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t c i r t s i D s e c r u o s e R r i A y a B y e r e t n o M g r o . d r a b m . w w w 1 1 4 9 - 7 4 6 ) 1 3 8 ( 0 4 9 3 9 A C , y e r e t n o M t r u o C d u o l C r e v l i S 0 8 5 4 2 ! p i h s r e n t r a p l a r u t a n a : g n i m r a F d n a r i A n a e l C HUGE SELECTION!! HUGE SELECTION!! 831-768-7557 www.potstopml.com 1956 HWY 1, MOSS LANDING, CA 95039 Open Tuesday-Sunday Moss Landing Compliance doesn't wait for COVID-19 Waste Diversion and Resource Recovery laws move forward as scheduled In the midst of the crises resulting from the pandem- ic, compliance with state recycling and organic waste composting laws is not only required, but it is also essen- tial. While businesses adapt to operations with COVID-19 protocols, 2020 timelines and milestones for laws such as SB 1383 (Short- Lived Climate Pollutants) and AB 827 (Convenient Re- cycling and Composting Bins Required) remain steadfastly in place. Since the onset of COVID-19, personal pro- tection equipment (PPE) is more prevalent in the workplace, and proper disposal of gloves and masks in the trash is a matter of health and safety, not just contamination. PPE goes in the trash; it is not recyclable and must not be mixed in with other wastes such as organic/green waste where it will contaminate loads to be composted. The Salinas Valley Recycles composting facility is now fully opera- tional at the Johnson Canyon Landfill, and loads of organic waste collected throughout the local agricultural commu- nity is processed there. The resulting compost is returned to the earth to help nourish the soil that grows local fruits and vegetables, so it is vitally important that loads are clean and free from contaminants in order to create a high-qual- ity and plastic-free product. Patrick Mathews, Chief Administrative Officer shares, "This operation, including the de-packager and composting facility, has been several years in the making and we are proud to see it up and running. Providing this service helps member cities and local busi- nesses meet state mandates for organic waste diversion from the landfill, and returns natural resources from food scraps, agricultural and yard wastes back into the soil for food production. The impacts on our climate, landfill life and local economy are far-reach- ing." Both AB 1826 and SB 1383 have components for compliance that require businesses to divert organic matter from the landfill. SB 1383 requiring edible food to be rescued is particularly poignant, as COVID-19 has re- sulted in a dramatic increase in food insecurity throughout the region. Food banks are challenged to meet increased demand, and the need for donated food is great. Agricul- ture businesses that have yet to develop a relationship with a food bank or soup kitch- en, now is the time to start. To help support SB 1383 compliance in the communi- ty, Salinas Valley Recycles has donated a second new, refrigerated food truck to the Food Bank for Monterey County, currently in produc- tion, and it will soon be out on the streets collecting and distributing edible food to those most in need in our community. Effective July 1, 2020, a new law AB 827 requires that businesses allowing food consumption on the premises (restaurants, cafeterias, lunchrooms) must provide noticeable and convenient food waste col- lection alongside recycling and trash bins. This takes AB 1826 (Mandatory Com- mercial Organics Recycling) and AB 341 (Mandatory Commercial Recycling) to the next level, from the back end of operations to public and employee participation. Bins must be located for convenient access, with clear signage indicating what goes where (space constraints are not a reason for exception). Though compliance can seem daunting, especial- ly with the recent State Health Officer order to close indoor dining at restaurants, Salinas Valley Recycles offers services to help individual businesses meet these challenging mandates. Currently offering virtual and outdoor waste assess- ments, they examine the company's waste stream, facility layouts and systems to develop recommenda- tions and support changes for success in compliance. Most oen, diverting waste from the landfill decreases disposal costs, providing both a healthier community and bottom line. Content provided by Salinas Valley Recycles On May 21, 2020, the Salinas Valley Recycles Board of Directors approved the purchase of a new refrigerated food truck for the Food Bank of Monterey County. This additional truck will help recover and rescue more edible food to continue to feed hungry people, not landfills. Provided photo Food trucks - Provided photos

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