Beginning January 1, 2022, the requirements of SB 1383 went into effect. Visit the following County webpages for local SB 1383 compliance: 

Mandatory Organics Recycling Requirements

Mandatory Edible Food Recovery Requirements

In 2016, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1383 into California law, establishing statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction goals:

1. By 2020, reduce the amount of organic material disposed in landfi­lls by 50% from the 2014 level, and
2. By 2025, reduce the amount of organic material disposed in land­fills by 75% from the 2014 level. 
3. By 2025, no less than 20% of edible food currently disposed must also be recovered for human consumption.

As the most aggressive waste reduction law to be adopted in California for the past 30 years, SB 1383 expands upon the requirements of AB 341 Mandatory Commercial Recycling and AB 1826 Mandatory Commercial Organics. However, SB 1383 is unique in that it impacts residents in addition to businesses, and it requires some businesses to donate excess edible food to feed people in addition to diverting organic materials from the garbage.

Why is SB 1383 important?

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, is emitted into the atmosphere when compostable materials like food, paper, and yard waste are buried in landfills instead of composted or recycled. Organic, compostable materials in landfills emit 20% of the state’s methane, a climate super pollutant, 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Everyone can do their part to reduce these harmful emissions by reducing food waste and by properly participating in the organics curbside collection service. 

Methods for Food Waste Recovery and Prevention

There are actions we can all take as individuals or businesses to help make a difference – such as preventing food waste or taking steps to keep food waste and other organic materials out of our landfills. The Food Recovery Hierarchy prioritizes actions organizations and individuals can take to prevent and divert wasted food. The top levels of the hierarchy are the best ways to prevent and divert wasted food because they create the most benefits for the environment, society, and the economy. 

Resources for Food Waste Recovery and Prevention

• US Environmental Protection Agency Tools for Preventing and Diverting Wasted Food
• US Environmental Protection Agency Food Loss Prevention Options for Grade Schools, Manufacturers, Restaurants, Universities and Grocery Stores
• StopWaste Tips for Reducing Waste Food
• SaveTheFood.Com has multiple tools and tips to maximize the use of your food and reduce food waste

Environmental Benefits of Composting

Reduce Methane Emissions

• Landfills are a major source of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, which is generated when organics decompose in landfills. 
• Composting organics greatly reduces the amount of methane that would have been generated from landfilling organics.
• The use of compost also has numerous environmental benefits, including carbon storage, water conservation, and contributes to the reduced use of energy-intensive pesticides and fertilizers. 

There are many ways to compost at home. Learn composting basics, benefits of composting, and how to compost at home here. 

More Information on SB 1383 and requirements can be found here.