OC WASTE & RECYCLING WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Orange County, Calif., July 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) has received the 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its groundbreaking work in Senate Bill 1383 Procurement Program & Market Development Plan. The award recognizes excellence in groundbreaking efforts to create markets for recycled organics and foster collaboration with regional partners.

“Senate Bill 1383 established methane emission reduction goals for California beginning in 2022, requiring jurisdictions to implement mandatory organic waste collection and reduce the diversion of organic waste from landfills,” said Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling. “OCWR created new procurement partnership opportunities with jurisdictions, businesses and nonprofits, and provided innovative habitat mitigation, all in support of the procurement goals of SB 1383.”

OCWR’s comprehensive recycling initiative begins with the collection of green and organic waste from residential curbsides, which is then converted into compost and mulch. These beneficial products are then distributed back into the community and serve as valuable resources to enhance gardens and landscaping, all at no cost.

Since the community composting and mulch program began in October 2020, OCWR’s green zones (located in Bee Canyon and Capistrano, along with the county’s landfills) have successfully diverted over 30,000 tons of green waste and manure from critical landfill space. OCWR has delivered compost and/or mulch to 24 of Orange County’s 35 cities, partnering with a conservation organization, a water district, and three county agencies for compost and mulch. Additionally, in 2023, the department received 19,259 tons of municipal green waste and horse manure feedstock for composting through the Market Development Program, resulting in the distribution of 4,975 tons of mulch and 2,560 tons of compost.

“We thank NACo for recognizing our efforts and helping to raise awareness of the comprehensive and sustainable services our County provides,” Koutroulis continued. “Together, we have the opportunity to impact and shape a better future for all.”

NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize innovations in county government. These awards include 18 different categories, covering a wide range of services provided by counties, including children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, community engagement, and numerous others.

About the National Association of Counties (NACo)

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 elected county officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org

About OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR)

OCWR serves the County’s waste management needs through resource recovery, operation of public landfills, protection of the local environment, investment in renewable energy ventures, and promotion of recycling to ensure a safe and healthy community for current and future generations. The department operates one of the nation’s best solid waste management systems and three composting plants, all of which serve residents and businesses in the County’s 34 cities and unincorporated areas. OCWR’s three active landfills represent environmental engineering at its best. For more information, visit the OCWR website at www.OCLandfills.com.

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