Proudly serving Northern California since 2009.
Organic Waste Processing Facility
3201 Taylor Drive | Ukiah, CA | 95482
At Pacific Organics Solutions we divert residential and commercial organic waste from landfilling and recycle it via composting. As a result, we produce very high quality, organic compost.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us at 707-234-6400.
What is Organic Waste?
Organic waste is any material that comes from living organisms, which microorganisms decompose into tiny organic particles, and these microorganisms release carbon dioxide and methane in the process. It includes food waste, food-soiled paper, and yard/garden waste. It is also referred to as biodegradable waste because it can be broken down and assimilated back into the natural environment without causing harm.
Organic waste is largest category of waste dumped in California landfills, and it produces large amounts of methane as it decomposes in landfills. Diverting organic waste from landfills not only helps California achieve its goals of lowering methane, but the resulting products produced from recycling organic waste benefit the environment.
Pacific Organics – Medium
Our Pacific Organics – Medium is certified Organic Input Material with the California State Department of Food and Agriculture. It is also registered with the Organic Material Research Institute.
We sell Pacific Organics – Medium by the ½ yard and 1 yard at the following locations:
Ukiah Transfer Station & Recycling Center
3151 Taylor Drive, Ukiah
Mon – Sat, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Get directions
Lake County Transfer Station & Recycling Center
230 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport
Mon – Sat, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Get directions
For bulk purchases, please call us at 707-234-6400, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to get more information. Special pricing is available based upon quantity needed.
What Makes Our Compost Special
Our Ingredients
Pacific Organics Solutions’ compost utilizes organic material from Northern California. The formula consists of recyclable food waste (10%) and green waste (90%) collected weekly in Mendocino and Lake Counties through curbside residential and commercial collections.
Composting turns this unwanted material into a valuable resource that is beneficial for general purpose gardening, farming, and landscaping. This product is also great for top soil, and a serves as a nourishing base product for mixing.
Our Process
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. Left alone, organic material will naturally decompose over time. At Pacific Organics Solutions, a controlled process hastens this natural decomposition of organics. It starts first with grinding and screening of raw food, green waste, wood, and dry branches.
When the organics material arrives at our facility, our employees sort the loads by hand and remove any contaminating items. Once the material has been thoroughly checked, it is ground in an electric grinder until the pieces average three inches or smaller in size.
Covered Aerated Static Pile
Pacific Organics Solutions utilizes Covered Aerated Static Pile (CASP) technology to make our compost. During the CASP process, the ground food and yard waste is piled in 12 foot high cement bunkers, covered to reduce emissions and odors, aerated to allow appropriate amounts of air and water to promote decomposition, and left to sit for four to six weeks.
This allows natural microorganisms to begin breaking down the green materials, which reaches high temperatures that help kill weeds, seeds, and pathogens and speeds up the decomposition process.
After the initial phase, the composting material is moved to another bunker to be turned and continue to break down for another two or three weeks.
Generally, decomposition is complete and compost is ready within two months after the process has started. The final compost product is screened again to assure that any leftover large pieces of woody material are removed.
The final product is a uniform, darkish brown, crumbly product that has an earthy aroma called “medium.” By using compost produced from discarded municipal food, green waste, and wood waste the recycling loop is genuinely closed and materials are diverted from landfilling. It truly is sustainable.
The Benefits of Using Compost
Compost adds organic material to soils making these soils more productive and optimal for plant vigor. Compost helps sandy soils retain moisture and builds soil structure allowing plants to utilize natural nutrients in soil. This helps to reduce water consumption. In hard or clay soils, compost improves drainage. Compost improves aeration to the root zone of plants. Compost helps reduce topsoil erosion and minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is green waste?
Green waste consists of garden and yard waste, including grass clippings, weeds, brush, prunings, branches less than 4 inches in diameter, vines, sawdust, small, untreated wood, house plants, and dead flowers.
Where does the green waste come from?
At our Green Waste Processing facility in Ukiah, material comes from curbside collection in the following areas:
- Lake County
- Mendocino County
Is food waste included in green waste?
Food waste and food soiled paper are considered organic waste. Green waste does not include food waste or food soiled paper, but is solely landscape and yard waste. Green waste, however, is also considered organic waste.
What is SB 1383 and do I have to comply?
SB 1383 is California’s organic waste law that was passed to reduce methane produced in landfills. This will be accomplished by recycling food waste and food soiled paper.
At this time all customers in Mendocino County are required to recycle food waste.
Food waste recycling is not required for Lake County customers at this time. Certain local governments, however, do require food waste recycling.
Is green waste recycling mandatory?
Green Waste Recycling is mandatory for many businesses in California.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1826 requires all businesses that generate 4 or more cubic yards of solid waste per week and multifamily complexes that have 5 or more units to recycle green waste.
Under SB 1383, all businesses and multifamily complexes are required to recycling organic waste.
Why is it important to keep green waste clean?
Harmful chemicals, bioplastics, and other items that do not belong in organic waste can taint the resulting compost or landscape materials, thus poisoning any plants or soil to which the compost or landscaping materials are applied.
We have worked hard to achieve organic certification for our compost. In order to produce such high-quality compost, we strictly manage the organic waste we receive to make sure it is free of contaminants (items that belong in the landfill or recycling). We appreciate the effort our customers make to sort green waste properly.
What happens to the green waste after it’s processed?
After processing, rich compost is generated that is available for purchase in bulk.