SB 1383 Expanded Mandatory Organics Recycling

In 2016, former Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) which targets a reduction of short-lived climate pollutants, including methane. SB 1383 is the most significant waste reduction mandate to be adopted in California in the last 30 years. SB 1383 requires that California reduce organic waste (food waste, green waste, paper products, etc.) landfill disposal by 75% by 2025. The law also requires that 20% of currently disposed edible food be recovered for human consumption by 2025. The final regulations require multi-family, residential, and commercial units to meet these waste reduction goals by tossing organic waste (coffee grounds, eggshells, banana peels, yard trimmings, etc.) into an organics bin, which is picked up by our waste hauler on your typical collection day. Products from recycled organic waste, as well as compost, are rich in nutrients and can be returned to the soil to reduce run-off, conserve water, and help plants grow. When we work towards SB 1383 goals, Fullerton residents are helping to create a brighter, greener future for California.

Why is SB 1383 important?

1 in 5 Californians are food insecure while California throws out more than 6 million tons of food waste each year. Mandated food recovery programs work to address this issue and ensure that Californians have access to food while keeping organic waste from entering landfill sites. When organic waste heads to the landfill instead of being used or composted, a chemical reaction happens while decomposing. This reaction produces methane gas, which is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and a major contributor to accelerating climate change. By diverting organic waste from landfills, we can better control the levels of methane we produce and ensure organic waste can be recycled into high-quality, marketable recycled products, including compost, renewable natural gas, electricity, and mulch.

Lastly, landfilling organic waste is a significant source of local air quality pollutants. These pollutants can be associated with negative health implications. Reducing organic waste in local landfills will help improve air quality emissions. Together, we will help California meet these mandates by working to get organic waste recycling to all residents and businesses by January 1, 2024.

Below are additional resources regarding SB 1383:

Acceptable and Unacceptable Organic Materials

Food Recovery Hierarchy

AB 1826 Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Law

Recyclable organic waste accounts for about 40% of the material Californians dispose in landfills annually. In order for California to achieve its aggressive recycling and waste diversion goals it must recycle its organic waste. The Mandatory Organics Recycling Law (AB 1826) requires that businesses and other generators of 4 or more cubic yards of solid waste per week arrange for recycling services for the following types of organic waste: food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed with food waste. Multifamily complexes must arrange for recycling services for the same material with the exception of food waste and food-soiled paper.

Most organic waste is recyclable through methods such as composting, mulching, and anaerobic digestion. Organics must be separated from trash and you can comply with this law by choosing a combination of any of the following recycling program options: Subscribe to the Food Scrap Recycling Program offered by Republic Services by calling 714-238-3317. Recycle food scraps onsite through methods such as composting, or self-haul food scraps to a composting facility (must keep documentation) and report method to Republic Services. You can donate eligible food to a local food bank or Abound Food Care by calling (657) 335-4480 (must keep documentation).