Mandatory Organics Recycling (SB 1383)

Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was signed into California law in 2016, establishing statewide methane emission reduction goals. Methane emissions resulting from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills are a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to global climate change.

To reduce organic waste in landfills, SB 1383 has two main goals:

1. Reduce the amount of organic material disposed in landfills by 75% by 2025.
2. Donate 20% of edible food to organizations who help feed people in need.

This Bill expands upon the goals of AB 341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling and AB 1826: Mandatory Commercial Organics. However, SB 1383 is unique in that it impacts both residents and businesses. See below for more information on how this legislation affects you.

All About Organics
Effective January 1, 2022, all California properties will be required to separate organic waste and participate in an organics collection program per State Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy. Learn more about organic waste below, or click here to view our All About Organics flyer.

What is organic waste?
Organic waste can be generally described as any material that is biodegradable (can be broken down) and comes from either a plant or an animal. Examples of organic waste include:

Food scraps  including all solid, semi-solid and liquid food such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, bones, poultry, seafood, bread, rice, pasta, tea bags, coffee grounds, and oils.

Food-soiled paper  such as napkins and paper kitchen towels, paper egg cartons, paper food boats (no plastic lining), paper plates and cups, pizza boxes, and 100% fiber based serving and to-go containers.

Yard trimmings  such as grass clippings, leaves, flowers, hedge clippings, and weeds.

Non-hazardous wood waste  including tree branches, tree trunks, and untreated lumber.

Where will the organic waste go?
Organic waste will either be processed into either compost or biogas at an anaerobic digestion facility. For more information, visit CalRecycle's website.