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1. How do I request a free food scraps collection pail?

El Cerrito residents can request their free food scraps pail to be delivered to their home by calling 510-215-4350 or emailing green@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or stopping into the Recycling Center main offices, located at 7501 Schmidt Lane, during normal office hours.

2. Won't putting food scraps in my green waste bin will attract raccoons and other pests?

Raccoons and other pests are also attracted to food scraps that you currently put in your garbage bin; simply use the same methods (e.g. tied bungees) to keep them out of your yard waste bin as you do currently.

3. What if my neighbor's green waste bin smells or attracts pests?

City staff will take complaints about nuisances resulting from mismanagement of compostable materials seriously and will investigate reports about smells or pest issues and take appropriate code enforcement action.

4. What about ants and other bugs?

Exposed food scraps will tend to attract fruit flies, ants, and other insects if left uncovered. There are several ways this manage this problem, including: covering your food scraps with grass clipping or other yard debris, putting your food scraps in paper bags or wrapping them in other compost-safe paper (i.e. brown paper, butcher paper, and possibly newspaper), and putting your food scraps in approved compostable liners or bags (specifics still being determined).

5. Am I required to participate?

The program is a voluntary way to reduce your environmental footprint and the amount of waste you send to the landfill. If you have concerns about your own ability to participate without properly managing bad odors or pests, you may continue to use your garbage bin to dispose of your food scraps.

6. Should I compost everything I can?

Participation in the food scrap composting program is not an all-or-nothing proposition. If you have concerns about particular food scrap items creating a bad odor or attracting pests (i.e. dairy and meat) then please continue to use your garbage bin to dispose of these items.