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Cupertino's composting programs

Last updated: Apr 14, 2023

Summary

The city of Cupertino, CA, is committed to diverting organic waste from landfills. It has implemented multiple compost initiatives, including curbside composting, a bulk compost site, home composting and commercial organics to target different sources of organic waste.

Problem

California is now experiencing the effects of a climate crisis: hotter summers with world record-breaking temperatures, even more devastating fire seasons, more extreme droughts, and rising sea levels that erode the coastlines.

To respond to this climate crisis, California is implementing statewide organic waste recycling and surplus food recovery.

These extensive regulations are known as the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, commonly referred to by the Senate Bill reference number SB1383.

Solution

Cupertino implemented the Organic Collection programme ahead of the timeline mandated by the State of California, which will require residents and businesses to collect organic waste separately starting in 2022. Single and multi-family dwellings and also businesses are provided with free collection containers and Composting Classes at the Community Hall or online.

After food scraps, yard trimmings and soiled paper products are collected, they are transformed into compost.

Outcome

As a result of the Organic Collection program, the City of Cupertino offers free bulk compost made from the collected waste to all its residents, using waste as a resource in a circular initiative.