Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling

Row of Recycling Bins

AB 1826 Chesbro (Chapter 727, Statutes of 2014) requires businesses to recycle their organic waste depending on the amount of waste they generate per week. Local jurisdictions across the state are required to implement an organic waste recycling program to divert organic waste generated by businesses, including multifamily residential dwellings that consist of five or more units (note, however, that multifamily dwellings are not required to have a food waste diversion program).

  • Organic waste (also referred to as organics) means food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste.
  • The law phased in the requirements for businesses over time while offering an exemption process for rural counties.
  • The law contains a 2020 trigger that further increases the scope of affected businesses.
  • In September of 2020, CalRecycle reduced the threshold to 2 cubic yards of solid waste (solid waste is the total of trash, recycling, and organics) generated by covered businesses.

Helpful Tools

Organic Waste Pie Chart

Why Organics?

Mandatory recycling of organic waste is the next step toward achieving California’s aggressive recycling and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission goals. California disposes approximately 30 million tons of waste in landfills each year, of which more than 30 percent could be used for compost or mulch (see the 2014 Waste Characterization Study). Organic waste such as green materials and food materials are recyclable through composting and mulching, and through anaerobic digestion, which can produce renewable energy and fuel. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the decomposition of organic wastes in landfills have been identified as a significant source of emissions contributing to global climate change. Reducing the amount of organic materials sent to landfills and increasing the production of compost and mulch are part of the AB 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) Scoping Plan. For more information on the connection between the waste sector and California’s GHG emission reduction goals, please see CalRecycle’s Climate Change page.

Related Resources

  • Find a Composter Near You – Locate compost and/or mulch facilities by county, and feedstock accepted.
  • California Green Business Network – A network of local programs operated by counties and cities throughout California.
  • CoolCalifornia.org – Resources for small businesses, schools, and schools districts, including a carbon calculator, sustainability activities, success stories, funding wizard, and an awards program.
  • The Foodservice Packaging Institute – Offers free resources that are tailored toward key stakeholders, including communities, material recovery facilities, composters, anaerobic digestion facilities and recycling end markets. 
  • AmpleHarvest.org – A nationwide resource that eliminates food waste, the outcome being a reduction in hunger and malnutrition along with an improved environment. 
  • The Institute for Local Self-Reliance: Community Composting – Resources include a full report, a summary of best management practices, a troubleshooting guide, data sheets, and a series of posters which won’t drain your printer cartridges that are designed to provide simple visuals that assist key operations.
  • The Center for EcoTechnologyFree resources on food waste reduction, food rescue and food waste separation. The Best Management Practice Tip Sheets were tailored to businesses and institutions in San Diego County, created by CET with guidance from CalRecycle, Solana Center and San Diego Food System Alliance.

Related Links

 

 

For more information contact: Commercial Recycling, LAMD@calrecycle.ca.gov.