New green waste bins can help eliminate your yard waste!
September 20th, 2024Press Release- Tahoe Resource Conservation District
The Fire Adapted Communities Program promotes neighborhood defensible space work involving the clearing of vegetative debris, pine needles, pinecones, and small branches from one’s yard. There is a new green waste bin program available in South Lake Tahoe facilitated by South Tahoe Refuse and this Q & A factsheet covers that information. Utilizing this system can be very beneficial to South Lake residents and neighborhoods.
Q: What materials can go into the green waste bin?
A: It’s very important that only organic yard waste goes into the green waste bins. It will go directly to the Refuse’s compost facility.
Q: What materials are not allowed inside the green waste bin?
A: Food waste is not allowed. Neither are rocks and dirt, pet waste, or plastic bags.
Q: If people have more yard waste that can fit in the green waste bin, can they set out additional bags for pick up or use existing waste bins?
A: There are several options here. Each resident can request up to two 95-gallon green waste bins which can be set out for pickup. They are also allowed to bring extra yard waste material to South Tahoe Refuse’s resource recovery facility directly at 2121 Eloise Ave. In addition, they can set out extra paper bags on their pickup day or in a 32-gallon Rubbermaid can. No plastic bags are allowed!
Q: Should people use paper bags and where can these be purchased? If they use paper bags will the bags be returned to them to refuse?
A: Yes, people should put their green waste into paper bags. They can find these paper bags at any hardware store in town (Meek’s, DIY, True Value) as well as ordered online from places like Home Depot. They cost about 23 cents/per 30-gallon bag and won’t be returned after collection.
Q: How often will these green waste bins be collected from residents?
A: Pickup of the green waste bins and bags will occur every other week, alternating with recycling week. When residents pick up their green waste bin, they will receive an informational packet that goes over this information along with a calendar.
Q: When people clean up their yards in the spring will they be given an opportunity to set out a larger number of bags for pick up? and for how long?
A: Yes, absolutely! People can leave out as many paper bags as they want for any amount of time, and they will be picked up. South Tahoe Refuse is also planning to have special weeks for both Fall & Spring cleanup times which will be announced on their website: South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
Q: What is the goal of providing residents with these new green waste bins?
A: Green waste bins comply with the new California legislature SB 1383 which seeks to significantly reduce landfill waste. When organic matter decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane which is a harmful greenhouse gas. Providing customers with green waste bins helps reduce this effect, along with additional benefits such as employee safety at South Tahoe Refuse.
