Municipal Composting

A: Yes. Most County disposal sites accept yard debris and food scraps for a lower cost than garbage. Retail compost sales are no longer available. The Central Disposal Site in Petaluma currently does not accept compost, wood, or wood pallets.

A: No. Sonoma Compost Company closed on October 1, 2015. Yard debris, vegetative food waste, and recyclable wood from curbside green bins and disposal sites are now sent to composting facilities outside Sonoma County.

A: It’s a California law requiring all residents and businesses to keep organic waste (like food scraps and yard trimmings) out of the trash. Organic waste in landfills creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. SB 1383 aims to cut methane emissions, recover edible food, and turn organics into compost or biofuel.

A: Everyone in California—homes, apartments, and businesses. The law took effect January 2022 and includes enforcement and penalties.

A: Organics in landfills produce methane, a greenhouse gas much stronger than carbon dioxide. Composting them reduces emissions and creates a soil additive that improves water retention, reduces fertilizer use, and helps prevent erosion.

A: Yes—if your organics are not going into the trash.

A: No, but you must separate and take your organics and recyclables to a permitted facility, or recycle them on-site.

A: Contact your local hauler:

• Recology: (800) 243-0291
• Sonoma Garbage: (707) 996-7555

A: Haulers are phasing in green carts over the next two years due to supply shortages. Contact your hauler for details.

A: Yard trimmings, food scraps, soiled paper (pizza boxes, coffee filters, to-go containers), and plants. Sorting guides here.

A: Recyclable plastics, cans, glass, clean paper, and cardboard.

A: Rates vary. Check your hauler’s website for current prices.

https://www.sonomagarbage.com/

https://www.recology.com/