To slow the impacts of climate change, State law Senate Bill (SB) 1383, also known as the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act, requires statewide participation in organics diversion and recycling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from organic material disposal in landfills.

As a result of SB 1383, the City will offer a 3-container solid waste collection service to all residents and businesses, each of whom must also comply with the law by separately collecting & disposing of organic materials (yard waste, food waste, and soiled paper). Go to calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp for more information.

Adjusted Services Begin September 2026

Previously used only for yard waste, Organic waste containers (green carts) will now be available at all Commercial businesses and multi-family dwellings. Organic waste containers will be delivered to Commercial businesses and multi-family dwellings through the months of July and August, and are to be used for food waste and food-soiled paper products in addition to landscape trimmings. New labels placed on the green containers will reflect these changes.

Commercial businesses and multi-family dwellings will be required to separate organic material from regular trash to be placed in the provided green carts.

What Happens to Organic Waste?

Once your food waste, food-soiled paper, and yard waste is collected in your Organic waste container, it will be processed into compost, which is used to enhance the soil on farms and in home gardens.

SB 1383 Food Recovery

SB 1383 requires commercial edible food generators to take all leftover or unsold food that would otherwise be disposed of, and instead, donate to food recovery organizations. SB 1383 requires that mandated food donors establish contracts or written agreements with food recovery organizations and services. Food donors are typically larger supermarkets, restaurants, food distributors, and wholesale vendors.

Mandatory Recycling and Organics Recycling (AB 341, AB 1826 and SB 1383)

Businesses, including multi-family apartments with 5 or more units, are required to provide, label, and periodically inspect Organic waste and mixed recycling containers for contamination and are required to educate employees and tenants on proper disposal of waste. Multi-family apartments property owners/managers are required to provide information to their tenants at least annually, and upon move in/move out, on how to participate in organic waste recycling and proper sorting.