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Sonoma Public Infrastructure (formerly General Services)

Facilities Development & Management Division
County Of Sonoma › Administrative Support & Fiscal Services › Sonoma Public Infrastructure (formerly GS) › Divisions › Facilities Development and Management › Campus Recycling
Facilities Development & Management Division

Campus Recycling

Recycle Image 2

General Services is now Sonoma Public Infrastructure - Website updates coming soon!

Sonoma County Goes Greener!

Beginning the week of September 21, 2019 County Administration campus buildings (except Main Adult Detention Facility) will add compost trash bins alongside the recycle and trash receptacles. The new bin is for organic material that our waste management vendor, Recology will collect and compost. Bin labels and helpful signage will be posted in break rooms, common areas, and restrooms. Our composting program will help us reduce waste and comply with new state laws.

Thank you for supporting this program, and helping us all keep our environment clean and green. Check out our new video HERE.

For more outreach and learning opportunities, contact:

Sonoma County Goes Greener!

Beginning the week of September 21, 2019 County Administration campus buildings (except Main Adult Detention Facility) will add compost trash bins alongside the recycle and trash receptacles. The new bin is for organic material that our waste management vendor, Recology will collect and compost. Bin labels and helpful signage will be posted in break rooms, common areas, and restrooms. Our composting program will help us reduce waste and comply with new state laws.

Thank you for supporting this program, and helping us all keep our environment clean and green. Check out our new video HERE.

For more outreach and learning opportunities, contact:

Logan Harvey, Waste Zero Specialist
Recology Sonoma Marin
lharvey@recology.com
707-787-8519


Recology.com/SonomaMarin 
Facebook.com/RecologySonomaMarin

 

 

 

Program Details

WHEN

Look for “compost” labeled receptacles beginning September 21, 2019, which will be emptied by janitorial staff every other day.  Industrial compost collection bins will be collected, just as our other garbage is.

WHAT

New bins labeled “compost” alongside the existing “recycle” and “trash” (just like at home).

WHERE

Kitchens, break rooms, and marked bins in restrooms for “clean” paper towels used only to dry hands.

WHO

All County Administration Buildings (MADF, Veterans Memorial Buildings to be added at a later date). Most lease buildings already have composting programs.

HOW

Scrape your food scraps, emptied pizza boxes and paper-based takeout containers, soiled napkins, plants and flowers.

WHY

Doing our part to save the planet. (Also, new CA State laws in effect!)

NOT SURE WHAT GOES WHERE?  NEED MORE INFO?  Look it up using Recology’s handy “WhatBin” search tool.

 

Questions and Answers

What law requires businesses to compost?

October 2014, California passed Assembly Bill 1826 ( AB 1826), mandating commercial establishments arrange for an organics recycling program. Organics include both food scraps and yard trimmings. Effective January 1, 2019 businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week must arrange for compost services. The goal of this legislation is to avoid sending organic materials to the landfill, therefore conserving resources and combating climate change.

Can I have a smaller compost container to put on my desk?

We believe we will have ample collection receptacles in break rooms and other supported areas. Unfortunately we cannot support “desktop” organic waste collection, due to other health and safety hazards (attracting pests, odors, spills, etc.)

I could use a refresher on what to put in which bin.

A Recology representative would be more than happy to visit your team department, host a webinar/conference call, or coordinate an informational meeting. Contact Logan Harvey at lharvey@recology.comto find out more.

We need more signs/posters.

Visit the Recology website to find posters and signs of varying sizes and shapes, or contact Logan Harvey at lharvey@recology.comfor more Recology resources.

What happens to the compost waste?

Janitorial staff will empty common area bins every other day into large commercial bins. Recology collects those bins and turns the organic waste into valuable compost.

Our building has a compost bin. What will happen to it?

You may continue to “feed” worm bins if you wish; campus-wide composting via Recology is on an industrial scale and can also accommodate food waste including meat, bones more quickly and efficiently.

How often will compost be picked up?

Compost will be picked up with the currently scheduled janitorial services for waste and recycling.

 

What if a bin is filled and pick up isn't until the next day?

Call the General Services front desk at 565-2550 to dispatch the day porter for pick up.

 

Can garbage be tossed into green bins?

No, we kindly request your cooperation in making a conscious decision to select the appropriate bin.

 

Can takeout food containers marked "compostable" be tossed into green bins?

No, these containers do not compost at the same rate as food waste and paper towels, and hinders the ability to return composted material to the environment. These containers should be tossed into regular waste bins where they can easily decompose in landfills.

 

What if I am still not sure if a waste item is compostable?

"When in doubt, throw it out!"