In 1969, concern for the environment and problems with existing methods of disposal of solid wastes from canneries led the Santa Clara County canning industry to investigate new approaches to waste disposal. In 1970 the local industry formed the Cooperative for Environmental Improvement (CEI) and, in conjunction with local government officials and farm advisors of Santa Clara and San Benito counties, developed the program now in use. The program utilizes the process of soil incorporation to achieve aerobic degradation of the cannery wastes. Plant nutrients released in the process become available for “recycling” by subsequent plant growth.