July/August 2022

T

3

4

5

W

T

6

7

F

1

S

2

S

8

9

7

M

T

W

3

T

4

F

5

2

6

8

9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

4

5

6

7

T

F

S

1

2

3

8

9 10

S

M

2

3

OCTOBER T

W

T

F

S

4

5

6

7

8

1

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

25 26 27 28 29 30

23

24

30

31

S

6

NOVEMBER

M

7

T

W

T

3

F

4

S

1

2

5

8

9 10 11 12

S

4

25 26 27 28 29

DECEMBER

M

5

T

6

W

7

T

F

S

1

2

3

8

9 10

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

27 28 29 30

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Schedule A

other week.

New Calendar Explained Due to the service changes, your recycling week may have changed. However, your service day remains the same. The new recycling calendar alternates between “schedule A” (gray) and “schedule B” (green), indicating which week your recycling will be collected.

Which schedule am I on?

You should have already received notification from Republic Services of your assigned schedule. To determine your recycling week schedule, call Republic Services at 916-635-2500 or use the “lookup tool” at elkgrovecity.org/recycle.

DISCOVER THE

Lookup Tool...

Never miss your trash day. View, print, or download customized schedules and recycling tips for your address. Register to get text or email reminders.

Schedule B

Trash and Organic waste picked up weekly!

Questions? Call 916.635.2500

elkgrovecity.org/recycle

SCAN ME with your smart phone for up-to-date information

W

Moving forward, trash and organic waste will be collected weekly, while recycling will continue to be collected every

8401 Laguna Palms Way Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 478-2206 elkgrovecity.org

solid waste services provided to customers.

Kristyn Laurence Public Affairs Manager klaurence@elkgrovecity.org

28 29 30 31

about the City of Elk Grove.

T

pollutants generated from food waste. In order to satisfy

Lupe Murrietta Graphics & Multimedia Program Manager lmurrietta@elkgrovecity.org

SEPTEMBER

M

waste to comply with a new law (SB 1383). SB 1383 is a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate the requirements of this effort, the City of Elk Grove and Republic Services have worked together to expand the

31

S

As of July 1, all residents are required to recycle food

The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Questions, concerns, or complaints may be forwarded to the City’s ADA Coordinator.

25 26 27 28 29 30

Organic Waste Collection

Why the New Look? Due to paper supply issues, we’ve had to make sizing and layout adjustments.

Vacation Checks

Keeping Eyes on Your Home While You’re Away If you’re heading out of town, be sure to submit an application for a Residential Vacation Check.

The Elk Grove Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) look after homes whose owners are away by holding any missed packages, inspecting the perimeter of the home, and checking for any suspicious activity.

For more information or to request this service, visit elkgrovepd.org.

NEED FINGERPRINTS? The Elk Grove Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service provide fingerprinting services for $15 on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

For further details, hours, and availability, call 916-478-8100.

Jul-Aug 2022 / Volume 22 / Issue 4

NEWSLETTER Get Ready for the

BOOM! Monday, July 4 Elk Grove Park 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE CITY OF ELK GROVE

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

24

Why the New Schedule?

S

1

City of Elk Grove 8401 Laguna Palms Way Elk Grove, CA 95758

M

AUGUST

CALENDAR

Elk Grove Postal Resident

S

JULY

2022

City of Elk Grove Recycling

City of Elk Grove

Join the City of Elk Grove for the 4th of July as we celebrate our nation and our city at this 26th annual event! Festivities include music, a bike parade, activities, food, and fireworks.

Admission is free, parking is $10. For more details, visit elkgrovecity.org/fourthofjuly.

Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks Selling, transporting, or using illegal fireworks is a crime, and the City is out to enforce zero tolerance.

Every year, the use of illegal fireworks leads to injury, fires, property loss, and even death. The Elk Grove Police Department, Elk Grove Code Enforcement, and the Cosumnes Fire Department will be working together to keep our community safe.

The team is utilizing its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program, as well as its Real Time Information Center, to assist personnel in the field when responding to reports of illegal fireworks.

Fireworks that carry the State Fire Marshal’s “Safe and Sane” seal are legal and only permitted for use between June 28 and July 5.

Fireworks that do not carry the “Safe and Sane” seal are illegal in the State of California.

Anonymously report illegal firework activity by scanning the code or email fireworks@elkgrovepd.org.

Now Hiring. Join Team EG!

elkgrovecity.org

August is Diversity Awareness Month in Elk Grove Each August, the City Council and the Diversity and Inclusion Commission host a variety of activities, events, and educational opportunities that promote greater understanding and appreciation for our differences. Join us in festivities that promote Elk Grove as a city welcome to all.

Diversity Dining Week

August 19-28 Get a taste of diversity along with great deals during Diversity Dining Week, August 19-28.

Explore Elk Grove and local eateries are teaming up during Diversity Month to offer special discounts with the Elk Grove Local Pass, a mobile exclusive passport to tasty deals. Learn more and get your free pass at ElkGroveLocalPass.com.

Passport to Adventure: The Elk Grove Multicultural Festival Is Back!

Saturday, August 27 | District 56 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Experience the many cultures that make up our vibrant community during Elk Grove’s Multicultural Festival, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Travel the world without leaving the city, and celebrate our diversity through entertainment, music, food, art, dance, and more. Admission is free! For details, visit elkgrovecity.org/multiculturalfestival.

INSIDE:

Page 2 • Cone Zone - Construction Underway • USA Swimming’s Western Zone Championship • Water Challenges Prompt Conservation Page 3, 4, 5, and 6 • Recycling and Waste Calendar • Organic Waste Information Page 6 • Vacation Checks • Fingerprinting • Now Hiring

T

3

4

5

W

T

6

7

F

1

S

2

S

8

9

7

M

T

W

3

T

4

F

5

2

6

8

9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

4

5

6

7

T

F

S

1

2

3

8

9 10

S

M

2

3

OCTOBER T

W

T

F

S

4

5

6

7

8

1

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

25 26 27 28 29 30

23

24

30

31

S

6

NOVEMBER

M

7

T

W

T

3

F

4

S

1

2

5

8

9 10 11 12

S

4

25 26 27 28 29

DECEMBER

M

5

T

6

W

7

T

F

S

1

2

3

8

9 10

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

27 28 29 30

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Schedule A

other week.

New Calendar Explained Due to the service changes, your recycling week may have changed. However, your service day remains the same. The new recycling calendar alternates between “schedule A” (gray) and “schedule B” (green), indicating which week your recycling will be collected.

Which schedule am I on?

You should have already received notification from Republic Services of your assigned schedule. To determine your recycling week schedule, call Republic Services at 916-635-2500 or use the “lookup tool” at elkgrovecity.org/recycle.

DISCOVER THE

Lookup Tool...

Never miss your trash day. View, print, or download customized schedules and recycling tips for your address. Register to get text or email reminders.

Schedule B

Trash and Organic waste picked up weekly!

Questions? Call 916.635.2500

elkgrovecity.org/recycle

SCAN ME with your smart phone for up-to-date information

W

Moving forward, trash and organic waste will be collected weekly, while recycling will continue to be collected every

8401 Laguna Palms Way Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 478-2206 elkgrovecity.org

solid waste services provided to customers.

Kristyn Laurence Public Affairs Manager klaurence@elkgrovecity.org

28 29 30 31

about the City of Elk Grove.

T

pollutants generated from food waste. In order to satisfy

Lupe Murrietta Graphics & Multimedia Program Manager lmurrietta@elkgrovecity.org

SEPTEMBER

M

waste to comply with a new law (SB 1383). SB 1383 is a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate the requirements of this effort, the City of Elk Grove and Republic Services have worked together to expand the

31

S

As of July 1, all residents are required to recycle food

The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Questions, concerns, or complaints may be forwarded to the City’s ADA Coordinator.

25 26 27 28 29 30

Organic Waste Collection

Why the New Look? Due to paper supply issues, we’ve had to make sizing and layout adjustments.

Vacation Checks

Keeping Eyes on Your Home While You’re Away If you’re heading out of town, be sure to submit an application for a Residential Vacation Check.

The Elk Grove Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) look after homes whose owners are away by holding any missed packages, inspecting the perimeter of the home, and checking for any suspicious activity.

For more information or to request this service, visit elkgrovepd.org.

NEED FINGERPRINTS? The Elk Grove Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service provide fingerprinting services for $15 on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

For further details, hours, and availability, call 916-478-8100.

Jul-Aug 2022 / Volume 22 / Issue 4

NEWSLETTER Get Ready for the

BOOM! Monday, July 4 Elk Grove Park 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE CITY OF ELK GROVE

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

24

Why the New Schedule?

S

1

City of Elk Grove 8401 Laguna Palms Way Elk Grove, CA 95758

M

AUGUST

CALENDAR

Elk Grove Postal Resident

S

JULY

2022

City of Elk Grove Recycling

City of Elk Grove

Join the City of Elk Grove for the 4th of July as we celebrate our nation and our city at this 26th annual event! Festivities include music, a bike parade, activities, food, and fireworks.

Admission is free, parking is $10. For more details, visit elkgrovecity.org/fourthofjuly.

Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks Selling, transporting, or using illegal fireworks is a crime, and the City is out to enforce zero tolerance.

Every year, the use of illegal fireworks leads to injury, fires, property loss, and even death. The Elk Grove Police Department, Elk Grove Code Enforcement, and the Cosumnes Fire Department will be working together to keep our community safe.

The team is utilizing its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program, as well as its Real Time Information Center, to assist personnel in the field when responding to reports of illegal fireworks.

Fireworks that carry the State Fire Marshal’s “Safe and Sane” seal are legal and only permitted for use between June 28 and July 5.

Fireworks that do not carry the “Safe and Sane” seal are illegal in the State of California.

Anonymously report illegal firework activity by scanning the code or email fireworks@elkgrovepd.org.

Now Hiring. Join Team EG!

elkgrovecity.org

August is Diversity Awareness Month in Elk Grove Each August, the City Council and the Diversity and Inclusion Commission host a variety of activities, events, and educational opportunities that promote greater understanding and appreciation for our differences. Join us in festivities that promote Elk Grove as a city welcome to all.

Diversity Dining Week

August 19-28 Get a taste of diversity along with great deals during Diversity Dining Week, August 19-28.

Explore Elk Grove and local eateries are teaming up during Diversity Month to offer special discounts with the Elk Grove Local Pass, a mobile exclusive passport to tasty deals. Learn more and get your free pass at ElkGroveLocalPass.com.

Passport to Adventure: The Elk Grove Multicultural Festival Is Back!

Saturday, August 27 | District 56 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Experience the many cultures that make up our vibrant community during Elk Grove’s Multicultural Festival, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Travel the world without leaving the city, and celebrate our diversity through entertainment, music, food, art, dance, and more. Admission is free! For details, visit elkgrovecity.org/multiculturalfestival.

INSIDE:

Page 2 • Cone Zone - Construction Underway • USA Swimming’s Western Zone Championship • Water Challenges Prompt Conservation Page 3, 4, 5, and 6 • Recycling and Waste Calendar • Organic Waste Information Page 6 • Vacation Checks • Fingerprinting • Now Hiring

TRASH AND ORGANIC WASTE COLLECTED WEEKLY–RECYCLING COLLECTED BI-WEEKLY

City of Elk Grove NEWSLETTER

Cone Zone Construction Underway on Waterman Road and Elk Grove-Florin Road

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

Motorists should expect delays if traveling on Waterman Road (between Grant Line Road and Bond Road) or Elk Grove-Florin Road (between Elk Grove Boulevard and Valley Oak Lane) as crews work to improve these roadways. This work is part of a federally funded construction project to rehabilitate approximately 3.5 miles of city streets, including widening portions of Waterman Road, paving road surfaces, installing bike lanes, upgrading curb ramps to ADA standards, and installing a pedestrian flashing beacon at the Elk Grove Creek Crossing on Elk Grove-Florin Road.

Disability Advisory Committee July 20; August 17 | 6 p.m.

Look out for full road closures on narrow segments of Waterman Road, which will last a few weeks. Detours will be provided to safely guide motorists around the work area. Expect daily single-lane closures and traffic control on Waterman Road and Elk Grove-Florin Road throughout the project. Project completion is targeted for early 2023.

Planning Commission July 7, 21; August 4, 18 | 6 p.m.

For project updates, visit elkgrovecity.org/arterialroadsproject Contact Matt Taliaferro at 916-969-6646 for questions.

Youth Commission August 9 | 6 p.m.

USA Swimming’s Western Zone Athletes Are Set to Make a Splash in Elk Grove

City Council July 27; August 10, 24 | 6 p.m.

Arts Commission July 21; August 18 | 6:30 p.m.

Historic Preservation Committee July 11; August 8 | 6:30 p.m.

Diversity and Inclusion Commission July 19; August 16 | 6 p.m.

CITY HALL CLOSED INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 4

Who is Your Water Provider?

The Elk Grove Water District and the Sacramento County Water Agency are the primary service providers in the Elk Grove area, but there are others. Each water agency is responsible for determining the level of rationing or restrictions for their service area. Visit BeWaterSmart.info for assistance to find your water provider.

Elk Grove Water District (916) 685-3556 | www.egwd.org Sacramento County Water Agency (916) 874-6851 | www.scwa.net

Visit BeWaterSmart.info for water saving tips and a continuously updated map with watering guidelines for each water agency.

GARBAGE

RECYCLE

ORGANICS

New Carts Rolling Out

Republic Services will deliver new carts to your home in the following months to accommodate the new changes. The new carts and colors will correspond to their uses: black for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for organic waste. Republic Services will be providing more educational materials in the upcoming weeks.

Request a Free Kitchen Countertop Pail

Kitchen countertop pails can be a convenient way to collect food scraps.

They’re available for purchase through a variety of retailers, or get one free from the city. They are available for pick-up at City Hall’s reception desk or at the Special Waste Collection Center. Limited quantities are available and are distributed on a first come first served basis.

Water Challenges Prompt Conservation Measures

Stage 2 measures include the following: • Irrigation restrictions that regulate the days and times that residents can water their yards.

• Restaurants can only serve water upon request.

• Water use for ponds and fountains will be prohibited. Pools can only be drained and refilled to address health, maintenance, or structural issues.

• Irrigation of non-functional turf in commercial, industrial and homeowners’ association common areas is prohibited.

Acceptable materials include the following: • All food waste including vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, meat, dairy, bones, and rotting food—anything you eat and any byproduct of your meals.

• Food-soiled paper including napkins, paper plates, paper bags, paper containers, pizza boxes, coffee filters, tea bags, and paper towels.

• Popsicle sticks, wooden chopsticks, and toothpicks.

• Yard waste including leaves, sticks, grass clippings, and landscape trimmings.

• For more details and further resources, visit elkgrovecity.org/recycle and click on the “Organic Recycling” link.

Trails Committee July 18; August 15 | 6 p.m.

Hundreds of elite youth athletes from across the western United States—along with their families, fans, coaches, and volunteers— will be gathering at the District56 Aquatic Center August 3-6 for the Western Zone Age Group Championship. Hosted by The Elk Grove Aquatics Club, this highly competitive event sanctioned by USA Swimming will feature fast 50 meter swimming in action-packed prelims and finals. Check out these young champions in action, find all the details by visiting agwesternzonechamps.com.

After an extremely wet December raised hopes that California might end its multiyear drought, the season ended with three of the driest months on record. Even some late-season storms weren’t enough to bring us back to an average years’ worth of water. Faced with accelerated water challenges, local water agencies have been directed by the State Water Resources Control Board to implement Stage 2 actions to reduce water usage by 20% percent.

What Can I Put in My Organic Waste Bin?

Avoid Bugs in Your Organics Cart CITY MEETINGS LIVESTREAMED

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are livestreamed online and archived on the city’s website at elkgrovecity.org/watchlive. Recordings of City Council meeting broadcasts are also available on Metro Cable Channel 14.

Links to all meeting agendas are available at elkgrovecity.org.

• Keep the lid shut.

• Leave the cart in direct sunlight for 15 minutes daily (minimum) until collection day.

• Clean cart (including the lid) with water, vinegar, and lemon juice once or twice a month.

• Use and replace biodegradable/compostable garbage bags in the organics cart after each collection day. Only BPI Certified bags are accepted.

Diverting Organic Waste

In 2014, CalRecycle found that 34% of California’s waste stream was organic (food) waste. When organic waste is dumped in landfills, it negatively impacts our air quality and California’s climate by releasing methane and other harmful emissions.

Food Waste Facts

• More food ends up in landfills than anything else.

• In an enclosed landfill absent of oxygen, food waste quickly generates methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that warms the planet 86 times more than carbon dioxide.

• In addition to methane, organic materials high in nitrogen, such as food scraps, also produce nitrous oxide (N2O) during decomposition in landfills, a GHG that is roughly 300 times worse than carbon dioxide.

• Sending uneaten food and other organic waste into landfills releases more than 8.3 million tons of GHGs each year in California, contributing 20 percent of the state’s methane emissions.

• Nationally, discarded food costs consumers and industry $162 billion* each year. *leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Food Waste Reduction Tips and Tricks

• Keep track of how much food you throw out. Adjust your grocery shopping list to make sure you only buy the amounts you really need.

• Before you shop, check your fridge first! Plan your meals around foods you have and buy only what you need to make them.

• Making a grocery list before you shop can save a family of four $1,600 a year!

• Reorganize your fridge to keep produce and other perishables up front so they are used before they go bad.

• Going out to eat? Order smaller portions or plan a meal using up any leftovers. Don’t forget to bring your reusable container to take home leftovers!

• Understand manufacturer dates. “Best by” and “Use by” dates are mainly suggestions. Except for infant formula, dates do not indicate the product’s safety and are not required by Federal law.

• Food scraps are the unavoidable waste products from food preparation.

To keep them out of landfills, learn how to compost. Otherwise, food scraps should be placed in your organic bin.

Implementing SB 1383 will reduce harmful pollutants and is essential to achieving California’s climate goals.

The goal is to reduce organic waste disposal and 75% by 2025.

ELK GROVE CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen bsinghallen@elkgrovecity.org Vice Mayor Darren Suen | District 1 dsuen@elkgrovecity.org Councilmember Patrick Hume | District 2 phume@elkgrovecity.org Councilmember Kevin Spease | District 3 kspease@elkgrovecity.org Councilmember Stephanie Nguyen | District 4 snguyen@elkgrovecity.org Did you know that City Council meetings can be viewed on Cable Channel 14, and both Council and Planning Commission meetings can be viewed streaming on the City website?

Did you know?

The materials in your organic waste cart will be taken to a recycling processor to be composted or anaerobically digested, rather than being dumped in landfills.

TRASH AND ORGANIC WASTE COLLECTED WEEKLY–RECYCLING COLLECTED BI-WEEKLY

City of Elk Grove NEWSLETTER

Cone Zone Construction Underway on Waterman Road and Elk Grove-Florin Road

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE

Motorists should expect delays if traveling on Waterman Road (between Grant Line Road and Bond Road) or Elk Grove-Florin Road (between Elk Grove Boulevard and Valley Oak Lane) as crews work to improve these roadways. This work is part of a federally funded construction project to rehabilitate approximately 3.5 miles of city streets, including widening portions of Waterman Road, paving road surfaces, installing bike lanes, upgrading curb ramps to ADA standards, and installing a pedestrian flashing beacon at the Elk Grove Creek Crossing on Elk Grove-Florin Road.

Disability Advisory Committee July 20; August 17 | 6 p.m.

Look out for full road closures on narrow segments of Waterman Road, which will last a few weeks. Detours will be provided to safely guide motorists around the work area. Expect daily single-lane closures and traffic control on Waterman Road and Elk Grove-Florin Road throughout the project. Project completion is targeted for early 2023.

Planning Commission July 7, 21; August 4, 18 | 6 p.m.

For project updates, visit elkgrovecity.org/arterialroadsproject Contact Matt Taliaferro at 916-969-6646 for questions.

Youth Commission August 9 | 6 p.m.

USA Swimming’s Western Zone Athletes Are Set to Make a Splash in Elk Grove

City Council July 27; August 10, 24 | 6 p.m.

Arts Commission July 21; August 18 | 6:30 p.m.

Historic Preservation Committee July 11; August 8 | 6:30 p.m.

Diversity and Inclusion Commission July 19; August 16 | 6 p.m.

CITY HALL CLOSED INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 4

Who is Your Water Provider?

The Elk Grove Water District and the Sacramento County Water Agency are the primary service providers in the Elk Grove area, but there are others. Each water agency is responsible for determining the level of rationing or restrictions for their service area. Visit BeWaterSmart.info for assistance to find your water provider.

Elk Grove Water District (916) 685-3556 | www.egwd.org Sacramento County Water Agency (916) 874-6851 | www.scwa.net

Visit BeWaterSmart.info for water saving tips and a continuously updated map with watering guidelines for each water agency.

GARBAGE

RECYCLE

ORGANICS

New Carts Rolling Out

Republic Services will deliver new carts to your home in the following months to accommodate the new changes. The new carts and colors will correspond to their uses: black for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for organic waste. Republic Services will be providing more educational materials in the upcoming weeks.

Request a Free Kitchen Countertop Pail

Kitchen countertop pails can be a convenient way to collect food scraps.

They’re available for purchase through a variety of retailers, or get one free from the city. They are available for pick-up at City Hall’s reception desk or at the Special Waste Collection Center. Limited quantities are available and are distributed on a first come first served basis.

Water Challenges Prompt Conservation Measures

Stage 2 measures include the following: • Irrigation restrictions that regulate the days and times that residents can water their yards.

• Restaurants can only serve water upon request.

• Water use for ponds and fountains will be prohibited. Pools can only be drained and refilled to address health, maintenance, or structural issues.

• Irrigation of non-functional turf in commercial, industrial and homeowners’ association common areas is prohibited.

Acceptable materials include the following: • All food waste including vegetable and fruit scraps, eggshells, meat, dairy, bones, and rotting food—anything you eat and any byproduct of your meals.

• Food-soiled paper including napkins, paper plates, paper bags, paper containers, pizza boxes, coffee filters, tea bags, and paper towels.

• Popsicle sticks, wooden chopsticks, and toothpicks.

• Yard waste including leaves, sticks, grass clippings, and landscape trimmings.

• For more details and further resources, visit elkgrovecity.org/recycle and click on the “Organic Recycling” link.

Trails Committee July 18; August 15 | 6 p.m.

Hundreds of elite youth athletes from across the western United States—along with their families, fans, coaches, and volunteers— will be gathering at the District56 Aquatic Center August 3-6 for the Western Zone Age Group Championship. Hosted by The Elk Grove Aquatics Club, this highly competitive event sanctioned by USA Swimming will feature fast 50 meter swimming in action-packed prelims and finals. Check out these young champions in action, find all the details by visiting agwesternzonechamps.com.

After an extremely wet December raised hopes that California might end its multiyear drought, the season ended with three of the driest months on record. Even some late-season storms weren’t enough to bring us back to an average years’ worth of water. Faced with accelerated water challenges, local water agencies have been directed by the State Water Resources Control Board to implement Stage 2 actions to reduce water usage by 20% percent.

What Can I Put in My Organic Waste Bin?

Avoid Bugs in Your Organics Cart CITY MEETINGS LIVESTREAMED

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are livestreamed online and archived on the city’s website at elkgrovecity.org/watchlive. Recordings of City Council meeting broadcasts are also available on Metro Cable Channel 14.

Links to all meeting agendas are available at elkgrovecity.org.

• Keep the lid shut.

• Leave the cart in direct sunlight for 15 minutes daily (minimum) until collection day.

• Clean cart (including the lid) with water, vinegar, and lemon juice once or twice a month.

• Use and replace biodegradable/compostable garbage bags in the organics cart after each collection day. Only BPI Certified bags are accepted.

Diverting Organic Waste

In 2014, CalRecycle found that 34% of California’s waste stream was organic (food) waste. When organic waste is dumped in landfills, it negatively impacts our air quality and California’s climate by releasing methane and other harmful emissions.

Food Waste Facts

• More food ends up in landfills than anything else.

• In an enclosed landfill absent of oxygen, food waste quickly generates methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that warms the planet 86 times more than carbon dioxide.

• In addition to methane, organic materials high in nitrogen, such as food scraps, also produce nitrous oxide (N2O) during decomposition in landfills, a GHG that is roughly 300 times worse than carbon dioxide.

• Sending uneaten food and other organic waste into landfills releases more than 8.3 million tons of GHGs each year in California, contributing 20 percent of the state’s methane emissions.

• Nationally, discarded food costs consumers and industry $162 billion* each year. *leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Food Waste Reduction Tips and Tricks

• Keep track of how much food you throw out. Adjust your grocery shopping list to make sure you only buy the amounts you really need.

• Before you shop, check your fridge first! Plan your meals around foods you have and buy only what you need to make them.

• Making a grocery list before you shop can save a family of four $1,600 a year!

• Reorganize your fridge to keep produce and other perishables up front so they are used before they go bad.

• Going out to eat? Order smaller portions or plan a meal using up any leftovers. Don’t forget to bring your reusable container to take home leftovers!

• Understand manufacturer dates. “Best by” and “Use by” dates are mainly suggestions. Except for infant formula, dates do not indicate the product’s safety and are not required by Federal law.

• Food scraps are the unavoidable waste products from food preparation.

To keep them out of landfills, learn how to compost. Otherwise, food scraps should be placed in your organic bin.

Implementing SB 1383 will reduce harmful pollutants and is essential to achieving California’s climate goals.

The goal is to reduce organic waste disposal and 75% by 2025.

ELK GROVE CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen bsinghallen@elkgrovecity.org Vice Mayor Darren Suen | District 1 dsuen@elkgrovecity.org Councilmember Patrick Hume | District 2 phume@elkgrovecity.org Councilmember Kevin Spease | District 3 kspease@elkgrovecity.org Councilmember Stephanie Nguyen | District 4 snguyen@elkgrovecity.org Did you know that City Council meetings can be viewed on Cable Channel 14, and both Council and Planning Commission meetings can be viewed streaming on the City website?

Did you know?

The materials in your organic waste cart will be taken to a recycling processor to be composted or anaerobically digested, rather than being dumped in landfills.