California passed Senate Bill 1383 in 2016 that set reduction targets for methane emissions in a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP).  The targets must:

• Reduce organic waste disposal 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025.
• Rescue for people to eat at least 20% of currently disposed surplus food by 2025.

The state has assessed that landfills are the third largest source of methane.  According to CalRecycle, the state’s enforcement agency for solid waste, 20% of the state’s methane emissions come from landfills.  Organic materials like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills.

Senate Bill 1383 states that starting in 2022, all jurisdictions are mandated to coordinate with haulers to provide organic waste collection services to all businesses.

California State Law (AB 1826) requires that businesses subscribe to organics recycling services through their haulers or utilize an alternative method to separate organic material from their trash.  State Bill 1383 requires that jurisdictions report on their community’s diversion of organics from landfills, respectively.  The state allows for waivers to be assessed and granted by jurisdictions, so depending on where your business operates there will be a different waiver process for your business than one in a different jurisdiction.

If your jurisdiction has a waiver available then you will find a link to it below.  If you have any questions about fulfilling the waiver application please call your jurisdiction’s office or reach out to our Customer Service Department with any questions.

City of Galt – Organic Material Recycling Compliance Form

Sacramento County – Organic Material Recycling Compliance Form

San Joaquin County – Collection Waiver and Alternative Compliance Request Form