In CA, over 40% of what gets thrown away (into garbage & ultimately landfill) could be composted, and reused as nutrients and water retention for our soil and food. This 40% includes food scraps, yard debris (leaves, branches, grass), and paper products that are wet or have come into contact with food, like paper plates, napkins, tissue (for the nose), waxy cardboard and even lined paper cups. For paper products with a lining, the rule of thumb is that at least 90% of the food container be paper, and can be ripped or torn. Sometimes, I will have to unroll the lip of a coffee cup to tear it, but nine paper cups out of ten will tear and can be composted.

When I lived in Asheville, I threw my food scraps in a pile outside to break down into high nutrient soil for my garden. Here in San Francisco, there is no outside, at least not where I can throw my food scraps. So, I had to come up with another plan. For me, throwing compostable material in the trash is a waste of resources and therefore, not an option.

Initially, I started my compost collection in the small Bio-Bags, which meet the City’s labeling requirements. I kept one inside my waste bin under my sink, and put my scraps in there as needed. However, the heat from the water pipes under the sink caused the bag to break down before it was full. The science experiment was great, but the smell was not so great, so I had to try something else.

Since heat was the issue, I decided to move the bag into the refrigerator. This has worked exceptionally well. I keep it in the produce drawer, and by cooling it, the bag and scraps can be held without odors for two weeks or more. I don’t have any issues with insects either. When the bag is full, I take it to a local grocery store, which generates and collects (in waxy cardboard boxes) at least a pallet of compostable fruits and vegetables a day.

I use other containers for compost as they come to me, and have included some pictures below for reference. I like the tall, lined oatmeal containers the best. I keep one by the kitchen sink for greater convenience. It holds a lot and well, and the whole thing can be composted when it is full! Same thing with any paper milk, OJ, or Epson salt container. Not pictured, but also useful are Bagasse (made from sugarcane, looks like thick white paper) clamshell to go boxes, waxy bagel bags, coffee ground bags. Anything made from paper, or a compostable material with holding capacity will work!

I hope to include images and a written tour of the composting facility where SF food scraps go next week, so check back for that. It is taking a little time to work out the details and facts.

If you have questions about composting or would like to schedule a training workshop for your employees or event vendors, please contact me at Janice@goodgreengraces.com.