Have you ever wondered what happens after you toss your food scraps and yard waste in the green bin?

In San Luis Obispo County, your organic waste is processed locally at a facility that turns it into renewable energy and compost, helping reduce waste and support a more sustainable community.

So how does it work?

Your green bin materials are taken to a facility where they go through a process called anaerobic digestion. Think of it like a giant enclosed system where microorganisms break everything down, basically a super-powered compost machine! As the material decomposes, it produces biogas, a renewable energy source that is used to generate electricity and power our local grid.

After this process, the remaining material is turned into nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertilizer, which are used by local farmers and growers to support healthy soils and crops.

Pretty cool, right? Your banana peel is doing more than you think.

But for this system to work properly, it’s important to put the right materials in your green bin.

Our local facility accepts:

• Food scraps from fruits and vegetables
• Meat, bones, and seafood
• Dairy products and eggshells
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves
• Fats, oils, and grease
• Yard waste like leaves and grass clippings

Keep these out of your green bin:

• Plastic bags (even those labeled “compostable”)
• Glass, metal, or cans
• Diapers or pet waste
• Dirt, rocks, or treated wood
• Nursery pots or other non-organic materials

By using your green bin correctly, you’re helping keep organic waste out of landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create valuable resources right here in SLO County. One banana peel at a time.