President's Message

Occasionally, Oro Loma customers have asked about the possibility of implementing a food scraps recycling program in the District. While we admire our customers' support for the environment, we have decided not to provide this service at this time, for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, co-mingling food waste with green waste contaminates the green waste. Green waste without food contamination can be recycled into usable products, such as pelletized fuel, mulch, and other landscaping materials. Once contaminated, green waste can only be composted. At present, there is not a strong market demand for more compost. Moreover, food scraps put down the garbage disposal are converted into fuel at the District's wastewater treatment plant.

We are unaware of any reliable studies which show that food waste recycling measurably reduces the amount of garbage that goes into landfill. Claims of successful food waste programs are typically unscientific estimates or proforma projections. Another local jurisdiction has also reached similar conclusions, and has decided not to offer food scraps recycling at this time.

The District's current diversion rate is 62%, which is one of the highest in the state, and our garbage and sewer rates are among the lowest in Alameda County. Our primary goal is to provide "the best possible service at the lowest possible cost." We also take seriously our responsibility to protect the environment. Maintaining a balance between these objectives requires innovation, hard work, and common sense. By not mixing food waste with green waste, our customers pay less for our service, and we have more options as to how we recycle our green waste.

In summary, the District has not closed the door to the possibility of offering food scraps recycling in the future, but, based on all of the above, the District is not offering food waste recycling at this time.

One alternative to food scrap recycling is home composting. For more information, visit www.stopwaste.org.