California is forging ahead with food waste recycling. But is it too much, too fast?

By AMY TAXIN
Associated Press

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (AP) — Two years after California launched an effort to keep organic waste out of landfills, the state is behind on getting food recycling programs up and running. CalRecycle’s director Rachel Machi Wagoner says about three-quarters of communities are currently collecting organic waste from homes. It’s hard to change people’s longstanding behavior quickly and some communities have faced delays setting up organic waste hauling contracts due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, some of those that ramped up collection now have more compost than they can use. By 2025, the state seeks to slash by 75% the amount of organic waste it sends to landfills from 2014 levels.