Republic Services Expands Forward Landfill Composting in San Joaquin County
Republic Services has opened its newly expanded composting facility at the Forward Landfill in San Joaquin County, California, processing up to 147,000 tons of organic material annually. The project supports California state climate goals by diverting organic waste from traditional disposal and returning finished compost to local agricultural operations.
Infrastructure and Technology at the Central Valley Facility
Operating for nearly eight decades, the Forward Landfill site in the Central Valley now features upgraded infrastructure and processing spaces designed to accelerate the decomposition process. The facility uses advanced processing technologies to manage food scraps and yard trimmings efficiently, meeting heightened regional demand for commercial-scale organic recycling. In addition to the expanded composting operation, the site houses a renewable energy facility and a renewable natural gas plant currently in development.
State Grants and California Organic Waste Targets
The facility expansion received financial backing from the state in 2023, when Republic Services secured a $5.1 million award through CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program. The funding helped offset construction, equipment, and administrative expenses for the project. This initiative aligns with broader state waste reduction mandates overseen by CalRecycle to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Republic Services Statewide Organic Network
The San Joaquin County project forms part of a wider infrastructure push by Republic Services across California. The company operates a network of 17 organic material facilities, which include green waste processing sites, composting yards, and commercial food waste operations. Across this network, the company handled 884,000 tons of food and green waste in 2025.
Later in the year, the company plans to open the San Bernardino Sustainability Park in San Bernardino County. Upon opening, that facility will feature an initial processing capacity of 300,000 tons of organic material per year, with the design capacity to double that volume.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Forward Landfill Expansion
What types of materials does the expanded Forward Landfill facility accept?
The facility accepts green waste and food waste gathered from residential curbside collection programs and commercial businesses throughout Northern California.
How much funding did CalRecycle provide for the project?
CalRecycle awarded Republic Services $5.1 million in 2023 through its Organics Grant Program to support construction and equipment costs.
When did planning for the Forward Landfill composting expansion begin?
Republic Services started planning the expanded composting area at the San Joaquin County site in 2019.