Most people don’t realize how much food is wasted every day. Tons of leftovers and spoiled produce are produced every day and unfortunately, much of this can end up in landfills. However, by managing food sustainability and reducing waste we can help both businesses and those at home save money at the same time.
Helpful tips to reduce and recycle:
- Planning – Keep a running list of meals and their ingredients that your household already enjoys. Make it a habit to look in your refrigerator and cupboards first to avoid buying food you already have.
- Donating Food – By redirecting unspoiled food from landfills to our neighbors in need, individuals can support their local communities and reduce environmental impact. Look into local food banks and food rescue organizations that will redistribute these items.
- Learn the difference between sell-by, use-by, best-by, and expiration dates.
- Eating Out – Order only what you can finish and take home the leftovers and use them for your next meal. Remember doing your part to reduce and recycle is not only good for the environment, but for your community and future generations as well.
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Interested in where to obtain Edible Food Recovery/food rescued items?
Please contact the following locations:
Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank 22121 Norwalk Blvd. (562) 425-4001
The Way Out Ministries 22427 Norwalk Blvd. (562) 429-2397
Church of Deliverance Intl. 12441 E. Farlow (562) 653-9868
SB1383 Educational Resources
The City of Hawaiian Gardens provides the following resources to assist residents and businesses with the implementation of new organic waste recycling requirements. This is part of compliance with state law SB1383. Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions.
New Statewide Mandatory Organic Waste Collection - CalRecycle Home Page
Organic Materials Management - CalRecycle Home Page
California launches statewide food and yard waste recycling. - YouTube
Composting
Composting is a natural process of recycling leading which leads to decomposition of organic matter such as fruit and vegetable waste, grass clippings, and leaves into a useful product for your landscape or garden.
Benefits of Composting
- Food and paper are the two largest contributors to landfill and make up more than half of all landfill waste - more than all plastics, diapers, Styrofoam and tires, combined. [source: United States Environmental Protection Agency].
- Compost, high in nitrogen-based nutrients, can be used in flower beds, gardens or lawns to upgrade the soil - and because it is highly absorbent you can use less water.
- Food is the number 1 least recycled material [source: United States Environmental Protection Agency].
- Compost materials are free and readily available in comparison to commercial fertilizers and other gardening products on the market.
- Composting is organic and does not involve chemicals, huge amounts of power, or the use of diesel trucks for transport (as do other types of recycling). Since it is organic it is not a chemical fertilizer which can contaminate drinking water and kill fish, frogs, and other animals.
View more ways to save and recycle organics.
