WHAT

In September 2016, Senate Bill (SB) 1383 (Lara, Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016) set methane emissions reduction targets for California in a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP). This requires jurisdictions to implement mandatory organic waste collection and recycling in a statewide effort to divert organic waste from landfills with goals to: ​ 

• Reduce organic waste disposal 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025 ​ 
• Recover at least 20% of currently disposed surplus edible food by 2025 

WHY

• Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians throw away in landfills.  
• Organic waste can be recycled through various methods of composting, such as vermi-composting and windrow composting,  to create a nutrient rich soil.
• Diverting organic material, as well as other recyclable materials, from landfills is key in preserving landfill capacity.

HOW

Organic waste is recyclable through composting and mulching, and through anaerobic digestion, which can produce renewable energy. In an effort to achieve California's recycling and greenhouse gas emission goals, the State has enacted Mandatory Organics Recycling regulations. 

Self-Haulers

Self-Haulers that are commercial businesses, including landscapers, are required to maintain certain records if they comply with the organic waste collection service requirement by self-hauling their generated organic waste. CalRecycle developed the Recordkeeping Tool for Self-haulers to assist self-haulers in meeting the recordkeeping requirements.

Landscapers can also CLICK HERE to learn how to properly handle greenwaste material. 

Organics Recycling Facilities

For a list of recycling facilities located in Orange County, Organics Recycling Facilities (05.04.23).pdf (oclandfills.com)