Organic Recycling in the Village
For the past many weeks, you’ve seen the story about “Organic Waste Coming to Laguna Woods” that includes information about California Senate Bill 1383, what it means to Village residents, a changeover in trash haulers from Waste Management to CR&R and more.
Below we share an update featuring the expected transition timeline, information regarding what is (and isn’t) considered organics recycling, organics recycling procedures, contact information for CR&R and when residents can expect a communitywide letter mailed to each manor.
Click here to view the original organics recycling story that appeared in “What’s Up in the Village” and on lagunawoodsvillage.com.
Transition Timeline
Organics recycling: Update: CR&R will deliver all organics carts Friday, January 7. Click here to view/download a CR&R flyer for guidance on use of the organic carts (what is and isn’t considered organics recycling materials).
Trash and regular recycling cart delivery: CR&R will begin to swap Waste Management trash and regular recycling carts (both personal and shared) for CR&R carts the week of January 17. This changeover is expected to take two full weeks. NOTE: Waste collection will continue to occur during this period. CR&R will be collecting Waste Management’s containers until such time as they are replaced with CR&R’s own containers.
Trash and regular recycling bin delivery: CR&R will begin to swap Waste Management three-yard bins for CR&R three-yard bins beginning January 3. CR&R plans to swap about 100 bins per week. NOTE: Waste collection will continue to occur during this period. CR&R will be collecting Waste Management’s containers until such time as they are replaced with CR&R’s own containers.
Bulky-item collection: CR&R will conduct one last third Saturday (January 15) bulky-item pickup. During February, CR&R will map and practice routes for zone-based weekly bulky-item pickup. Updates regarding this new system will be shared here, in the Village Breeze and on the Village Television message boards.
Organics Recycling Items
YES to food:
- Bones
- Bread
- Coffee grounds
- Dairy
- Eggs/Eggshells
- Fats
- Fish
- Fruit (including pits)
- Grease
- Meat
- Nuts/Nutshells
- Oils
- Shellfish/Shells
- Vegetables
YES to pet food:
- Bird seed
- Cat food
- Dog food
YES to soiled paper:
- Coffee filters
- Napkins
- Plates
- Tea bags
- Towels
- Pizza boxes (bottoms only; place tops in regular recycling)
- Wood chopsticks
YES to greenery:
- Flowers
- Grass
- Houseplants
- Leaves
- Prunings
- Weeds
- Wood chips
NO to:
- Cardboard
- Glass
- Metal (aluminum/tin)
- Pet waste
- Plastic
- Polystyrene
Click here to view/download a CR&R flyer for guidance on use of the organic carts (what is and isn’t considered organics recycling materials).
Using the Organics Recycling Cart
Organic waste may be bagged in compostable or paper bags, or wrapped in newspapers, before being placed in an organic cart. Consider asking for paper bags when shopping for groceries; after groceries are unpacked, those same bags can be used to collect and dispose of organic waste.
Small reusable organics recycling containers for kitchen use are available through Amazon and other retailers.
Please be sure to close cart lids when you are done disposing of your organic waste.
Contact CR&R for All Trash-Related Questions
Resident Services is no longer your go-to for trash-related issues. If you have trash, recycling and organics recycling questions, concerns or requests, please call CR&R at 949-625-6735 or email the company at LagunaWoods-Recycles@CRRmail.com, or visit cityoflagunawoods.org/LWVorganics.
What Comes Next
Village residents can expect a communitywide informational letter from CR&R in early January.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
