COMMERCIAL ORGANICS GUIDELINES
What Can I Put in my City-Serviced Green Organics Cart?
Food Scraps
Food scraps are any leftover food-based material. Examples: all meat, bones, dairy, bread, vegetables, fruits, eggs and shells, coffee grounds, cheese, pasta, ANY FOOD. Food must be removed from packaging.
Yard Trimmings
Yard trimmings are any plant trimmings, grass clippings, flowers, twigs, and branches.
Download the Food Scraps and Yard Debris Guidelines list available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Khmer.
Items That Do Not Belong In Your City-Serviced Green Organics Cart
The following items should NOT be placed in your food scraps and yard trimmings cart.
- Recyclables, including items listed on the Recycling Guidelines
- Trash, including items listed on the Refuse Guidelines
- Products and packaging labeled "Compostable" or "Biodegradable"
- Fats, oils, and grease
- Hazardous Waste (HHW) and electronic waste (e-waste)
- Bulky or oversized items and tires
What Goes Where? How to Sort Materials at Your Business
Additional Resources
- For additional resources about the Commercial Organics Collection program, go to the Resources page.
- View our recorded Commercial Organics Collection virtual workshop on our Training and Program Success page.
- For questions, email lborganics@longbeach.gov.
FAQs
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What will happen to my food scraps and yard debris?
Food scraps and yard debris is taken to Republic Services Falcon Transfer Station in Wilmington, CA, where it is then taken to Recology Blossom Valley Organics South in Lamont, CA, and used to create compost.
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Can I put Fats, Oil, or Grease (FOG) in my food scraps container?
NO, FOG needs to be picked up by a specialty service that processes this material. Please continue to utilize the service previously used by your business before the pilot. -
Can I put foodware in my food scraps container?
NO, only food scraps can be placed in the container. All foodware, even those labeled "compostable" or "biodegradable" should be placed in your trash container.
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Can I put plants, flowers, or yard debris in my green cart?
Yes, yard trimmings, including any plant trimmings, grass clippings, flowers, twigs, and branches, are accepted in your green cart.
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Will a food scraps bin attract pests or cause odors?
Typically no more than your trash already does as this is the same material previously in your trash. Tips to reduce pests or odors: Keep collection containers clean and keep cart lids shut.
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Can I get additional food scraps carts and yard if needed?
If you need additional green carts or a replacement for a broken or damaged green cart, please contact us at (562) 570-2876. Additional green carts must be requested by the account holder.
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