Starting the week of June 18, 2007, the City of Torrance began a pilot green waste collection program for 1,500 homes in two different areas.  To date, we have expanded the program to 4,000 homes.  Effective in the summer of 2009, we will add 4,000 more homes to the program.  The green waste from these homes will now be recycled instead of taken to a landfill.  All the homes in the pilot program have been notified and given the green waste containers.  Homes that did not receive the notice or container are not in this pilot program.  This pilot program is scheduled to continue for approximately one year.  At that time, the program will be evaluated.

In Torrance, approximately one-third of all residential waste is green waste - grass, leaves, weeds and trimmings from bushes and trees.  This large volume uses up valuable landfill space. Yard waste in landfills generates methane gas and acidic leachate, both of which can be hazardous to the environment.  The high moisture content of green waste retards burning, which reduces the efficiency of waste-to-energy plants. 

When separated from regular trash, green waste can be recycled into mulch or soil amendment.  By recycling green waste, we will save landfill space and provide a better use of this natural resource.  Plant waste recycles naturally, and the decomposed materials form a rich, dark soil called humus or compost. Humus returns nutrients to the soil, improves soil texture, and promotes new plant growth.

For those homes in the pilot ptrogram, please follow these directions to use this container properly:

. This container is only for green waste or yard trimming which include:

Grass/Leaves 
Wood Chips
Tree Branches 
Sawdust
Garden Trimmings 
Green Plants/Weeds

. Do not place green waste in plastic bags - put it directly in the container. Plastic bags cannot be recycled in the green waste program. 

. Remove any metal or nails.

. Branches cannot exceed 4" (inches) in diameter or 4' (feet in length).

. Large ice plant clusters and palm fronds/branches cannot be accepted in this container (they cannot be composted).  Place these items in the black refuse container. 

. Do not place hot ashes, coals, flammable materials (such as oil, gas or paint) or any other hazardous materials in this container. 

. Do not place food waste of any kind, animal waste, or any other refuse in this container.

. Lumber or construction material of any kind is NOT considered green waste and cannot be put in the green waste container. 

. Do not place liquids or construction materials in this container.

. Material should not protrude from the top of the containers more than two or three feet.  Weight of the container and its contents cannot exceed 200 pounds. 

. Place this container for collection with your refuse (black) and recycling (grey) containers in the street on your assigned day of the week with the lid opening facing the street.  Place containers at least 18" apart, and at least 5 feet away from obstructions such as a car or lamp post. 

. Please wash interior of container with water periodically. 

You can leave your grass clippings on the lawn - it's a good source of nitrogen and acts as a fertilizer.  You can also recycle your green waste and food waste at home to create your own compost.  Go to www.smartgardening.com to learn more.  

Click here for maps of the orignal Green Waste Pilot Program areas.

 

Green Waste Pilot Program to be Expanded in Summer 2009:

The green waste pilot program will begin expansion in Summer 2009.  The program will double in size from 4,000 to 8,000 homes.  Each home in the expansion area will receive the green container and literature on how the program works.  Click here for maps of the proposed expansion areas (pdf).  Scroll to the desired day.

For questions and additional information, please contact the Torrance Public Works Department at 310-781-6900.