City of Long Beach Seeks Community Input for Forthcoming Food Scraps and Yard Debris Program

PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Public Works invites the community to provide input that will be used for the development of an upcoming food scraps and yard debris curbside collection program anticipated to be implemented by 2024. Senate Bill 1383 established a statewide target to achieve a 75% reduction of organic waste to reduce methane gas emissions from ending in landfills. Cities are now required to divert food scraps and yard debris to help meet this target. Cities than don't meet this state mandate, may face financial penalties. Input received from the survey will help the City team learn more about preferred educational outreach methods and how to best inspire participation in the separation of food scraps and yard debris by residents. This community survey is targeted toward single-family households and will be available through July 8, 2022.

The survey, available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, is now available online. Printed copies are also available at all Long Beach Public Library locations and at City Hall at the Utilities Counter (first floor) and Permit Center (second floor). Communication materials were developed in accordance with the City's Language Access Policy, such as translation into non-English languages and the use of plain language to prevent any further educational and cultural barriers from comprehension.

Residential food scraps and yard debris collection is the City's next step towards achieving California's diversion and greenhouse (GHG) emission goals. In June 2021, the City launched a Commercial Food Scraps Collection Pilot Program, in which 115 businesses received green carts for their food scraps along with site visits, training materials and signage, to help businesses set up a successful food scraps collection program. To date, this collaborative effort has diverted approximately 4,700 tons of food scraps from the waste stream to create renewable energy, reduce food waste, and prevent potent greenhouse gas emissions. The City will expand this program to more businesses this summer.

The community survey is now available online at bit.ly/lbgreencartsurvey. More information about the upcoming program and other ways the City is reducing waste, is available at longbeach.gov/lbrecycles.

Media inquiries may be directed to Joy Contreras, Community Relations Officer, Department of Public Works, at 562.570.6739 or [email protected].

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