I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego Encourage All Residents to Recycle Their Organic Waste!

Tips and tricks for easy organic waste recycling

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (June, 2024) – With the Summer season upon us, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) and the County of San Diego provide tips on recycling your organic waste, including how to keep your green bin odor and pest-free.

According to the County’s Department of Public Works, about 40% of the waste in our landfills is organic waste, which includes food waste, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill, without the presence of oxygen, methane is produced, a potent greenhouse gas and driver of global climate change. Fortunately, “organic waste” is not waste at all; these organic materials can be composted to create a valuable soil amendment that increases moisture retention, helps with erosion control and builds healthy soil. 

As of January 1, 2024, Senate Bill 1383 now requires all residents and businesses to recycle their organic waste. In addition, all San Diego  residents and businesses now have access to an organic waste (green) bin, to separate organic waste from trash and other recyclables. This helps San Diego save space in our landfills and meet climate action goals 

“Recycling organic waste is one of the easiest things we can do to conserve our natural environment,” says Steve Weihe, Recycling Specialists II, at the County of San Diego. “The methane produced from organic waste sitting in landfills is a significant contributor to climate change, but when organic waste is managed properly and turned into compost, it has a positive environmental impact.”

Organic Waste Recycling – What Goes in the Green Bin?

Organic Waste includes:

  • Food scraps (fruits, vegetables, meat, bones, dairy, eggshells, breads, coffee grounds, grains and prepared foods, moldy and spoiled food)
  • Food and liquid soiled paper (napkins, paper towels (not if used with cleaning agent), paper tea bags, paper plates, paper coffee filters, paper take-out containers, and greasy pizza boxes)
  • Yard trimmings (leaves, grass clippings, tree roots, flowers, branches, lumber, unpainted and untreated wood)

DO NOT include:

  • “Compostable” or “biodegradable” marked plastics, including: bin liners, produce bags, dishware, and more
  • Pet waste or kitty litter
  • Dirt, rocks, concrete, or soil
  • Liquids
  • Other inorganic material, including plastics, glass, and metals.

Tips for a pest-free and odor-free green bin:

Again, with Summer upon us, some residents may be concerned about possible smells and potential pests in the green bin that may arise. Follow these tips to ensure that your green bin stays clean and odor-free:

  • Collect food scraps in a smaller container before emptying them into your green bin. Some waste haulers offer free kitchen countertop containers- reach out to your waste hauler if you don’t have one already.
  • Empty your food scraps container into your green bin the night before collection.  This is the BEST solution to help prevent pest and odor issues.
  • Keep your food scraps in the freezer or fridge 
  • Wrap your scraps- use a paper towel, paper bag or newspaper to wrap your food scraps
  • Put yard waste at the bottom of your green bin to soak up extra moisture from food scraps. From there, alternate food scraps and yard waste to ensure a healthy and odor-free mix. 
  • Add a bit of baking soda to your food scraps to help combat potential odors.
  • Rinse and dry your green waste bin periodically to prevent residue buildup. 

Following these tips will help to ensure an easy transition to organic waste recycling. You can also find recycling guides on the County’s website and learn about sustainable practices by registering for one of I Love A Clean San Diego’s workshops and webinars at cleansd.org/events.

About I Love A Clean San Diego

Celebrating 70 years in 2024, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 as the San Diego War Against Litter Committee (WALC), in the 1970s, “I Love A Clean San Diego” became the slogan for the organization’s anti-litter campaign, and in 1980, it became the organization’s name. Over the last seven decades, ILACSD has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that go far beyond litter cleanups and serve as environmental catalysts. Our programs inspire and empower San Diegans to be environmental and waste-free living leaders in their communities. For more information or to volunteer, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Step Up Your Recycling Efforts: Composting, It’s Easier Than You Think!

So you’ve mastered the basics of recycling, but you’d like to further decrease your impact on our local landfills and the environment. Composting is a great way to cut down on the amount of food waste and green waste (grass clippings, plant trimmings, leaves, etc.) that you throw out each month. The EPA estimates in 2018, the rate of food and other municipal solid waste (MSW) organics composting was 4.1 percent (2.6 million tons), but much of it can actually be diverted from the landfill and composted instead.

Composting is the process of decomposing organic material into a humus-like substance by microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, and macroorganisms, like worms and insects. The benefits of composting go beyond saving landfill space. Composting benefits your garden by improving soil texture and nutrient levels and saves water by increasing the water holding capacity of soil. The best thing about composting is that anyone can do it, whether you live in a home or an apartment.

For those of you interested in composting at home, there are several composting workshops held year-round through I Love A Clean San Diego’s program events. Attending these workshops, which are taught by our education staff, are a great way to learn about the basics of composting. Additionally, the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation holds composting workshops at various locations throughout San Diego. Also, composting workshops are held at the Escondido Community Garden and the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista.

As the leaves begin to fall during the autumn months you may find that your yard is producing more green waste than your compost bin can handle. Both the Miramar Greenery and El Corazon Compost Facility in Oceanside will accept yard waste to make into compost that is then available for purchase. Both facilities accept branches, grass, and leaves that are used to produce high quality compost. In fact, since its inception in 1995, El Corazon Compost Facility has processed over 1 million tons of green waste into compost.

To learn more about composting and other waste management resources visit our one stop recycling resource, WasteFreeSD.org.

Thousands of Volunteers Clean and Beautify San Diego County at the 22 nd Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup

Over 4,000 registered volunteers of all ages at 106 sites took part in the region’s largest environmental cleanup during Earth Week.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (April 20, 2024) –  Today, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) estimates 4,000
registered volunteers will have removed over 80,000 pounds of litter and debris from streets, canyons,
parks, and shores in communities across San Diego County for the 22 nd Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup.
“We are thankful for all the volunteers and sponsors, from all corners of San Diego County, who
celebrated Earth Month with us at Creek to Bay this year” said Ann Marie Sack, Director of Community
Engagement at I Love A Clean San Diego. Results are still coming in from the 106 sites throughout San
Diego County and across the border in Mexico.

Volunteers included residents, corporate groups, and community organizations who turned their
appreciation for the region into action by cleaning up waste and completing restoration projects.
Volunteers helped restore the local environment by planting natives, mulching, weeding, painting park
structures, and removing invasive species and graffiti. Among the debris, there were several notable odd
items collected including half of a guitar, a hand-washing station, three lawn mowers, a bat mobile toy
car, and over 100 pounds of household hazardous waste.

San Diego Mayor, Todd Gloria, and 76 th District Assembymember, Chris Ward, kicked off the day at Linda
Vista Community Park in honor of Creek to Bay’s 22nd anniversary. Since its inception in 2002, Creek to
Bay has played a significant role in preserving San Diego’s environment. "It takes today's extra special
effort because sometimes our parks can get loved to death,” said Assemblymember Ward. “We have a
lot of utility here, families, and people who love to come out to these spaces, and sometimes things can
get left behind. We want to make sure that we are doing our part.”

About 80 percent of all marine debris begins inland, and all residents of San Diego County live in one of
11 watersheds, which all have their own habitats and lead to our bays and ocean. Litter enters our local
watersheds and flows out to the Pacific Ocean, becoming a harmful threat to the health of both marine
wildlife and people. Single-use plastics are among the most problematic products because they break
down into micro-plastics and can be ingested by animals and humans.

ILACSD invites volunteers to take waste reduction into their own hands this Earth Month.
Here are some helpful tips:
1. Visit WasteFreeSD.org to learn more about how to recycle effectively to reduce contaminated
materials from the blue bin. The free database includes a wealth of options on how to properly
dispose of or recycle unwanted items as well as donation and repair centers.

2. Say goodbye to single-use items and embrace reusable alternatives.
3. Ensure that all recyclable materials, such as plastic and glass bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard,
and paper products are placed in designated recycling bins.

The Creek to Bay Cleanup is one of two annual countywide cleanups hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego
that engages thousands of local families, community groups, and local businesses. The next major
cleanup event is International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday September 21, 2024. For more
information about upcoming events please visit Cleansd.org.

I Love A Clean San Diego is grateful for the support of the 22nd annual Creek to Bay Presenting and Gold Sponsors:

Think Blue San Diego, County of San Diego and its Watershed Protection Program, COX Communication,
Project Clean Water, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

About I Love A Clean San Diego County

Celebrating 70 years in 2024, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit
supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 as the San Diego
War Against Litter Committee (WALC), in the 1970s, “I Love A Clean San Diego” became the slogan for
the organization’s anti-litter campaign, and in 1980, it became the organization’s name. Over the last
seven decades, ILACSD has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that go far
beyond litter cleanups and serve as environmental catalysts. Our programs inspire and empower San
Diegans to be environmental and waste-free living leaders in their communities. For more information,
to volunteer, or to make a gift, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. Connect with us on Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

I Love A Clean San Diego Provides Springtime Waste Reduction Resources to San Diego County Residents

I Love A Clean San Diego Provides Springtime Waste Reduction Resources to San Diego County Residents ILACSD and the County of San Diego share a reminder about the free WasteFreeSD.org database and recycling best practices to benefit residents this Spring Cleaning season

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (April 8, 2023) – With the spring season comes spring cleaning, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) and the County of San Diego remind residents of the free WasteFreeSD.org database and proper recycling practices. “Spring is a great time to downsize or part with items that you don’t use, have outgrown or simply don’t need,” says Steve Weihe, a Recycling Specialist with the County of San Diego.  “Consider passing on usable items to neighbors through Facebook’s Buy Nothing or Marketplace groups, NextDoor, Offer Up, Craigslist or your local thrift store.  You’ll be helping your neighbors as well as keeping items out of the landfill.”

WasteFreeSD.org Database and Hotline As residents conduct their spring cleaning, they are encouraged to use I Love A Clean San Diego’s free online database, WasteFreeSD.org, which provides information on thousands of repair, recycling, and donation centers throughout the region.  The free database also includes a wealth of options on how to properly dispose of or recycle unwanted items. The R1 Earth Hotline is available for residents who have questions or may need help locating a center near them. Hours run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Incorporated city residents, please call 1-800-237-2583; unincorporated residents may call 1-877-713-2784. “During Spring cleaning, we encourage residents to practice reuse, reduce, donate, and repair to limit the number of items that end up in the landfill,” said Ann Marie Sack, “WasteFreeSD.org is a wonderful and free resource for residents to help them achieve their zero-waste journey this season.” Recycling Best Practices As families continue their spring cleaning, having items to recycle is expected, but placing the correct items in the blue bin is important. Proper recycling practices ensure items remain valuable, make it through the recycling process, and reduce the hazard to workers and machinery at recycling facilities (MRFs). There are four main groups of materials that San Diego county residents can place in their blue recycling bins:

  • Paper, cardboard, and cartons
  • Plastic bottles and containers
  • Glass Bottles and Jars
  • Metal and aluminum cans and foil

Plastic bags, bubble wrap, and plastic mailers are recyclable but should NEVER be placed in your blue bins. These materials can be returned to participating retailers or reused.

Recycle Right in three simple steps:

  1. EMPTY-No or minimal food residue left
  2. DRY-No liquids remaining. Avoid getting items wet by closing bin lids
  3. LOOSE-Recyclables must be placed in the bin loose, not bagged

Film plastics like grocery bags and bread bags; tanglers like textiles and hoses; and household hazardous waste (HHW) such as batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and electronics DO NOT belong in the blue bin.

Residents can also find recycling guides on the County’s website and learn about sustainable practices by registering for one of I Love A Clean San Diego’s workshops and webinars at cleansd.org/events.

About I Love A Clean San Diego

Celebrating 70 years in 2024, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 as the San Diego War Against Litter Committee (WALC), in the 1970s, “I Love A Clean San Diego” became the slogan for the organization’s anti-litter campaign, and in 1980, it became the organization’s name. Over the last seven decades, ILACSD has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that go far beyond litter cleanups and serve as environmental catalysts. Our programs inspire and empower San Diegans to be environmental and waste-free living leaders in their communities. For more information or to volunteer, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

City of San Diego Free Compost and Mulch

From Food to Soil… and Back to Food Again…

In this age of modern convenience where food is found wrapped in plastic, labeled with bar codes, and bought with paper currency, it’s easy to forget where our food comes from. The food we eat every day originates not from supermarkets and restaurants, but from seeds, healthy soil, water, and sunlight. Many San Diegans have taken to gardening to reconnect with their food, save money, and beautify their yards. High-quality plants start with high-quality soil, and the City of San Diego provides free compost and 4-inch mulch for City of San Diego residents, to help your soil become rich and fertile so you can grow high-quality fruits and veggies this year.

What is compost?

Compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment created by the breakdown of organic material (food scraps & yard trimmings)  by microorganisms, which results in high heat that significantly reduces or eliminates pathogens, weed seeds, and herbicides and pesticides. It can be applied to gardens and landscaping to help build healthy soil.  Applying compost also helps with moisture retention and erosion control.

Another Case for Composting

Composting helps to build healthy soils, but it also helps to fight climate change related to waste. Did you know that around 40% of discarded waste is organic waste? Composting our organic waste ensures that the nutrients and organic matter are recycled back into our soil and does not end up in the landfill, where it would create methane, a potent greenhouse gas. According to the EPA, methane is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, and an estimated 58% of methane emissions from landfills is from landfilled food waste.  Diverted organic waste can also help extend the lifetime of our current landfills, which are rapidly running out of space. For residents who have access to green curbside organic bins or dumpsters in compliance with SB 1383, it has never been easier to turn yard trimmings, food scraps, and food-soiled paper into an environmental benefit.

Where to Obtain Compost

Check out wastefreesd.org to find a location near you where you can pick up compost for your garden. Some jurisdictions provide free compost for residents.

City of San Diego residents who self-load can get up to two cubic yards per visit of high-quality compost or 4-inch mulch from the Miramar Greenery for free! 1 cubic yard = approximately 1 large bathtub full of material. The Miramar Greenery is located at 5180 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 and is open Monday-Saturday 7am-4pm, with some closures for holidays and inclement weather.

Please bring the following:

  • Proof of residency in San Diego (such as your ID)
  • Shovel
  • Bucket(s) for compost or mulch
  • Tarp for vehicle trunk
  • Gloves
  • If open-bed truck, a tarp for covering the bed of the truck and bungee cords to strap the tarp down

Check out this The Miramar Greenery website  for more information about the array of recycled landscaping products the Greenery offers, and their practical application in your garden, farm, landscape, or lawn: https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/miramar/greenery

Organic Waste Recycling at Home

Follow these basic tips for recycling your yard trimmings, food scraps, and food-soiled paper in your organics bin or dumpster at home.

  • Save food scraps and food-soiled paper in a container in your refrigerator or freezer to put into your bin or dumpster on the night before or the morning of your organics pick-up day.
  • Line the bottom of your container with newspaper, and wrap organics in a paper product such as a paper bag or newspaper to prevent residue and moisture in your container.
  • Alternatively, layer yard trimmings together with your food scraps and food-soiled paper.
  • Do not put any plastic lined paper products in your organics container. Do the tear test: if the paper tears easily, it can go in your green bin.  If it sticks when you try to tear it, it contains plastic and must go in your trash.
  • Do not put pet waste in your organics container; it should go in your trash.

See more information about the City of San Diego’s Organic Waste Recycling Program here: https://organicwasterecyclesd.org/

Registrations are Open for I Love A Clean San Diego’s 22nd Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup

Registrations are Open for I Love A Clean San Diego’s 22nd Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup

San Diego‘s largest one-day environmental volunteer effort during Earth Month returns on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, with thousands of volunteers expected at nearly 100 cleanup sites.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (April 2, 2024) – I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is set to host the 22nd annual Creek to Bay Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is the region’s largest one-day environmental volunteer effort in celebration of Earth Month, with nearly 100 cleanup sites around the county. I Love A Clean San Diego expects thousands of volunteers of all ages to participate. Residents can register to volunteer now at cleansd.org/creektobay.

“Creek to Bay provides an opportunity for all San Diegans to actively participate in keeping our green spaces beautiful and healthy!” said Kristin Banks, Volunteer Program Manager at ILACSD.

The Ocean Conservancy estimates that about 80 percent of all litter and debris found along the coast begins inland. When litter enters our local watersheds, it flows downstream and into the Pacific Ocean, negatively impacting infrastructure and becoming a harmful threat to the health of both marine wildlife and humans.

“With cleanup sites all over the region, there’s an opportunity for every San Diegan to get involved no matter where they live and help keep pollution from reaching our local waterways and the ocean,” said Craig Gustafson, Program Manager for Think Blue San Diego.

Think Blue, the public education and outreach program for the City of San Diego’s Stormwater Department, has long been a longtime sponsor of the Creek to Bay Cleanup and partners year-round with ILACSD on cleanups and educational activities.

All San Diegans are encouraged to participate since all residents live in one of the region’s 11 watersheds that lead to our bays, beaches, and oceans. Residents in inland areas are especially encouraged to participate and be the first line of defense in diverting litter from entering our waterways.

In 2023, Creek to Bay volunteers diverted nearly 50 tons of litter and debris from communities across the county. Volunteers can visit cleansd.org/creektobay to find the list of the nearly 100 sites throughout San Diego and locate a site near them.

Thank You to Our 2024 Creek to Bay Partners

Think Blue San Diego, Bank of America, County of San Diego and its Watershed Protection Program, Cox Communications, Project Clean Water, Wells Fargo, San Diego Port Authority, Airport Authority, Illumina, Sempra Infrastructure, Sony Electronics, and Jack in the Box Foundation, City of Chula Vista, City of San Marcos, City of Imperial Beach, Mitch’s Seafood, Sycuan, Great American Cleanup Grant through Keep America Beautiful, City of El Cajon, City of La Mesa Stormwater Department.

About I Love A Clean San Diego

Celebrating 70 years in 2024, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 as the San Diego War Against Litter Committee (WALC), in the 1970s, “I Love A Clean San Diego” became the slogan for the organization’s anti-litter campaign, and in 1980, it became the organization’s name. Over the last seven decades, ILACSD has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that go far beyond litter cleanups and serve as environmental catalysts. Our programs inspire and empower San Diegans to be environmental and waste-free living leaders in their communities. For more information, to volunteer, or to make a gift, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

###

 

Spring Cleaning: Tips To Declutter & Refresh Your Home This Season

Spring is here! There is no better time for some spring cleaning! Decluttering your home of unwanted items, thoroughly cleaning room to room, wiping the dirt off every nook and cranny you can find – these are all a part of the exciting (and sometimes tedious) spring cleaning routine. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of tips on where to donate or recycle items you no longer need and DIY recipes for your home cleaning needs.

Cleaning Out Your Closet

Donating your clothes to non-profit organizations will ensure you’re donating to a good cause and helping those in need.

San Diego Rescue Mission 

San Diego Rescue Mission accepts clothing and shoes that are fairly new or gently used. They take into account the wishes of the donor and your requests on how the items you donate will be used. Most of their donations are given to students and guests at the San Diego Rescue Mission according to their needs.

Father Joe’s

Father Joe’s accepts clothing and shoes that are clean and gently used and resells them at their thrift stores. The money collected from reselling the donations goes directly towards helping the homeless population in San Diego.

Many mail-in programs exist for clothing and shoe donations, where most items are sent to developing countries for people who are poverty stricken and are in need of clothes. 

Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls is a free mail-in program which aims to turn unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. Shoes are distributed to people in need and are also used to help people launch and sustain their own small businesses selling donated shoes and clothing.

Retold Recycling

Retold Recycling is a mail-in program that accepts damaged or very worn-out clothes and textiles (blankets, towels, bed linens, etc.) for recycling. Whether it’s just one sock or a full bag of clothing, Retold makes sure none of it ends up in the landfill. The items are sorted by type and quality and are then sent to thrift stores, charities, upcyclers, recycling companies, and developing countries to support micro-economies.

USAgain Drop Off Bins

USAgain accepts clothing and shoes that are in reusable condition. Items in fairly good condition are given to people who don’t have the option to buy new clothes, allowing them to conserve funds for other basic necessities such as food, shelter, and education. Some are sold to small shop owners or second-hand stores who are in need of products to make ends meet. Items that are battered, such as fabric scraps, are either reused as wiping rags or shredded to insulation material for appliances and vehicles.

Many clothing brands have a take-back program. If you bring back a used item, you could get a discount to purchase a new item.

Madewell

Madewell has a Do-Well recycling program in place where they offer free repairs in stores for patching, mending, and other fixes. Used jeans are also available for purchase at their stores. If you have fallen out of love with your jeans, you can turn them in at Madewell, which then turns those old bootcuts into housing insulation for communities in need.

Patagonia 

Patagonia has a Worn Wear program where you are able to trade in or mail in used Patagonia garments that are still in good condition in exchange for store credit. They also offer a used clothing section as well as repair services in order to expand the lifespan of clothing and keep them out of the landfills.

North Face

North Face accepts used apparel and footwear in any condition and brand at their stores and rewards $10 towards your next purchase when you sign up for their XPLR Pass. Approved items are then washed, prepped and sold through the North Face Renewed program, donated, or recycled. First time users get a 10% discount on purchases too!

To Clean Everything Else: Sustainable Cleaning Recipes
All-Purpose Cleaner 
  • 2 cups hot water 
  • 1 tsp. biodegradable liquid soap or borax 
  • 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice (cuts grease) 

Directions: Fill a spray bottle with hot water. Add soap and vinegar or lemon juice. Shake the bottle gently to dissolve the ingredients.  

Floor Cleaner 
  • 2 cups warm water 1/4 cup biodegradable liquid soap or detergent 
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar or lemon juice 

Directions: Combine the ingredients in a large plastic bucket. Use it with a mop or sponge. 

Glass Cleaner 
  • 1 cup water 
  • 1/8 cup vinegar 

Directions: Fill bottle with both ingredients and shake for 30 seconds. Use on all types of glass surfaces, including mirrors. 

Tub and Tile Cleaner
  • 1/2 cup baking soda Enough liquid soap to make a frosting-like consistency 
  • 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice. (Pro tip: Try using eucalyptus, tea tree or Peppermint oil!) 

Directions: Place baking soda in a bowl and slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the consistency of frosting. Add drops of essential oil (optional). Scrub surface with sponge and mixture, and rinse.

Toilet Cleaner 
  • 1/4 cup baking soda 
  • 1 cup vinegar 

Directions: Place baking soda in a bowl and slowly pour in liquid soap, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches the consistency of frosting. Add drops of essential oil (optional). Scrub surface with sponge and mixture, and rinse.

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2023- DROP OFF LOCATIONS

The holiday season is here! Dropping off your Christmas tree at a collection site is a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

Many communities in San Diego County have options for curbside Christmas tree recycling. Read this article HERE for curbside hauling instructions.

Still not sure where to take your Christmas tree for recycling after reviewing this list? Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more options, or call I Love a Clean San Diego’s hotline for help from a live attendant Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Incorporated County Residents, please call 1-800-237-BLUE

Unincorporated County Residents, please call 1-877-R-1-EARTH

Drop Off Locations by City

COUNTYWIDE 

Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

Community

Dates Available

Drop Off Address

Bonsall

 December 26 2023 – January 5 2024 River Village – Northwest parking lot
5256 Mission Road
Bonsall, CA 92003

Carlsbad

 Dec 26 2023 – Jan 14 2024
  • Calaveras Park
    2997 Glasgow Dr
    Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Poinsettia Park
    6600 Hidden Valley Rd
    Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Stagecoach Park
    3420 Camino del los Coches
    Carlsbad, CA 92009
  • City of Carlsbad Fire Station I
    1275 Carlsbad Village Dr.
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • Palomar Transfer Station
    5960 El Camino Real
    Carlsbad, CA 92008

Coronado

 December 26 2023 – January 14 2024
  • Glorietta Bay Park – boat ramp parking lot
    1975 Strand Way
    Coronado, CA 92118
  • Cays Park- Parking lot off across from Fire Station
    99 Grand Caribe Isle
    Coronado, CA 92118

Del Mar

 Dec 26 2023 – Jan 19 2024 Del Mar Public Works
2240 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, CA 92014

El Cajon

 December 26 2023 – January 15 2024
  • Wells Park
    1153 E Madison Ave.
    El Cajon, CA 92021
  • Public Works Operations Yard
    1050 Vernon Way
    El Cajon, CA 92020
Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

Escondido

 December 26 2023 – January 5 2024
  • Kit Carson Park– south entrance, first parking lot on the right, across front the adult softball complex
    3333 Bear Valley Parkway
    Escondido, CA 92025
  • Jesmond Dene Park– parking lot next to the ball fields
    2401 N Broadway
    Escondido, CA 92026

Imperial Beach

 December 26 2023 -January 27 2024
  • Imperial Beach Public Works
    495 10th St.
    Imperial Beach, CA 91932
  • Boys and Girls Club
    847 Encina Ave
    Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

La Mesa

December 26 2023 – January 14 2024

 

 EDCO Station 
8184 Commercial Street
La Mesa, CA 91942
Hours:
Mon -Fri 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sat 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sun 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lemon Grove

 December 26 2023 – January 14 2024  

Treganza Heritage Park – formerly Civic Center Park
3200 Main Street
Lemon Grove, 91945

Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

National City

 December 26 2023 – January 12 2024 Las Palmas Park – Pool Parking Lot
1800 E 22nd St.
National City, CA 91950

Otay Mesa

 January 1 2024 – January 31 2024 Otay Mesa Compost Facility
434 Alta Road
San Diego, CA 92154
Mon-Fri: 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.To qualify for free drop off, Christmas trees must:• come from personal residences/non-commercial sources.
• be free of ornaments, stands, flocking and netting.
• No artificial trees accepted

Oceanside

 January 1 2024 – January 31 2024 El Corazon Compost Facility
3210 Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside, CA 920567:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Saturday
Closed SundayTo qualify for free drop off, Christmas trees must:• come from personal residences/non-commercial sources.
• be free of ornaments, stands, flocking and netting.
• No artificial trees accepted

https://agriserviceinc.com

Ramona

 Dec 29th 2023 – January 2nd, and Jan 5-8 2024  

Ramona High School
1401 Hanson Street, Ramona, 92065

The Village Shopping Center in SD Country Estates
23658 San Vicente Rd
Ramona, CA 92065

8AM-3PM

No Flocked Trees

San Marcos

 December 26 2023 – January 5 2024 Senior Center
111 Richmar Ave
San Marcos, CA 92069

San Pasqual Valley

 December 26th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024 San Pasqual Valley Soils
16111 Old Milky Way,
Escondido, California 92027(760) 746-4769
www.spvsoils.comHours of operation:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

No flocked or artificial trees accepted.

Santee

 December 26th 2023 – January 9th 2024 Waste Management Recycle Center
925 O’Connor Street,
El Cajon, CA 92020Open 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.Republic Customers may also take trees to Sycamore Landfill
8514 Mast Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071
Monday- Friday 8:00 am- 3:00 pm
January 8- 19, 2024Please bring proof of bill (electronic or paper accepted)

Solana Beach

 December 26th 2023- January 5, 2024
  • La Colonia County Park
    715 Valley Ave
    Solana Beach, CA 92075
  • Solana Beach City Hall
    635 S. Highway 101
    Solana Beach, CA 92075

Valley Center

 December 26 2023 – January 5 2024 Valley Center Elementary School
Lower parking lot
28751 Cole Grad Road
Valley Center, CA 92082

Vista

  December 26, 2023 – January 5, 2024
  • Public lot on Vale Terrace Drive at Williamston, located across the street from Vista Community
    1000 Vale Terrace Drive
    Vista, CA 92084
  • Parking lot on the corner of S. Melrose Drive & Shadowridge Drive
    Vista, CA 92081

CITY OF SAN DIEGO – Drop Off Locations

Community

Dates Available

Drop-off Address

Carmel Valley

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Carmel Valley Recreation Center
3777 Townsgate Dr. (lower parking lot)

Encanto

 Dec 26 2023 – January 23, 2024 Cielo Drive at Woodman Street

Golden Hill

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Golden Hill Recreation Center
2600 Golf Course Dr.

Pacific Beach

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Kate Sessions Memorial Park, corner of Mt. Soledad Road and Loring Street

Logan Heights

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Memorial Recreation Center
2902 Marcy Ave.

Miramar

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 The Greenery at the Miramar Landfill
5180 Convoy St. (north of state Route 52)

Mission Bay

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Seaworld Drive at Pacific Highway

Mountain View

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Ocean View Blvd. @ 40th St. (north side)

Oak Park

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Chollas Lake
6350 College Grove Drive (in Gloria’s Mesa parking lot)

Ocean Beach

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Robb Field Recreation Center
2525 Bacon St.

Otay Mesa / Nestor

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024
Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard)

Rancho Bernando

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Dr.

Rancho Penasquitos

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Canyonside Recreation Center,
12350 Black Mountain Rd.

San Diego State University

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Parking Lot 17 off of Alvarado Rd.

Scripps Ranch

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Scripps Ranch Recreation Center
11454 Blue Cypress Dr.

Tierrasanta

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Tierrasanta Community Park (Pool Parking Lot)
11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd

University City

 Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024 Standley Community Park (Parking Lot)

3585 Governor Drive

Construction occurring at site, drop off site will remain active during construction hours

 

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2023 – CURBSIDE HAULING

The holiday season is here! Many communities in San Diego County have options for Christmas tree recycling at your curbside collection and is a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

Drop-off locations by community can be found here.

Still not sure where to take your Christmas tree for recycling after reviewing this list? Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more options or call I Love a Clean San Diego’s hotline for help from a live attendant Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Incorporated County Residents, please call 1-800-237-BLUE

Unincorporated County Residents, please call 1-877-R-1-EARTH

Curbside Hauling Instructions by City

NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Carlsbad

 The City of Carlsbad and Republic Services are offering free, curbside pickup for holiday trees Dec. 26, 2023 to Jan. 14, 2024
  • Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.
  • Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half and placed inside of or next to your green waste cart.
  • When possible, residents are asked to cut down the tree so that it fits inside the green waste cart with the lid closed for collection.
  • Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and must be disposed of through regular trash service. These trees must fit into the trash cart with the lid closed for collection.
 Republic Services
(760) 332-6464

Del Mar

 Year-round
  • Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.
  • Trees taller than 4 feet must be cut in half and placed next to your green waste cart.
  • When possible, residents are asked to cut down the tree so that it fits inside the green waste cart with the lid closed for collection.
  • Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and must be disposed of through regular trash service. These trees must fit into the trash cart with the lid closed for collection.
EDCO Disposal (619) 287-7555

Escondido

 Year-round
  • No tinsel or ornaments
  • No nails
  • No tree stands
  • Cut tree to fit inside green organics cart on your regular trash collection date.
  • Flocked trees are not accepted
 Escondido Disposal (760) 745-3203

Encinitas

 Year-round
  •  Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • No flocked trees in green organics cart, flocked and artificial trees should go into landfill bin
 EDCO (760) 744-2700

Oceanside

 For Oceanside residents, holiday trees are collected curbside for three weeks after Christmas, until January 12 on customer’s scheduled collection day.
  • All decorations should be removed, including tree stands and lights
  • Trees should be cut in half and placed in the green organics cart with lid closed, or can be set curbside next to the green waste cart.
  • For trees placed curbside, a separate vehicle from the green waste cart collection truck will be picking up the trees on curbside services collection day.
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable, and must be placed in landfill cart with lid closed or may be collected curbside next to the landfill cart. If artificial trees have lights that are not removable, they must be recycled with  E-waste.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

Solana Beach

 Year-round
  • Cut tree in pieces 4-ft or smaller and put in green organics cart
 EDCO
(858) 350-8544

Poway

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Trees over four feet should be cut in half
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • No flocked trees are accepted
  • Artificial trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
 EDCO
(760) 201-1578

Ramona

 Year-round
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches.
  • Place tree inside green organics cart for collection on your service day.
  • No flocked trees.
Ramona Disposal
(760) 789-0516

San Marcos

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Vista

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Trees over four feet should be cut in half
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
 EDCO
(760) 727-1600

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

 

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

 Year-round
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches.
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand.
  • Place tree inside green organics cart for collection on your service day. No flocked trees.
Ramona Disposal
(760) 789-0516

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

 Year-round
  • Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands.
  • Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*).
  • Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.
 Republic Services
(619) 421-9400.

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
  • Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
EDCO
(760) 744-2700
or
Fallbrook Refuse

Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

 If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day.

If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.
  • Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.
  • Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half and placed inside WM organics cart.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Dates

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Coronado

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

City of San Diego

 Residents can use their City-provided curbside green bin to recycle their Christmas trees. Trees should be cut to fit into their green bin for pickup on collection day.
  • Both green and flocked trees (fake snow) are accepted.
  • Trees over 4-ft in length should be cut in half.
  • For Greenery, curbside, and drop-off sites, all tree stands, bags, netting, lights, ornaments, tinsel, and other tree decorations must be removed.
  • No artificial trees.
  • Please do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off locations.
Environmental Service Department
(858) 694-7000

EAST COUNTY SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

El Cajon

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and the tree stand.
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches, then place in green organics cart with the lid closed.
  • No flocked trees
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

La Mesa

 Year-round  

  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green waste cart with the lid closed
  • No flocked trees in green organics cart
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Lemon Grove

 Year-round  

  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Santee

 December 26th, 2023 – January 9th, 2024 during regularly scheduled collection day
  • Residents can recycle their Christmas trees by placing the trees in their yard waste bins on their regular pick-up day.
  • Trees must be cut into maximum 4-ft sections and must fit into the green yard waste container.
  • Ornaments, tinsel and tree stands must be removed before being recycled.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, but will be collected if cut into 4-ft sections and placed into the regular trash bin.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

Unincorporated San Diego County (including Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

 If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day.

If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.
  • Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half.
  • Please remove all decoration including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands and place in WM Organics cart.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.
Waste Management
(760) 439-2824

Unincorporated San Diego County (including Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

 Year-round
  • Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands.
  • Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*). Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. *If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.
Republic Services
(619) 421-9400

Unincorporated San Diego County (including Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley)

If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

SOUTH BAY SAN DIEGO 

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Chula Vista

 Year-round
  • Place tree at the curb on your regular collection day. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland and plastic or metal stands.
  • When possible, cut tree into four-foot sections. Plastic trees are NOT recyclable and must be disposed of as trash!
  • Apartment and condominium residents please contact your manager or HOA.
  • Residents of single-family homes, please place tree at the curb on your regular collection day. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland and plastic or metal stands.
  • When possible, cut tree into four-foot sections.
  • Flocked and plastic trees are NOT recyclable and must be disposed of as trash!
  • Residents with any questions can call 619-691-5122 or email EnvironmentalServices@chulavistaca.gov
Republic Services
(800) 421-9401

Imperial Beach

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

National City

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
 EDCO
(760) 744-5615

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)
If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day.

If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.
 

  • Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half.
    Please remove all decoration including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands and place in WM organics carts.
  • Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.
 Waste Management

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

 Year-round
  • Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands. Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*).
  • Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. *If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.
  • For more information, all customers can contact Republic Services Customer Service at 619-421-9400.
 Republic Services

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

 Year-round
  • Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
    the tree stand
  • Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
  • Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed
 EDCO

Contact your waste hauler to confirm collection dates and instructions.

8 Tips for a Zero Waste Holiday Feast

Food is the highlight of many of our holiday traditions and memories. We can all think of a holiday dish that makes us smile and our mouths water instantly. Yet, San Diegans dispose of 500,000 tons of food each year. During the holidays, millions of pounds of uneaten turkey, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, and other seasonal trimmings unfortunately end up in the landfill. This accounts for ⅓ of all food that is wasted each year.

According to a recent study, food waste amounts to the cost of approximately $1,500 per year, per family. Wasted food also wastes money, time, labor, transportation, water, and land used in food production. Aside from this waste, food decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills releasing methane gas, a driver of global climate change that is up to 86 times more potent in trapping heat than carbon dioxide. San Diego County residents have the power to change this during the holiday season, and the study suggests that the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect place to start!  

Implementing some simple changes can reduce your food waste and support a healthy environment. Here are some simple tips to save money and help the environment while enjoying delicious holiday meals.

Cook and serve with a plan

The easiest way to reduce food waste during the holidays is to buy and prepare the right amount of food. Save the Food, a campaign of the Ad Council in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council, created a tool to help save money and time while reducing food waste. Their Guest-imator helps create a menu based on how many people are attending the holiday feast.

Once the home chef knows roughly how much food is needed, create a detailed shopping list and stick to it. This will prevent getting sucked in by holiday displays appealing sales throughout the store, sometimes causing excessive purchases that may not be needed and may not actually be eaten.

When shopping for ingredients, opt for unpackaged items or bring your own cloth bags to minimize unnecessary waste further. In case there isn’t a package-less option for your groceries, learn how to Recycle Right on this county website.

Shop at local farmers’ markets

Nothing better than a festive farmer’s market! Visit one of the 36 certified farmers’ markets in San Diego County and buy local, unpackaged produce directly from regional farmers. View this resource from the county for a list of regional certified farmers’ markets.

Embrace all foods

When shopping, most people select the best-looking produce, meaning the “ugly” fruits and vegetables are often left on the shelves. If these items are not sold in time, they may be destined for the landfill. This wasted produce has the same vitamins and nutrients as their “prettier” counterparts but is not chosen simply because of looks. Give all produce a chance at the grocery store or farmers’ markets, especially if the chosen produce is part of a larger dish.

Go for plant-based meals

Did you know it takes 1,800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef? Incorporating more plant-based foods into holiday celebrations, such as green bean casserole, lentil shepherd’s pie, and stuffed peppers, can cut the environmental cost of meals significantly. Find more plant-based holiday recipes here.

Shrink serving sizes

During the meal, reduce portion waste by using smaller dishes and smaller serving spoons – seriously, it works! People can always come back for seconds.

Anticipate yummy leftovers

Having a plan for leftovers is another way to ensure that the food prepared is eaten. After all, half the goodness of holiday food is in the delicious leftovers the next day. Provide containers for guests to take remaining food home, freeze leftovers for a later date, or use those leftovers in creative ways. Some recipe ideas can be found here.

Donate unused items – WasteFreeSD.org

Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more tips, including how to keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer, and for donation locations for regional food pantries. Currently, about 1 in 4 people in San Diego County are nutritionally insecure.

Spare your drains

Prevent the “fatberg.” Another important way to protect our environment (and your plumbing) this holiday season and year-round is to properly manage used cooking oil. Deep-fried turkeys have become an increasingly popular holiday tradition, but can use up to three gallons of cooking oil. When discarded down drains, oils, fats, and greases can block pipes and damage plumbing systems. Contrary to popular belief, mixing oil with soap or pouring hot water down the drain afterward are ineffective methods for preventing “fatbergs” that cause sewage backups.

Fortunately, there are free drop-off locations for used cooking oil. Collect cooled cooking oils in a secure lidded container labeled “used cooking oil.” Do not mix chemicals or other liquids with the cooking oil. To find the closest drop-off location, visit the Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste database, WasteFreeSD.org, or call 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784).

Residents interested in learning more about food waste reduction can visit the County of San Diego’s Recycling website. To learn more about composting resources and options, please visit WasteFreeSD.org and click on Resources.