SAN DIEGO — A change in California’s plastic bag law is reshaping shopping habits and creating new opportunities for composting in San Diego households.
As of Jan. 1, Senate Bill 1053 , prohibits the sale of plastic bags. Retailers across California, including grocery stores, drugstores and convenience stores, must replace plastic bags with paper alternatives.
The shift has led many residents to bring home more paper grocery bags, a change that could support the state’s composting goals if the bags are reused.
Making the Most of Paper Grocery Bags at Home
Paper bags can be a simple, effective tool for collecting food scraps before they go into the curbside green bin. During meal prep, food scraps like peels, cores, coffee grounds, napkins and paper towels can be collected directly into a paper bag instead of the trash. When finished, the entire bag can be placed into the curbside organics bin, helping keep kitchen counters clean and green bins “ick” and mess free. Double up the paper bags to help absorb any moisture and keep the bag sturdy on the bottom.
If residents aren’t able to take scraps outside right away, paper bags can be stored temporarily in the refrigerator or freezer to minimize odors before disposal.
Why Composting Food Scraps Matters
When food waste is sent to the landfill, it breaks down without oxygen and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change.
California’s organic waste recycling law, SB 1383, requires residents to place food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials into their curbside green bins so they can be composted or otherwise diverted from landfills. Despite this, organic waste still accounts for roughly 40% of what San Diego County residents send to landfills.
“Tossing food scraps into the green bin instead of the trash is one of the simplest ways we can help the planet,” says Steve Weihe, Recycling Specialist with the County of San Diego. “With paper bags now replacing plastic at grocery and retail stores, starting to recycle your food scraps is easier than ever. Just double-bag your scraps in paper to keep things clean and hassle-free—it’s simple, effective, and helps reduce mess. Once done, simply toss the entire paper bag in the green bin.”
Placing your food scraps and soiled paper in the green bin extends the life of our landfills, reduces harmful methane emissions and creates nutrient-rich compost that is used to improve soils throughout the region, helping close the loop on the food cycle.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
While paper bags are a helpful tool, bringing reusable bags to the store remains the most sustainable option. Still, when households find themselves with a surplus of paper grocery bags, reusing them for food scrap collection is an easy way to support local composting efforts.
Any extra paper bags that are clean and dry (not wet or soiled with food) can also be recycled in the curbside blue bin.
By rethinking how everyday items like paper grocery bags are used, San Diegans can take the mess out of food scrap recycling, reduce waste sent to landfills, and take another step toward a cleaner, more sustainable region.
About I Love A Clean San Diego
I Love A Clean San Diego is an environmental nonprofit that has supported residents and businesses of San Diego County through youth and adult education and local action through impactful volunteer events and workshops since 1954. As San Diego’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love A Clean San Diego’s programs are an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action to empower everyone to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living. Our community is passion in action to maintain and improve the health of the home we love. For more information or to volunteer , visit cleansd.org or call (619) 291-0103.
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