Why Greencycle?

Organic materials such as leaves, twigs, and grass clippings, comprise approximately 30 percent of the waste stream in California. Approximately 20 percent of the waste generated within the SWA region consists of garden refuse and wood waste. Greencycling or composting of organic materials is nature’s own way of recycling by breaking down organic materials into a rich, earthy substance. Because garden refuse can be easily separated from the overall waste stream, greencycling can make a large impact in meeting state mandated recycling goals.

Greencycling makes sense. Disposing of green waste in landfills is unnecessary and wastes precious landfill space. Development of a local facility within the Sacramento Regional Solid Waste Authority (SWA) region is a responsible act of resource management that will return materials such as compost, wood chips, mulch and other soil amendments at competitive prices for local use in landscapes, agriculture and horticulture.

Greencycling or composting is not only a responsible and efficient way to handle green waste, but it also has many environmental benefits for our community.

Benefits of Using Compost

Compost is like a multi-vitamin for your soil. It improves soil structure by adding organic content. It increases the water-holding capacity of soil, so that you will not need to water as much. It causes heavy clay content soil to not compact, meaning that the soil is easier to work and root systems will develop better. Compost gives sandy soil needed structure. Compost will aid in erosion control, promote soil fertility, and stimulate healthy root development.

Using compost can:

• suppress plant diseases and pests, reducing the need for pesticides;
  
• reduce the need for water, chemical fertilizers and artificial soil amendments;
• promote higher yields of agricultural crops;
  
• facilitate reforestation, wetlands restoration and habitat revitalization efforts by amending contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils.