Food Waste Reduction, Recovery and Diversion

Feeding Hungry People and Reducing Food Waste

The State of California estimates that over 30% of the material disposed in local landfills is organic material; and approximately 18% of landfilled material is food waste. Conversely, one out of every six people in Ventura County is struggling with food insecurity. Making the effort to feed hungry people benefits the environment, so it is a win-win proposition.

Reduce Food Waste at Home

What can you do at home to reduce food waste and help feed hungry people?

• Plan meals to understand how much you need
• Understand “sell by” and “use by” dates
  • US Food and Drug Administration
  • CalRecycle Article
• Properly store food in the refrigerator to avoid unnecessary spoilage
• Donate edible food to a local food pantry
• Compost your food waste at home

Recover Food Waste at Work

The Environmental Resources Division is working with Waste-Free Ventura County (Waste-Free VC) to assist grocery stores, hotels, restaurants and other food generating businesses donate extra food to those in need. For more information about edible food recovery, or to donate food from your organization, get in touch with Waste-Free VC, (805) 981‐6645.

Divert Food Waste from Disposal

State of California Senate Bill 1383: Passed in 2016, SB 1383 is a law that aims to reduce organic waste disposal in California by 75% and recover 20% of edible food by 2025. This law means that most everyone in Oxnard will have a collection program for food waste at both home and work.

The Environmental Resources Division currently has a commercial food waste collection program and is developing a residential solution.