Kitchen Pails for Organics Recycling

Riverbank residents can now pick up a free kitchen pail for organics recycling from the City of Riverbank, located at 6617 Third Street, in Riverbank. The kitchen pails will be available during regular business hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Proof of residency is required. Limited to one per household, until quantities run out.

The kitchen pail distribution is to provide a convenient way to collect food waste and food-soiled paper before depositing in the green/gray organic cart as part of the City’s state-mandated Organics Recycling program. Pails are not required to participate in the organic waste recycling program. Any container of choice (e.g., bowl, paper bag, etc.) can be used to collect food scraps and taken to the green/gray organic cart.

Residents can recycle the following food items: fruits, vegetables, bread, eggshells, peels, rinds, pasta, rice, grains, cooked meat, fish, poultries, and bones; and food-soiled paper, such as pizza boxes, coffee filters, teabags, wet paper towels and soiled napkins.

Organic material should be placed loosely in the green/gray organic cart, along with yard waste, such as grass, leaves, and branches. Plastic bags, compostable or biodegradable bags should not be placed in the green/gray organic cart.

For more information call (209) 863-7127.

How to Use Your Kitchen Pail

1. Keep your food pail on the kitchen countertop or under the sink. Placing your pail in a visible area will help you remember to recycle your organics.

2. Place food scraps or your leftover food-soiled paper items directly into the pail. The pail can be used as is or lined with a paper bag or newspaper. Scrape food prep scraps and leftovers from your plate or cutting board into your pail. Spoiled or stale food from your fridge and cupboards can also be placed in the pail.

Do not use plastic bags of any type, even if they are labeled as biodegradable or compostable. Compostable cups, plates, or utensils are not acceptable.

3. Empty your pail directly into your green/gray organics cart. DO NOT place your small food waste pail out on collection day. Only the full-size organics cart should be placed at the curb.