Organics Recycling in Palm Desert

Update 4/3/2023: All Palm Desert residents should have received their three-bin system. If you have not received your bins, please call Burrtec at 760-340-2113 to request delivery. Watch for educational materials around SB 1383 and the new organics program in your bimonthly BrightSide newsletter. Residents will also receive an updated Recycling Guide by the end of the May. If you have questions about the organics program, please email recycling@palmdesert.gov.

Update 7/12/22: The initial rollout of Palm Desert's residential organic program began in June. Please note that if you did not receive your new equipment in June or July, your program will be implemented in Fall 2022. If you believe you missed your neighborhood's bin delivery and would like your bins delivered prior to the Fall rollout, please call Burrtec at 760-340-2113 to request your new equipment. A list of HOAs that have been designated to receive their new equipment in the Fall can be found here. Information regarding the Fall rollout will be sent to residents closer to the implementation date. If you have general questions about the new organics program, please email recycling@palmdesert.gov. Any specific questions regarding your service should be directed to Burrtec at 760-340-2113.

Update 6/30/22: The City of Palm Desert's new food waste composting program was featured on KESQ on June 30, 2022. The following recording is a detailed overview of the program's introduction and provides best practices for effective household waste management.

Update 5/16/22: On May 6, 2022, Burrtec mailed a Notice of Upcoming Program Enhancements to all residents of Palm Desert. Starting in June, residents will begin to see new equipment dropped off or changed out. Residents will receive a green waste (organics) bin if they do not currently have one, as well as a kitchen pail and two sample liners to use for collecting food waste. As soon as you receive your kitchen pail, you can begin placing your properly bagged food waste in your organics bin. Food waste should be bagged in a paper or transparent plastic bag similar to the sample liners you will receive with your kitchen pail. Located in the "Document" section to the right are several flyers on how to properly use your kitchen pail including which items can be placed in your organics bin. Additionally, residents will have their burgundy bin removed, their grey bin relabeled as trash, and a blue recycle bin will be delivered.

Most residents will receive their bins by July 1, 2022, however select HOAs will be receiving their bins in the fall. Burrtec is working closely with all HOAs and multifamily dwellings in the City to ensure that the program is rolled out in a way that meets the needs of its residents. Please contact your HOA to find out your rollout timeline.

Update 3/14/22: At the City Council meeting on Thursday, March 10, Council voted to approve an amended franchise agreement with Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, LLC and approve new rates which will be effective April 1 for Commercial customers and July 1 for Residential customers. The new rates and agreement incorporate the State mandated SB 1383 programs and other required changes. The new approved rates can be viewed HERE.

California State Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), requires the reduction of organic waste disposed of in landfills. Organic waste is comprised of food scraps and food-soiled paper from kitchens and food operations and yard waste such as garden and landscape waste, organic textiles and carpets, and wood waste.

Reason for Changes

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste accounts for a significant portion of California’s waste stream. Left to decompose in landfills, the organic waste releases methane, a gas that traps the sun’s heat warms the atmosphere, and contributes to global warming. To address this issue, then-Governor Jerry Brown, signed Senate Bill 1383 into law which targets the reduction of pollutants, including methane. Cities throughout California must meet the new reduction limits through organic waste reduction.

Collection and Recycling

Starting in 2022, the City and Burrtec will expand organic waste collection services for residents and businesses by transitioning to a three-bin system (waste, recycle, and compost). Additionally, all residents will receive a kitchen pail for food waste collection. Residents would transfer collected food waste to their green organics bin prior to their regularly scheduled pick up by Burrtec. Food and yard waste collected will be recycled using composting facilities that make soil amendments, materials that are added to soil to change and improve it.

Food Recovery from Businesses

Starting in 2022, large food-service businesses must donate surplus edible food to food recovery organizations with additional businesses starting in 2024. California is working towards a 2025 goal to redirect and donate 20% of edible food to those in need.

Current Efforts

Senate Bill 1383 will require extensive procedural changes and significant coordination amongst different stakeholders. The City of Palm Desert is in the process of developing collection operations, adopting purchasing policies, amending the City’s Municipal Code, enacting building requirements, preparing enforcement responsibilities, and strategizing public education and outreach efforts.

As a result of this enormous planning effort, changes to organic waste will be phased in throughout 2022 with commercial businesses targeted to transition by February 2022 and residents targeted to transition by July 2022.

Residents and businesses will be notified prior to their transition to the new recycling program and educated on proper disposal sorting. Your participation in protecting California’s environment and economy from the impacts of climate change is vital.

For program updates, please continue to check this page.