City Council in Cali. Will Increase Organic Waste Pick Ups Over Concerns of Odor, Pests

Residents of Modesto, Cali. have cited concerns over odors and pests due to organic bins sitting at homes for two weeks, but a new vote just changed that.

A vote was held by the Modesto City Council earlier this week which will change the collection schedule of organic bins for residents. Before, organic bins were only collected every other week but starting August 1, organic bins will be collected each week to help with issues of odor and pests.

California has implemented mandates to divert most of the state’s organic waste from landfills as the material can create a handful of different issues including methane production. Modesto is home to a large composting facility which mixes oxygen with waste to prevent methane.

However, recently a California Panel asked the state to pause its organic waste mandates as it felt the bill is riddled with problems and missing set goals. The commission also found that half of the jurisdictions weren’t prepared by the mandate’s implementation, despite the threat of penalties equaling $10,000 per day.

During the vote by the Modesto City Council, the Council raises residential trash bills from $51.25 to $56.01 a month. This includes a $3.14 cost for the increase in organic waste pick up. Businesses are also being hit with increased rates.

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