With food and green waste pick up now available every week and the McCourtney Road Transfer Station Renovation complete, Western Nevada County residents are looking at trash in a whole new light. Over 1,000 tons of organic waste has been disposed of by WM (formerly Waste Management) customers in Nevada County since the state-mandated program rolled out a month ago.
Since Jan. 6, waste collection services have changed for over 25,000 residents and businesses in Grass Valley and densely populated unincorporated areas of Western Nevada County. Those who subscribe to WM are now separating food waste from household trash to comply with a California mandate known as Senate Bill 1383.
On Jan. 15, the McCourtney Road Transfer Station opened new scale houses, doubling the scales available and marking the completion of the much-needed $20 million construction project. Traffic flow is improved with the addition of two lanes, inbound and outbound. Customers planning a trip to the transfer station, can sneak a peek before heading out using the live-time traffic camera.
Aerial view of McCourtney Road Transfer Station on the first day the new scales opened to the public, doubling the scales available and marking the completion of the project.
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?fit=300%2C202&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?fit=780%2C525&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=780%2C525&ssl=1″ alt=”Aerial view of McCourtney Road Transfer Station on the first day the new scales opened to the public, doubling the scales available and marking the completion of the project.” class=”wp-image-229485″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=1024%2C689&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=300%2C202&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=768%2C517&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=1536%2C1034&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=1200%2C808&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=1568%2C1056&ssl=1 1568w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=400%2C269&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?resize=706%2C475&ssl=1 706w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station.jpg?w=1916&ssl=1 1916w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Aerial-view-of-McCourtney-Road-Transfer-Station-1024×689.jpg?w=370&ssl=1 370w” sizes=”(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px”>
The updated 30-year-old facility now has increased capacity to accept food waste on a large scale. “When we all do our part to separate food waste, we’re working together to comply with the state’s mandate, and to look on the bright side, we’re helping out our planet, too,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Heidi Hall.
SB 1383 aims to reduce emissions from short-lived climate pollutants while also targeting businesses to recover and donate edible food to organizations that help feed people who face food insecurity.
First passed in 2016, the law targets organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings that make up half of all material in landfills. Organic waste in landfills emits 20 percent of the state’s methane, a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide, according to CalRecycle.
As an added bonus, weekly rather than bi-weekly green waste pickup allows residents more opportunity to clean up yard waste and prepare for wildfire season by creating defensible space around homes. Nevada County will continue to offer free green waste days at the McCourtney Transfer Station this spring, with dates to be announced soon.
Last year, Nevada County and WM held numerous public workshops and embarked on a massive educational campaign to get the word out to residents and businesses about the big 2025 changes.
“We’ve really focused on education, education, education,” said David Garcia, Nevada County Public Works Director.
WM shares information on the senior and low income discounts available at Gold Country Senior Services. Another session is set on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 1130 a.m.
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=780%2C585&ssl=1″ alt=”WM shares information on the senior and low income discounts available at Gold Country Senior Services. Another session is set on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 1130 a.m.” class=”wp-image-229482 perfmatters-lazy” data-sizes=”(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px” srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=200%2C150&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1568%2C1176&ssl=1 1568w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=2000%2C1500&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=706%2C530&ssl=1 706w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?w=2048&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m-1024×768.jpg?w=370&ssl=1 370w”><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="780" height="585" data-attachment-id="229482" data-permalink="https://yubanet.com/wm-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-gold-country-senior-services-another-session-is-set-on-feb-13-from-10-a-m-1130-a-m/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2048,1536" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="WM shares information on the senior and low income discounts available at Gold Country Senior Services. Another session is set on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 1130 a.m." data-image-description data-image-caption="
WM shares information on the senior and low income discounts available at Gold Country Senior Services. Another session is set on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 1130 a.m.
” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=780%2C585&ssl=1″ alt=”WM shares information on the senior and low income discounts available at Gold Country Senior Services. Another session is set on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 1130 a.m.” class=”wp-image-229482″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=200%2C150&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=1568%2C1176&ssl=1 1568w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=2000%2C1500&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?resize=706%2C530&ssl=1 706w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m.jpg?w=2048&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/yubanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WM-shares-information-on-the-senior-and-low-income-discounts-available-at-Gold-Country-Senior-Services.-Another-session-is-set-on-Feb.-13-from-10-a.m.-1130-a.m-1024×768.jpg?w=370&ssl=1 370w” sizes=”(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px”>
For people not accustomed to composting, the new program requires making some daily adjustments and throughout the state, other communities have shown how successful food waste programs can be.
“It has been a month since we launched the service. Although it’s still too early, we are seeing more participation every day. We understand that adjusting to new habits takes time. The most important thing is that we are helping Nevada County and Grass Valley comply with state regulations and keep organic waste out of landfills,” said Larry Picard, WM District Manager.
Trash Talk
Curbside service now includes three bins – a black-lid container for trash, a green or brown-lid bin for food waste and green waste and a blue-lid bin for recycling. This green-lid bin will be used as an organics bin for both green waste and food waste. Those who have recycled yard waste using a WM yard waste bin for years will continue to do so and now can add food waste to the mix.
Non-waxy food-soiled paper such as pizza boxes, napkins and paper plates can also go into the green waste bins. Trash and green waste bins will be collected weekly, while recycling will continue to be collected biweekly. There is no “opt-out” option for curbside customers without foregoing all WM cart services, including trash and recycling.
Most curbside customers new to the green bin waste received one from WM in December. However, due to a shortage of 35-gallon carts, some customers received larger bins. WM will be swapping out these oversized carts this March and April. Questions about receiving your curbside organics bin can be sent to WM at [email protected] or phone at (530) 615-2020.
Residents without curbside pickup are required to separate their organic food and yard waste and self-haul to the McCourtney Road Transfer Station or compost at home. Food waste is no longer accepted in the regular black-lidded trash bin.
“If you compost at home, we don’t want you to change that, we encourage that,” said Garcia.
Nevada County is responsible for enforcement and if not in compliance with food waste regulations, could be deemed liable by the state, face corrective action and become subject to financial penalties reaching upwards of $10,000 per day/ per occurrence.
The law requires increased service, staffing and more equipment, a cost that WM customers are paying for with increased rates. Seniors and those on a fixed income get a discount and some customers may discover that they can drop to a lower level of trash service with the change to reduce costs.
WM recommends storing carts in the garage, bringing them out early in the morning and sprinkling them with baking soda to control odor and deter animals such as bears or raccoons. Another remedy is to store food waste in household compost containers or a sealed bag in the freezer until collection day. Paper bags can be used to collect food waste in place of compostable or plastic bags, which do not break down quickly enough to go into the organics bin. Layering food waste with dry yard waste or dirty cardboard like pizza boxes is another good way to reduce odors. Bear proof carts are available to purchase from a number of local retailers and can be set up with WM for an additional small fee.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Even though SB 1383 was first passed in 2016, it took until 2021 to go through an environmental review process. Since 2022, many communities in the state have worked to meet the mandate. Nevada County’s efforts were put on hold to allow time for essential facility upgrades at the McCourtney Road Transfer station.
Food waste collected at the McCourtney Road Transfer Station will be turned into compost at Ostrom Organics, a state-of-the-art multi-million dollar compost facility in Wheatland. Clean green waste will continue to go to Lincoln to be turned into different landscape products. Lower end green waste will go to a biodigester facility in Lincoln to be turned into energy.
Officials understand that adapting to the new food waste regulations requires patience as customers and staff navigate a new learning curve and a time of transition.
“I’m a firm believer that learning is part of the process,” said Garcia.
More information:
Nevada County Food Waste: https://www.NevadaCountyCA.Gov/FoodWaste
WM: https://www.wm.com/us/en/location/ca/nevada-county/trash-pickup-nevada-county-ca
Customer Service Line: (530) 615-2020
Senior and Low Income Discounts
Info Session at Gold Country Senior Services
231 Colfax Ave, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Thursday, Feb. 13
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
To Apply for Discounts: [email protected] (530) 615-2020
Commonly Asked Questions: https://www.wm.com/content/dam/wm/local-pages/california/nevada-county/Nevada_County_FAQ_Final.pdf
Learn more about Food Waste with CalCycle https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp
McCourtney Road Transfer Station Traffic Camera: https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/solidwaste
Laura Petersen is a freelance writer living in Grass Valley. This is one of a series of articles written on behalf of Nevada County. She can be reached at [email protected].
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