Director's Message

Hello, I'm Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling. After more than 30 years in the waste and recycling industries, I can say with confidence, there's no shortage of challenges doing what we do. But for the right team, challenge creates opportunity.

At OC Waste & Recycling, we're no strangers to legislative, environmental, and regulatory pressures that come with providing essential public services to our 34 cities, County unincorporated areas, and 3.2 million residents. Regardless, this past year has been a transformative one, as we've tackled industry hurdles head-on, to reshape our ways and build a sustainable future in OC.

I can proudly announce that in 2023 we've met the initial directives of Senate Bill 1383, for both residential and commercial organics compliance programs within our County unincorporated jurisdictions. That means residents and businesses in these areas all have an organics recycling service option to ensure food and green waste is recycled, rather than buried as waste.

We're pleased to share that we've also exceeded the state mandated 2023 procurement requirements for recycled organic waste products such as compost and mulch, by providing these nutrient-rich byproducts free to our communities. Together, we've repurposed nearly 7,500 tons of compost and mulch for beneficial reuse this past year.

Our strategic local market development plan has been instrumental in meeting state targets, with our community compost program fostering direct partnerships across 24 cities, four county agencies, water districts, special districts, transportation agencies, landscapers, the Agriculture Commissioner, and more.

The procurement milestone wouldn't have been possible without completion of our Phase 1 county-wide organics composting system. Valencia Greenery in Brea, Bee Canyon Greenery in Irvine and Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano allow us to better serve the needs of our region. Through OC's greeneries, we're not only executing a new kind of circular economy with compost and mulch, we're creating green jobs and building the unprecedented infrastructure to support these essential services for years to come.

We continue ongoing initiatives for mattress, appliance, scrap metal recycling and other pilot programs to conserve valuable landfill space while recycling a significant amount of diverted material. Meanwhile, our habitat restoration efforts continue to protect and provide sanctuaries for native wildlife, further preserving our natural resources.

Investing in the recycling and environmental education of our residents, families and businesses remains a priority. We are steadfast in our goal to grow in-house expertise in what we do. We’re investing in best available technologies for operational efficiency. And we’re well on our way to expanding County infrastructure through Phase 2 of our vision.

While compliance is crucial, we’re not content meeting standards; we aim to set them. We look forward to fostering more efficient partnerships across municipalities, regulators, and legislative officials to create a sustainable future for generations. We know it won’t be easy. But we’re up for the challenge.

Director's Message

Thank you for your support.