We know we’ve got nothing but law-abiding citizens reading the JohnHart blog… riiiight? Well, what about the laws you don’t know about? Now, before you get defensive, hear us out: who here actually knows (and follows) LA’s composting law? You know, the reason you have that green trash bin? It’s not just for yard waste if that’s what you’re thinking. As of 2023, Angelenos have been required by law to compost their “green waste”; basically food scraps, yard waste, and the like. Just to clarify, this law applies to the city of Los Angeles. Other municipalities (and the state as a whole) have their own composting laws. In fact, California was the second state (after Vermont) to pass such a law. Now, let’s take a closer look at the city of LA’s green waste law if, for no other reason, than it could save you from a hefty fine! 

Ever Heard of Organics LA?

Perhaps Organics LA could use a marketing push. That’s the name of a program meant to prioritize the collection of the city’s green waste as a means of combatting harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Per the LA City Sanitation website, Organics LA requires citizens to “put food scraps and food-soiled paper, along with yard waste, in their green bin.” 

But are area residents and businesses actually taking the time to separate their green waste leading up to trash day? LAist published a guide to a similar composting law at the state level, with Climate Emergency Reporter Erin Stone admitting “many people find this policy confusing or may be unaware of it.” That doesn’t bode well for the arguably more obscure Organics LA program. 

Consequences for Not Following SB 1383

Photo credit: Bdonjc

Yet Senate Bill 1383 sealed LA’s composting regulations into law, meaning ignorance won’t necessarily help in the face of a serious fine. How serious? Beginning in January of this year, contaminating green waste with improper waste material could result in a $500 penalty. But what about the resident who just doesn’t use the green trash bin at all? Well, that’s not really clear. 

Yet, the urgency of the program is easier to understand. Being one of the largest cities in the U.S., Los Angeles produces an immense amount of organic waste. When that waste is buried among other trash in landfills, it decomposes without the aid of oxygen. When organic waste breaks down in these conditions, it releases methane gas which can have disastrous environmental effects. 

A Better Use for Green Waste

By giving each residence and business a green trash bin specifically for the disposal of organic waste, the city aims to dramatically reduce the release of these hazardous gases into our atmosphere. When Angelenos place organic waste into a green trash bin, they can rest assured that the green waste won’t end up in a landfill. Rather it will be sorted for use as compost, donated to a worthy organization, or recycled as fuel. 

What Does (and Doesn’t) Go in Your Green Trash Bin? 

If you’re just now finding out about the Organics LA programming, you’re probably wondering what exactly can go into your green trash bin. For your clarification, we have some of the most commonly questioned items separated below. 

Permissible Green Trash Bin Items:

• Vegetable/fruit waste
• Dairy products
• Eggshells
• Grain items: breads, rice, pasta, legumes, cereals, etc. 
• Meat products including bone, seafood shells, etc.
• Coffee grounds
• Food-soiled paper including napkins, coffee filters, pizza boxes, etc. 
• Organic yard waste such as lawn clippings, manure, flora, wood (must be untreated), etc. 

Do NOT Put These Items in a Green Trash Bin:

• Plastic
• Glass
• Stickers on fruit/vegetables
• Rubber (including rubber bands)
• Twist ties
• Wax paper
• Greases and oils
• Feces (including dog, cat, etc.) 
• Products labeled “compostable”, “biodegradable”, etc. 

Tips for Keeping Things Less Repulsive

If it all sounds like a messy ordeal, it is. Organic waste is a breeding ground for flies, attracts pests, and can generally smell terrible. So, without the barrier of non-organic waste, how can you keep your green trash bin in a condition that won’t leave you thoroughly repulsed? 

Here are a few tips that could make adhering to the Organics LA program a bit easier on your senses.

• Keep your green waste bagged in your freezer until trash day.
• Religiously take your green trash bin to the curb every trash day, even if it has just a bit of waste inside.
• Line your green bin with yard waste and top it off with yard waste to cover odorous waste that could attract pests. 
• Rinse your green trash bin when necessary, then sprinkle baking soda inside to reduce odor.

If Not For Your Community, Do It For Yourself! 

Again, ignorance of Organics LA is not an accepted excuse if the city catches you in violation. You probably won’t get fined either way, but there’s only one way to know for sure! Besides, it’s a convenient way to do something to improve your community. Keep in mind that this law also applies to multi-family properties. If you’re a landlord, make sure that you’re providing a city-authorized green trash bin for your tenants. It could save you from a fine!