Residential

Organics + Food Recycling

Food Waste Recycling

Green waste recycling now includes food waste.
Residents are now REQUIRED to recycle all organic waste (green waste and food waste).

What is Organic Recycling?

Organic waste consists of Yard Waste (like plants, trimmings and grass clippings) and Food Scraps (such as cooked meat, produce, and dairy, as well as food-soiled paper plates and paper products, coffee grounds, tea bags and the like). Review list of acceptable items.

Do I Have to Participate?

Yes. Residents are required by the State of California and City of Palm Springs to recycle all organic waste. The State of California passed Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change. SB 1383 requires every city in California to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses. This mandate is intended to reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills by 75% by 2025. Read more at CalRecycle.com

Which Cart Do I Use for Organics Recycling?

Use your GREEN cart for Organics Recycling. Carts are available in three sizes; 35-gallon, 65-gallon and 95-gallon.

If you did not pre-select a specific size, you will receive a 65-gallon cart. However, cart size does NOT affect the price of your service so make sure you have a large enough cart for your household needs.

PSDS will collect the contents of GREEN organic waste carts on your regular collection day. You may place food scraps and yard waste in the GREEN cart.

food waste recycling

Use the GREEN cart to recycle Yard Waste AND Kitchen Scraps.

Place your FOOD WASTE in a clear plastic or white bag. Place the bag in your green cart along with the loose yard waste. Bagging your food will help with odor as well as with the sorting process at the processing facility.

Download Organics Brochure (English + Spanish) Organics Recycling Tips (English)

When is my organics and food recycling waste picked up?

Your green recycling cart will be picked up the same day as your trash.

Palm Fronds ARE accepted. Please DO NOT place yard waste in plastic bags.

ATTN: Multi-Family and HOA Residents

Notice from the City of Palm Springs, Office of Sustainability

Review the California law that changes the requirements for multi-family residential complexes in regards to weekly organics thresholds.

Items You Can Place in Your Organics Cart

These Items are NOT Acceptable

  • Aluminum Cans
  • Animal Waste
  • Concrete
  • Dirt
  • Electronic Waste
  • Foam or Plastic Food Containers
  • Glass Jars & Containers
  • Plastic Food Containers
  • Raw Meat
  • Rocks + Gravel

How to Use Your Carts

how to use each cart

Additional Organics and Food Recycling Information

Organics Waste Tips

Cut up yard trimmings to increase the amount of waste that fits into the cart.

DO NOT put yard waste in plastic bags, only food waste should be bagged.

Organics recycling (food waste) can be bagged in compostable bags, clear or white plastic bags and/or paper bags.

Commercial Organics Waste

PSDS offers Commercial Organics Recycling Services for disposal of large quantities of green waste and food waste.

Dispose of Green Waste Yourself

Coachella Valley Compost Facility
87011 Landfill Road, Coachella
760-863-4364

S/A Recycling
29250 Rio Del Sol, Thousand Palms
760-343-0499

Edom Hill Transfer Station
70-100 Edom Hill Road, Cathedral City
760-340-2113

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