Local Condos “Rise” to Composting Challenge
Key Takeaways
- AB 1826: It’s the Law Now
- MSS Free Education + Signs = Great Combo
- Distributed, Smaller Bins for the Win
- Facebook is for Furniture Exchange
Sessions Rise is a 73-unit group of condos with views of the surrounding Marin Hills and exclusive gardening and planting sites for its residents. However, one resident and passionate wildlife biologist, Lisa, realized that Sessions Rise was missing one important feature: composting.
Given her concern for environmental issues as a wildlife biologist, Lisa decided to take the initiative. With support from her HOA, Lisa reached out to Marin Sanitary Service to get composting established for all of Sessions Rise’s 73 units. Her efforts weren’t just the right thing to do for the environment, they’re also the law under AB 1826.
Although COVID-19 prevented Marin Sanitary from performing a free onsite training on how to compost properly, Sessions Rise has adapted well to their new green bins and has had almost no issues with improper disposal. Lisa credits Sessions Rise success to two key factors.
The first is their use of clear signage which reminds residents of proper disposal methods, such as no bags of any kind in the compost and the need to flatten cardboard boxes. In tandem with previous education efforts, these signs become even more effective. Without previous education, these signs’ messages often fall on deaf ears.
The second key to Session Rise’s success is their use of distributed, smaller collection bins which ensure that every resident is a convenient, brief walk from disposal.
While composting has so far been successful at Sessions Rise, they still have progress to make on other waste management issues. They’ve recently had problems with residents placing bulky items, such as mattresses and furniture, near the collection bins. Although most residents mean well, this improper disposal of bulky items costs the HOA money and is unsightly. To combat this, they’re looking to promote donations of large items to places such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, or to sell on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor.
Who Does the Law Apply to?
The State of California now requires all businesses and multi-family residences of 5 or more units producing over 2 cubic yards of solid waste to subscribe to composting.
Curious about what 2 cubic yards looks like? Check out our handy infographic.
For more information on the new state law (AB 1826), check out Cal Recycle’s Webpage.
How Can I Comply?
Marin Sanitary Service is here to help you comply by supplying their organics recycling services that reduce climate-warming methane emissions and are often less expensive than landfill disposal. Plus, they offer on-site visits and audits, ongoing support for their clients, and downloadable posters to help make composting as simple as possible.
For more information or to sign up for organics recycling services contact MSS at: (415) 456-2601 OR commercialrecycling@marinsanitary.com.
Facebook is For Furniture Exchange!
Have some gently used bulky items, like furniture or appliances, that you need to get rid of? Check out Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and Craigslist where you can post your items and find locals that will be happy to take them off your hands. It’s not only environmentally friendly, it’s also a great alternative for those without transport options or the financial means to take their items to the transfer station.
When in doubt, throw it out!
Contaminated recycling and compost leads to entire loads being landfilled. If you’re not sure about an item, throw it out! Alternatively, check out MSS’s Where Does it Go, Joe?