Zero Waste for San Francisco
“San Francisco is the first jurisdiction in the country to adopt the ambitious goals of 75% landfill diversion by 2010 and zero waste by 2020. To accomplish these goals we must promote producer and consumer responsibility to prevent waste and take full advantage of our nation-leading recycling and composting programs.” – Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San FranciscoSan Francisco is not alone. Many cities around the world are committing to zero waste. Wal-Mart is even working to achieve zero waste. Yes, Wal-Mart.
San Francisco’s environment department and its waste contractor, a $500-million year employee-owned company called Norcal Waste Systems, is using a three-bin system to collect refuse from homes and businesses. Garbage goes in a black bin. Traditional recyclables, including bottles, cans and paper, go in a blue bin. Food waste and yard trimmings go into a green bin.
The food and yard waste of the green bin are trucked to a factory 50 miles away in Vacaville, turned into a rich compost called “Four Course Compost” and sold to Napa Valley wineries and farms, among other uses.
In order to make urban composting more manageable and more pleasant, there are mini compost bins that can make all the difference in getting people to actually use the bigger city-supplied green bin. These mini-compost collectors live in your kitchen and allow a once-a-day “dump” to the bigger, official green bins provided by Norcal Waste Systems. They also minimize any smells! Although simple, this little stepping stone could allow the mass adoption and use of urban composting.
You still have to buy these bins, but they are a nice green addition to your kitchen. Spread the word. You can buy them here:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/ceramic-compost-crock.html
http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=187529
Alternatively, if you live outside of the city or have more open space, you can start your own worm composting factory!!! It’s addictive to see your worms break down your food waste into rich soil for your garden!
To make one: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/Easywormbin.htm
To buy one: http://www.cleanairgardening.com/worcomverbin.html
