Green Bin overflow Grips Los Angeles Streets as Organics Programme Expands
LOS ANGELES – A surge in participation in Los Angeles’s citywide organic waste recycling program is leading to overflowing green bins and mounting complaints from residents as curbside collection struggles to keep pace with the volume. Streets across the city, including Koreatown, are increasingly lined with bins spilling over with yard waste and food scraps, raising concerns about sanitation and program effectiveness.
Launched citywide in October 2023, Los Angeles’s program requires residents and businesses to separate organic waste-including food scraps, yard trimmings, and non-recyclable paper-from customary trash.The initiative, mandated by state law, aims to divert organic material from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create valuable compost. However, the rapid expansion and apparent lack of public understanding regarding proper sorting are creating challenges.
Resident Michael Lyness recently discovered a neighbour’s green bin filled with non-compostable trash, a common sight he says. “It’s trash,” Lyness lamented, expressing frustration that improper sorting undermines the program’s goals. ”It’s all trash.”
The program affects all 750,000 households in Los Angeles, and city officials acknowledge the growing pains.While participation rates have been high, the influx of organic waste has strained collection services in some areas. The city’s Bureau of Sanitation and Environment is working to address the issues through increased collection frequency and public education campaigns. The long-term success of the program hinges on residents correctly identifying compostable materials and adhering to the new waste separation guidelines. Failure to do so could result in fines and continued challenges with waste management.
