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South Tahoe Refuse Expands Food Waste Drop-off Program

by | Mar 12, 2024 | News Release

News Release

Contact: Catherine Howells
Environmental Compliance Manager
South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling
phone: 530-542-8336
email: chowells@southtahoerefuse.com


South Tahoe Refuse Expands Food Waste Drop-off Program

South Lake Tahoe, CA (January 31, 2024) – Good news for all customers of South Tahoe Refuse (STR)! Starting February 1st, the food waste drop-off program is moving to a new location to allow for expanded days and times. STR’s residential customers can now drop off their food waste for free Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Recycle Buy-Back Center located at 2192 Ruth Ave.

While the City of South Lake Tahoe and the STR service area in El Dorado County received high-elevation waivers for SB 1383’s mandatory curbside food waste collection, STR is working with our local jurisdiction partners to expand the convenience of the drop-off option in order to divert as much organic material as possible from the landfills. There are also food waste recycling programs available for commercial businesses. If organic waste sits in the landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, but if it is diverted it can be recycled and turned into compost. All of the food waste collected by STR is sent to Full Circle Compost in the Carson Valley.

Participating in this environmentally friendly program is simple and free for STR residential customers! Use your own container or come by the STR Customer Service office at 2140 Ruth Ave. to pick up an STR bucket with a resealable lid to trap the odors. One free bucket per customer account. Residents can separate your food scraps from meal prep and also throw in leftovers from the fridge or pantry items that you aren’t able to eat. Then bring your bucket to the Buy-Back Center at 2192 Ruth Ave., pull up through the driveway loop and STR staff will assist you as you dump your scraps into the green food waste dumpster.  Then go about your day knowing you did something great for the planet.

We can accept food only – no “compostable” utensils or dishware, plastic, paper products, foil, or any other material besides food. Details can be found at: https://southtahoerefuse.com/resources/food-waste/

Questions about food waste drop-off or any other recycling program?  Contact us at organics@southtahoerefuse.com or 530-542-8336.

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