NEW STATE LAW / REQUIRED ORDINANCE
As of January 1, 2022, California state law Senate Bill (SB) 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy requires all businesses, residents, and multifamily properties to separate organic materials (e.g. plant debris, food waste, food soiled paper, untreated wood waste, etc.) and recyclable materials from trash, and either subscribe to the required collection services or self-haul to an appropriate facility for diversion. It also requires jurisdictions to establish edible food recovery programs to reduce food waste and address food insecurity. For more information, visit CalRecycle Food Recovery.
By passing SB 1383, California remains committed to fighting climate change by reducing methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants. Methane gas is a potent greenhouse gas, twenty-eight (28) times more potent than carbon dioxide, though not as long-lasting. Organics, food scraps, yard debris, and soiled paper make up half of what Californians dump in landfills. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane gas in California, accounting for about 20% of the state's total emissions. SB 1383 aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, creating a circular economy, and closing the hunger gap.