Californians throw away more than 6 million tons of food scraps each year. Management of food scraps offers more opportunities to increase diversion from the landfill and reduce your garbage costs. Check out some of the suggested options below for ideas:

Send leftover food to a food bank for reuse

The Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (Public Law 104-210) makes it easier for businesses to donate to food banks and food rescue programs. It protects donors from liability when donating to nonprofit organizations and protects donors from civil and criminal liability should the product donated in good faith later cause harm to the needy recipient.

•  Second Harvest Food Bank collects surplus food and redistributes the food to those in need. Contact Second Harvest at (408) 266-8866.

Install an on-site composting vessel

• For a list of in-vessel composting technologies, visit CalRecycle's Organics and Food Compost webpage.
• If you are considering this option, please contact the City of Sunnyvale at (408) 730-7484 to ensure that you will be in compliance with City codes.

For more information on how to manage your food waste, visit CalRecycle's Food Scrap Management homepage.

Compost Pilot Program

• The City of Sunnyvale has begun a new pilot commercial food scrap compost program. If interested, email mlindemuth@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us or call (408) 730-7484 to see if your business meets program requirements for participation.