gray body and a unique lid color: black (trash), blue (recycling), and green (organic recycling/yard waste).

Questions?

If you have questions or need help understanding the new organic recycling program requirements, please contact Republic Services at 800-700-8610. You can also visit Republic Services' website.

Learn more by viewing our staff report (PDF).

View the Organic Recycling Program Brochure (PDF).

Review the Organics Recycling FAQ (PDF).