Cupertino starts sorting organic materials for collection

State law requires that yard trimmings, food scraps be separated.

Collecting organics

Per state law, Cupertino residents must now toss yard trimmings, food scraps and food-soiled paper into their green organics cart or bin. These materials are collected by Recology and turned into nutrient-rich compost.

Reducing the amount of organic material sent to landfill is part of California’s Short Lived Climate Pollutant Strategy (SB 1383). When organic material decomposes in the landfill, it emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Beginning this month, California’s regulations require Cupertino to enforce correct sorting requirements. Continuing to sort incorrectly after outreach, education and warnings could result in citation. To check how residents and businesses are doing with their sorting, city staff will be doing audits of bins and carts by walking around and flipping lids to take a quick look.

To receive a kitchen pail to help collect food scraps, visit cupertino.org/ compost.

Preschool open houses

Cupertino is holding two open houses for families interested in the city’s preschool program. The events are set for Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6-7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-noon, at the Quinlan Community Center. Families can tour Cupertino Preschool’s indoor and outdoor spaces, ask questions and connect with the teachers and administrators.

Cupertino Spelling Bee

Parents can register their second- through fifth-graders in the Cupertino Spelling Bee, set for Saturday, Jan. 20, 1-5:30 p.m. Register at reg4rec.org.