Have you ever wondered what happens after you toss your food scraps and yard waste in the green bin?

In San Luis Obispo County, your organic waste is processed locally to create renewable energy and compost, helping reduce waste and support a more sustainable community.

So how does it work?

Most of the organic waste collected in SLO County is processed at the Kompogas facility, where it goes through a process called anaerobic digestion. Think of it like a giant enclosed system where microorganisms break everything down, basically a super-powered compost machine! As the material decomposes, it produces biogas, a renewable energy source that is used to generate electricity and help power our local grid.

After this process, the remaining material is converted into nutrient-rich compost, which is returned to the soil to support healthy crops and local agriculture. Some organic waste in SLO County is also processed at a local composting facility, but the recommendations for what belongs in your green bin are the same either way.

Pretty cool, right? Your banana peel is doing more than you think.

But for this system to work properly, it’s important to put the right materials in your green bin.

Our local facilities accept:

• Food scraps from fruits and vegetables
• Meat, bones, and seafood
• Dairy products and eggshells
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves
• Fats, oils, and grease
• Yard waste like leaves and grass clippings

Keep these out of your green bin:

• Plastic bags, even those labeled “compostable”
• Glass, metal, or cans
• Diapers or pet waste
• Dirt, rocks, or treated wood
• Nursery pots or other non-organic materials

By using your green bin correctly, you’re helping keep organic waste out of landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create valuable resources right here in SLO County. One banana peel at a time.

https://kompogas-slo.com/