Each week, you place your trash, recyclables, green waste, and food waste into the proper E.J. Harrison & Sons carts, close the lids, and roll them to the curb. Your part is simple — but what happens next is worth celebrating.

For more than 35 years, Harrison Industries, Gold Coast Recycling, and Agromin have worked together to keep Ventura County and surrounding communities at the forefront of California’s recycling movement.

How Harrison Industries Helped Lead California’s Recycling Movement

In 1989, California Assembly Bill 939 introduced bold recycling mandates, requiring cities and counties to divert 25% of solid waste from landfills by 1995 and 50% by 2000.

That same year, Gold Coast Recycling (GCR) opened its doors in Ventura with the purpose of helping cities meet those mandates. GCR was the first facility in the state permitted under the new law, setting the stage for decades of progress.

The Role of Agromin in Organics Recycling

While GCR was pioneering recycling processing, Agromin was building a future for organics. Having started in 1972 as a small soil company, Agromin expanded in 1990 to produce rich, chemical-free compost and mulch from community green waste and food scraps.

Today, Agromin transforms thousands of tons of organics each year into healthy soil products used in landscaping and agriculture across California.

Where Your Recyclables and Organics Go

• Recyclables: The items in your blue cart are collected by Harrison trucks and processed at GCR’s 7.8-acre Colt Street facility in Ventura, which handles more than 90,000 tons annually.

• Green waste: Yard trimmings from your organics cart are sorted at GCR, then transported to Limoneira in Santa Paula for composting.

• Food waste: Bagged food scraps are sent to Agromin’s facility at the Simi Valley Landfill, where they are decontaminated, blended with mulch, and composted in Kern County.

Instead of ending up in landfills, these materials return to the environment as valuable soil amendments.

Communities Served

Together, Harrison, GCR, and Agromin proudly serve:

• The unincorporated areas of Ventura County

• The cities of Ventura, Ojai, Camarillo, Fillmore

• Channel Islands Beach Community Services District

• CSU Channel Islands

• The city of Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County

Your Role in the Recycling Partnership

By simply putting waste in the right cart, you are a vital part of this partnership. Every bag of food scraps and every bin of recyclables contributes to cleaner communities, reduced landfill use, and healthier soil for agriculture.

Together, we’ve built one of California’s most effective recycling systems — and with your continued participation, the future is even brighter.

Learn More

👉 Residential Food Waste Recycling Instructions

Refuse Collection Delayed One Day for Labor Day

In observance of Labor Day, employees of Harrison Industries will be off on Monday, September 1. As a result, all trash, recycling, and yard/organics collection will be delayed by one day during the week of August 31 – September 6. Regular service returns the following week.

Holiday Week Collection Schedule

• Monday routes → Tuesday

• Tuesday routes → Wednesday

• Wednesday routes → Thursday

• Thursday routes → Friday

• Friday routes → Saturday

Tip: Set a reminder the night before your adjusted pickup day so you don’t miss service. View our Holiday Schedule here.

Set Out All Three Carts Weekly

Harrison collects trash, recycling, and organics every week. Residents can—and should—place all three carts curbside weekly, including food waste in the organics cart.

• Food waste is collected every week as part of organics service.

• Even without yard trimmings, still set out your organics cart with bagged food waste.

How to Prepare Food Waste Correctly

• Place food scraps in closed paper or plastic bags to prevent mess and odors.

• Put bagged food waste into your organics cart.

• Keep recycling clean and dry; do not place food or liquids in your blue recycling cart.

• Trash is for non-recyclable, non-organic material only.

This prevents contamination because food waste and yard waste are processed separately.

Why Weekly Food Waste Recycling Matters

Since 2022, California law requires diverting food waste from landfills. Beyond compliance, weekly food waste recycling helps protect the environment.

• Reduces methane emissions: Food decomposing in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

• Supports climate goals: Proper organics recycling lowers your household’s carbon footprint.

• Builds lasting habits: Setting out the organics cart weekly makes recycling second nature.

Quick Checklist for Holiday Week

• Confirm your shifted pickup day above.

• Bag food scraps (paper or plastic), then place in the organics cart.

• Set out all three carts—trash, recycling, organics—one day later than usual.

• Resume your normal schedule the following week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Monday collection move to Tuesday?
Yes. Each collection day shifts forward by one day during the week of August 31 – September 6. Friday moves to Saturday.

What if I only have food waste and no yard trimmings?
Still set out your organics cart weekly. Place food scraps in closed paper or plastic bags and put them in the organics cart.

Are plastic bags allowed for food waste?
Yes. Food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags before being tossed into the organics cart. This helps keep carts clean and prevents contamination during processing.

Why is weekly set-out important?
Weekly set-out prevents odors, reduces pests, and ensures consistent diversion of food waste from landfills to meet state requirements and environmental goals.

When does the regular schedule resume?
The regular schedule resumes the week after the Labor Day holiday week.

Thank You for Doing Your Part

Your participation keeps our communities clean and helps reduce methane emissions. Food waste recycling is required by law and makes a real difference for the environment.

Learn more and see preparation tips here: Harrison Residential Food Waste Program

Harrison Industries Adjusts Trash Collection for July 4 Holiday

If your regular trash day falls on Friday, take note: Harrison Industries will delay trash, recycling, and organics waste collection by one day due to the Independence Day holiday. Friday customers will have their pickup moved to Saturday, July 5. The adjusted schedule applies only during the week of June 29 through July 5. Customers with Monday through Thursday pickups will not be affected.

Regular service will resume starting Monday, July 7 after the Independence Day trash pickup delay.

Weekly Pickup Still Includes All Three Waste Carts

Harrison Industries reminds residents that all three waste carts—trash, recycling, and organics—should be placed at the curb every week. This includes weeks with a holiday delay. Even if your cart contains only food scraps, you should still set it out.

Weekly collection helps reduce landfill waste and supports compliance with California’s food waste diversion law.

How to Handle Food Waste Properly

All residential customers must bag their food scraps before placing them in the organics waste cart. Use either paper or plastic bags. Seal the bags and toss them directly into the green organics cart.

This simple step reduces odors, discourages pests, and makes the collection process more efficient.

Why Food Waste Recycling Matters Every Week

California law now requires food waste diversion from landfills. Methane gas, released when food decomposes in landfills, is a major contributor to global warming. Regular food waste recycling helps cut emissions and protects the environment.

Even if you don’t have yard clippings, you can—and should—still recycle food waste. Don’t skip a week just because your green cart isn’t full. Every bit of diverted waste makes a difference.

Make Food Recycling Part of Your Routine

Consistency is key. By making food waste recycling part of your weekly routine, you’ll support cleaner communities and a healthier planet. The law may require it, but the environment depends on it.

Let’s keep working together to build sustainable habits. Set your carts out weekly, bag your food scraps, and help California lead in climate-friendly waste practices.

Stay Informed and Stay on Schedule

For more details about Harrison’s food waste recycling program and pickup schedules, visit ejharrison.com/residential-food-waste. Bookmark the site or sign up for service alerts so you never miss a change.

Remember:

• Friday pickups move to Saturday during Independence Day week
• All other days remain on schedule
• Set out trash, recycling, and organics carts every week
• Bag all food scraps before placing them in the organics cart

Thank you for doing your part to protect our environment and keep your neighborhood clean.

Regular Pickup Services Continue June 15–21

Harrison Industries will maintain its regular trash, recycling, and yard/organics waste collection schedule during the week of Juneteenth, June 15–21. Although the Juneteenth holiday falls on Thursday, June 19, there will be no delays or changes in service.

Weekly Curbside Collection for All Waste Types

Residential customers in Ventura County should continue placing all three carts—trash, recycling, and organics—at the curb on their usual collection day. Harrison Industries collects all waste types every week, including food waste. This means you don’t need to wait or hold back items. Everything goes out together, every week.

Proper Disposal of Food Waste

All food waste must go into the green organics waste cart. Make sure to bag the food waste using closed paper or plastic bags before tossing them in the cart. This simple step helps keep your cart clean and ensures smoother processing at the waste facility.

Make Weekly Food Waste Recycling a Habit

California law requires residents to divert food waste from landfills. This rule went into effect in 2022, and your cooperation is vital. Food waste in landfills releases methane gas, a major contributor to global warming. By recycling your food waste every week, you help protect the environment and meet state regulations.

Even if you don’t have any yard waste, you should still place your bagged food waste in the organics cart and set it out for pickup. Don’t skip a week—even a small amount makes a big impact.

Why Food Waste Recycling Matters

Recycling food waste prevents harmful methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, over 25 times more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide. Regular food waste recycling reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Quick Tips for Effective Food Waste Recycling:

• Use paper or plastic bags to contain food scraps

• Seal bags tightly to avoid odors and spills

• Place only food waste in the bags—no packaging or utensils

• Set the organics cart out weekly, even if it’s not full

No Service Delays for Juneteenth

Although many services close or adjust schedules for Juneteenth, Harrison Industries will operate on its normal timetable. Trash, recycling, and organics pickups will occur as scheduled throughout the week. Place your bins curbside by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day.

More Information and Resources

For details on Harrison’s food waste recycling program, visit ejharrison.com/residential-food-waste. You’ll find guidelines, FAQs, and support materials to help you recycle smarter.

Your Role in Sustainability

Every household plays a crucial part in California’s zero-waste future. Recycling your food scraps weekly is more than a legal requirement—it’s a responsibility. With your help, we can keep methane-producing waste out of our landfills and protect the environment for future generations.

Thank you for doing your part. Stay consistent, stay green, and keep recycling every week.

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday,

employees of Harrison Industries will be taking the day off on Monday, May 26. As a result, Harrison will collect trash, recycling and yard/organics waste one day later than usual during the week of May 25-31. The regular schedule will resume the following week.

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart.

It’s important to recycle your food waste EVERY WEEK. The state of California in 2022 began to require the diversion of food waste from landfills, and your efforts are needed. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organic waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.

Thank you for your role in the success of our food waste recycling program. Food waste recycling is the law, but more importantly, it’s vital for the environment. Food waste emits destructive methane gas as it decays, damaging our atmosphere and causing global warming.

We continue to be a statewide leader in developing the programs and infrastructure needed to implement this ambitious project and we owe our success to your participation.

For more information on Harrison’s food waste recycling program, please visit https://ejharrison.com/residential-food-waste/.

Presidents Day Week Trash Collection Schedule Remains Unchanged

Harrison Industries will maintain its regular trash, recycling, and yard/organics waste collection schedule during Presidents Day week, Feb. 16-22. Please ensure your bins are placed at the curb on your usual collection day. By keeping to the standard schedule, Harrison ensures uninterrupted waste management services for all residents.

Weekly Pickup for All Bins

Residential customers should place all three bins at the curb every week:

• Trash – General household waste that cannot be recycled or composted.
• Recycling – Paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics that can be processed and reused.
• Yard/Organics Waste – Green waste like grass clippings and leaves, as well as food waste that can be composted.

Food Waste Recycling Guidelines

California law requires food waste recycling, which plays a vital role in protecting the environment. Proper disposal of food scraps—such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and leftovers—is essential. To help maintain sanitation and prevent contamination, please place food waste in sealed bags before depositing it in the yard/organics waste bin. This step ensures efficient processing and conversion into nutrient-rich compost.

The Importance of Food Waste Recycling

Food waste decomposing in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. By recycling food waste, we can significantly reduce harmful emissions, decrease landfill use, and improve overall air quality.

Separating food waste and using the organics bin helps create sustainable waste management solutions. Composting food waste enriches soil, lessens the need for chemical fertilizers, and supports local agriculture. Additionally, it helps alleviate the burden on landfills, which are rapidly reaching capacity.

Harrison Industries’ Commitment to Sustainability

As a leader in sustainable waste management, Harrison Industries continually enhances waste reduction programs to accommodate a growing population while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Your participation is crucial in ensuring the success of food waste recycling efforts and fostering a healthier planet for future generations.

How You Can Help

• Use the correct bin for your waste to avoid contamination.
• Always place food waste in sealed bags before disposing of it in the yard/organics bin.
• Educate your family and neighbors about proper waste disposal and the importance of food waste recycling.
• Stay updated on new waste management programs and regulations.

Thank you for playing a part in creating a cleaner, greener community!

For more information, visit Harrison Industries or contact customer service. Be sure to check the holiday schedule for updates on any future changes to waste collection services.

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day,

Harrison Industries wants to ensure a seamless waste collection experience for residents in Ventura County. The good news? There’s no change to the trash, recycling, and organics waste collection schedule for the week of January 19–25, 2025. So, you can put your bins out as usual and let us take care of the rest.

Weekly Waste Collection: Here’s the Scoop

Did you know Harrison Industries collects all three waste categories every week? That’s right—trash, recycling, and organics all go curbside weekly. This includes food waste, which is now an essential part of our organics recycling program.

Quick Tips for Food Waste Disposal:

1. Place food waste in closed paper or plastic bags.
2. Toss the bags into your organics waste cart.
3. No yard waste? No problem! Even if you only have food waste, your organics cart can still be taken to the curb for pickup.

By keeping food waste out of landfills, you’re helping us protect the environment and comply with California’s waste management laws.

Why Food Waste Recycling Matters

Food waste recycling isn’t just a requirement—it’s a vital step toward combating climate change. When food waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane gas, a major contributor to global warming. Recycling this waste not only reduces harmful emissions but also allows us to turn food scraps into valuable resources like compost and renewable energy.

At Harrison Industries, we’re proud to be leaders in implementing this critical initiative statewide. Our success would not be possible without the support and participation of our customers like you.

Let’s Work Together for a Sustainable Future

As we head into 2025, let’s continue to make food waste recycling a priority. Together, we can reduce landfill waste, cut emissions, and create a cleaner, greener community for future generations.

Have questions about food waste recycling or your trash collection schedule? Visit Harrison Industries for more information or reach out to their friendly customer service team.

Remember: Put your bins out as usual for the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Your commitment to sustainable waste management makes a difference!

Let’s keep up the great work, Ventura County!

Don’t miss any updates! To see the complete 2025 holiday collection schedule and plan ahead, visit Harrison’s Holiday Schedule today.

Let’s keep our community clean and sustainable all year long!

Recycling Your Christmas Tree: A Gift to Mother Earth

After bringing warmth and joy to your home during the holiday season, your Christmas tree can continue to spread goodwill by being recycled. Recycling your Christmas tree is a simple yet impactful way to give back to the environment, and we’re excited to provide this service for our residential customers again this year. Let’s work together to ensure your tree has a second life that benefits our community and the planet.

Why Recycle Your Christmas Tree?

When you recycle your Christmas tree, it is processed into mulch by our partner, Agromin, a leader in organic materials recycling. The mulch created from recycled trees enriches local farmlands, orchards, nurseries, and home gardens, promoting sustainable agriculture and healthier soils. By participating, you’re contributing to a cycle of renewal that supports the environment long after the holiday decorations are packed away.

How to Prepare Your Tree for Recycling

From December 26 through January 10, you can easily participate in this environmentally friendly program. Here’s how:

1. Remove All Decorations: Take off all ornaments, tinsel, lights, and other decorations to ensure the tree can be processed properly. Don’t forget to remove the stand as well.
2. Cut the Tree (If Needed): If your tree is larger than 4 feet, cut it into sections no longer than 4 feet to fit into your organics or yard waste cart.
3. Place for Collection:
   • Option 1: Place the tree in your organics/yard waste cart.
   • Option 2: Set the whole tree curbside on your collection day.
   • Flocked Trees Welcome: Yes, even flocked trees (those sprayed with artificial snow) are accepted!

By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your tree is ready for recycling.

The Bigger Picture: Benefits of Christmas Tree Recycling

Recycling your Christmas tree goes beyond convenience—it’s a holiday gift to Mother Earth. When recycled, trees are transformed into a valuable resource rather than taking up space in a landfill. Mulch improves soil structure, reduces water usage, and supports healthier plant growth, making it an integral part of sustainable gardening and farming practices.

Agromin, alongside our local municipalities, plays a crucial role in this process, helping to ensure that every recycled tree contributes to a greener tomorrow.

Join the Effort Today

This holiday season, make recycling your Christmas tree a part of your traditions. It’s an easy and effective way to reduce waste and support sustainability in our community. With your help, we can turn this festive tradition into a meaningful way to give back to the Earth.

Thank you for your participation and for helping us make this program a success. Special thanks to Agromin and our local partners for their ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship. Together, we’re making a difference—one Christmas tree at a time.

Don’t forget! Tree collection runs from December 26 to January 10. Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive by giving your tree a second life. 🌱

Some Harrison customers will have a one-day delay in trash collection for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays

In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays,

employees of Harrison Industries will be taking the day off on Wednesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Jan. 1. As a result, Harrison will collect trash, recycling and yard/organics waste one day later than usual during those weeks, delaying pickup for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday customers only. Monday and Tuesday customers will not have a delay. The regular schedule will resume the following weeks.

As an extra holiday service this year,

Harrison customers may put out twice the usual amount of residential trash free of charge for two weeks after Christmas: from Thursday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Jan. 10. On your pickup day, you may place bags of extra trash alongside your waste cart at the curb. Please make sure to place the extra trash in bags. You can also put out extra recyclables next to your blue cart, but please flatten all boxes.

As another special holiday feature,

Harrison makes it easy for customers to recycle their Christmas trees into mulch. Just remove everything from the tree: ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows and tree stands, then cut the tree into sections no more than 4 feet long and place them in your yard/organics waste cart on your pickup day. Or, place the whole Christmas tree at the curb on collection day. Flocked trees are also accepted for recycling. 

The recycled trees will be processed into mulch by our partner Agromin. These products benefit our farmlands, orchards, nurseries, landscape projects and home gardens, so recycling your tree truly is a holiday gift to Mother Earth! We appreciate your help, and thanks also to Agromin and our local municipalities for participating in this program.

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers

can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.

To learn more about Food Waste Recycling, click here!