City Resources: Sustainability Programs for Businesses

In an effort to foster environmental consciousness among the Napa Business Community, the City of Napa's Solid Waste and Recycling (SWR) Division is proud to provide a number of resources, many free of cost, to small businesses looking to implement more sustainable practices. These resources primarily focus on maximizing recycling and composting food scraps.

One of the most impactful steps a business can take is to schedule a free Business Waste Assessment with the City's SWR Division or Napa Recycling and Waste Services (NRWS). During this assessment, a City or NRWS staff member will visit your business to evaluate your current waste practices, identify areas for improvement, explore opportunities to save costs on garbage bills and even train (or retrain) your employees on waste management best practices.

The SWR Division and NRWS also provide free indoor compost and recycling bins, along with signage, to help businesses properly sort waste and divert discarded materials from landfills. California Senate Bill 1383 requires that businesses generating organic waste materials (such as food waste or landscape waste) separate organic material for composting.

Restaurants, in particular, can take some specific measures to minimize wasted food and cut costs. NRWS offers a 25% reduction for food composting rates compared to commercial trash rates to help incentivize composting. When it comes to utensils, "the best method is reusable utensils and allowing 'bring your own' utensils" says Naama Brenner Abramovitch, Recycling Specialist for Napa County Recycling and Waste Services. "If reusable isn't an option, then compostable is better than plastic utensils, but are still single use."

Edible food generating businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants are also required by California State Law SB 1383 to donate edible food to people in need and compost organic waste. SB 1383, which passed in 2016, aims to reduce statewide waste disposal by 75% and recover a minimum of 20% of surplus edible food by 2025.

These sustainable resources aren't limited to restaurant businesses, however. The City of Napa is also using American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding to provide rebates to gardening and landscaping businesses who switch from environmentally harmful gas-powered leaf blowers to electric leaf blowers. This initiative reflects the City's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting businesses in doing the same. Qualifying businesses can submit a receipt of up to $1,000 for one electric leaf blower.

For businesses looking to leverage City resources to shape a better environmental future, all while cutting costs, consider taking advantage of some of the programs outlined above. If you haven't already, subscribe to our Economic Development newsletter to stay up to date on the latest resources and programs. The City of Napa will continue to work collaboratively with the business community to create a green future in a way that supports local businesses!