When we toss out our waste into a bin and leave it out on the curb on collection day, where does it go?

Well, in San Mateo County, it depends. We are lucky to have a three-bin waste sorting system available to us at our homes – compost, recycle, and landfill. The journey our waste takes depends on which of these bins the waste belongs. Click below to view a few examples:

In San Mateo County, we divert an impressive 50% of our waste away from the landfill through compost and recycling. However, even at this rate, our current Ox Mountain Landfill in Half Moon Bay will be full and closed in 17 years. Recology, our local waste handling organization, is working hard to push towards a goal of 75% diversion by 2020 and as citizens of San Mateo County, we have the power to help accomplish this important goal!

As a non-profit organization focused on science and conservation, CuriOdyssey is always looking to explore innovative ways to improve our ecological footprint. As a part of this mission, our Conservation Crew recently began a pilot program to offer composting to our guests. The project is an important part of our commitment to be a leader in sustainability within our community and to help support and enable our guests to take conservation actions. Through a scientific investigation conducted by our staff, we will seek to understand how we can better present waste sorting options to maximize landfill diversion at CuriOdyssey. Stop by to check it out!

In the meantime, consider ways to reduce your waste at home too! Learn more about moving towards a zero waste lifestyle at https://www.zerowastenerd.com/p/30-days-to-zero-waste.html

By Róisín Altrueter, Early Childhood Science Educator and Conservation Crew Member at CuriOdyssey.

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