Did you know that organic waste makes up most of the landfilled material in California?
Effective January 1, 2022, the new state law makes it mandatory for all businesses to recycle their organics weekly.
The law seeks to achieve a 75% reduction in the statewide disposal. of organic waste.
The State has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving human health, and creating clean jobs that support resilient local economies. Implementing the statewide plan under SB 1383 will reduce short-lived, harmful, super pollutants with significant warming impacts, and is essential to achieving California’s climate goals.
Organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard, make up half of what Californians send to landfills. Organic waste in landfills emits 20% of the State’s methane, a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
This law expands upon the goals of AB 341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling and AB 1826: Mandatory Commercial Organics. However, SB 1383 is unique, and unlike previous laws, there are significant penalties for non-compliance.
COMPLIANCE IS EASY & WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
Contact our Outreach Team for a consultation. We’ll take care of the rest!
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery’s Outreach Team provides the following support at no additional cost, to help you meet the composting requirements.
• Free Waste Audits
• Training & Presentations
• Posters & Container Labels
Food Scraps & Food Soiled Paper
• Bones, shells
• Bread, grains, pasta
• Dairy products
• Fruit
• Meats, seafood
• Napkins, paper towels
• Paper-based take-out containers
• Pizza boxes
• Raw or cooked food scraps
Yard Trimmings
• Brush
• Branches (Less than 4′ in length and 6″ in diameter)
• Lawn clippings
• Leaves
• Plant clippings
• Shrubbery
• Twigs
• Weeds
• Wood Chips
AVAILABLE CONTAINERS
Cart Option
• 96-gallon 43.25”H x 29.75”W x 32.25”D
Metal Bin Option
• 2 cubic yards 50.5”H x 81”W x 35.5”D
*Cart and container sizes are estimates.
Senate Bill 1383
Short-lived Climate Pollutants:
Organic Waste Reductions
In September 2016, the State set methane emission reduction targets for California in Senate Bill 1383, intended as a statewide effort to reduce the emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (like organic waste) in various sectors of California’s economy.
SB 1383 establishes statewide targets to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills (50% reduction by 2020 and 75% by 2025). It also aims to rescue at least 20% of currently disposed of edible food by 2025 and redirect that food to people in need.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is SB 1383?
Senate Bill (SB) 1383 is a new law implemented by CarReycle. It requests all cities to implement an organic program for ALL residents, commercial and schools in the state of CA. This is a mandatory service. The major difference with this law is that there is enforcement and those who do not participate can be fined.
When does this begin?
SB 1383 began January 1, 2022. You can contact Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery now for assistance to start your organic recycling program.
Who made this mandatory?
The State of California. All cities MUST comply with this law. Enforcement is required, meaning, those residents/businesses who do not comply will be fined.
What is organics?
Organic materials are both your yard trimmings AND your food scraps and food-soiled paper. For more specific information, please click here.
Why is this law going into effect?
The State of California believes SB 1383 will reduce emissions to the short-lived climate pollutants. Its goal is to reduce the amount of organic waste going into landfills by 75% by 2025. Organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard, make up half of what Californians send to landfills. Organic waste in landfills emits 20% of the State’s methane a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Besides the State’s goal to reduce organic waste from landfills by 75%, it also aims to rescue at least 20% of currently disposed of edible food by 2025 and redirect that food to people in need.
How do I start this program?
It’s easy! Call Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery and we will get you all set up: 925.682.9113.
Is there an additional cost for this program?
Yes, there is an additional charge for this program. Please contact Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery for information on the additional charge: 925.682.9113.
What material goes where?
Contra Costa County:
Blue: Recycling ONLY
Green: Organics ONLY
Black/Grey or Brown: Garbage ONLY
For more specific information, please click here.
Solano County:
Blue: Recycling ONLY
Brown: Organics ONLY
Green: Garbage ONLY
For more specific information, please click here.
Please note: Solano County will transition to the standardized container color system that SB 1383 requires (green for organics, blue for recycling, and black or gray for garbage).
What do I need to do as a business owner?
Click here for our guide to help you know what to do. Blue squares: Call Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery – direct representative for your area.
How do I sign up?
Please contact the representative for your city.
What if I do not participate?
Unfortunately, you will be fined. SB 1383 states that the State of California is making cities enforce this law. These are fines involved if your business does not comply. The State of California has set the following fines:
1. For a first violation, the base penalty amount shall be $50-$100 per violation.
2. For a second violation, the base penalty amount shall be $100-$200 per violation.
3. The base penalty amount shall be $250-$500 per violation for the third or subsequent violation.
Is MDRR going to supply a container?
Yes! Here are the options: (Outside only)
Cart Option:
• 96-gallon 43.25″H x 29.75″W x 32.25″D
Metal Bin Option:
• 2 cubic yards 50.5″H x 81″W x 35.5″D
*container sizes are estimates
Will MDRR assist my employees?
Yes, We will help you get your entire company on board! Call us and we can give you flyers, labels, and training, if needed, in both English and Spanish.
Do I have to donate food?
California state law Senate Bill (SB) 1383 mandates that by 2025 at least 20% of the edible food that is currently disposed of must be recovered and donated for human consumption.
Who has to comply:
- January 1, 2022: Tier One Generators (supermarkets, grocery stores, etc.)
- January 1, 2024: Tier Two Generators (large restaurants, hotels, Local Education Agencies, etc.)
Starting January 1, 2024, penalties can be issued for non-compliance.
For more information on food recovery, please click here.
Are there any ways I can be exempt from SB 1383?
Yes! Depending on the amount of waste you generate or the space constraints you have. Please note: this will be reviewed according to the State of California’s guidelines.
Waste Generation: You may qualify for an exemption if you have 2 yards or more combined (garbage + recycling) material and produce less than 20-gallons of organics per week. Or you produce less than 2 yards of combined (garbage + recycling) and produce less than 10-gallons of organic material per week.
Space Constraints: There are a few options for you. We can set you up for a smaller garbage receptacle since you will be diverting organic material from the garbage container. We can also send out some from our team to look at placement options to help you out.
Tip- Be mindful; this is one of the most frequently used excuses. We are here to help!
Residential & Multi-family:
When does the new food waste recycling program start for me?
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery and the cities are working together to put all the pieces in place. Our goal is to make this easy for you. You will receive information when we start this exciting new program.
Thank you for your patience.
For additional information regarding SB 1383, please visit: