Information, resources, and examples for the SABRC category, compost, co-compost, and Mulch products.
Minimum Content Requirement
- Minimum content requirement: 80 percent postconsumer (PCC section 12209(c)).
- At least 75 percent of the total dollars spent within this category must be used to procure products meeting the 80 percent postconsumer requirement.
- For statutes specifically pertaining to Compost, Co-Compost, and Mulch, refer to the Compost, Co-Compost, and Mulch section on the “Statutes Pertaining to the State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign.”
- Please see the SABRC section on the State Agency’s Laws and Regulation webpage for legislation related to SABRC.
Example Compost, Co-compost, and Mulch Product Categories
Product examples include but are not limited to:
- Soil amendments
- Erosion control
- Soil toppings
- Ground covers
- Weed suppressants
- Organic materials
- Yard trimmings
- Wood byproducts
- Biosolids
- Compost filter socks
- Compost blankets
- Hydraulic mulch or hydro-mulching
Note: Reused or refurbished products, there is no minimum content requirement. (PCC 12209 (l))
Where to find California Compost, Co-compost, and Mulch Manufacturers*
* Identification of individuals, companies, and products on this list does not constitute endorsement by CalRecycle. CalRecycle publishes this information to increase public awareness and to build markets for recycled products made from organic materials collected in California jurisdictions. This list is neither comprehensive nor an endorsement of a specific company.
Benefits of Using Compost
How does compost help improve soil conditions?
- Soil amendment
- Water-holding capacity and drought conservation
- Erosion control
- Soil organic matter
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Healthy soils
- Soil carbon sequestration
Resources & Guidelines
- CalRecycle’s Compost and Mulch Producers web page. Includes an FAQ about compost and mulch producers and more information about permits and regulations, marketing, product quality, and infrastructure surveys.
- Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines. Presented as a public service by the Alameda County Waste Management and Recycling Board, these guidelines provide a whole systems approach to the design, construction, and maintenance of landscapes to support the integrity of a San Francisco Bay Area watershed.
- Using Organics for Erosion Control. Information on the types of compost-based erosion control products, types of application and research and case studies.
- Caltrans Compost Specifications. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) website has resources for project managers including specifications, publications, compost calculators, and event schedules.
- Guidelines for Writing Compost or Mulch Procurement Specifications. These CalRecycle guidelines provide assistance to state and local agency representatives in developing specifications for purchasing compost or mulch.
- CalRecycle Compost and Yard Trimmings Publications. Miscellaneous publications produced by CalRecycle.
State Agency Procurement
State Contract for Recycled Compost and Mulch Procurement