Department-Approved Waivers for Reporting Entities

Low Population Waiver (Cities)

Low Population Waiver (Counties)

Unincorporated counties or special districts providing solid waste collection services and are located in an unincorporated county may apply to CalRecycle for a waiver for some or all of its generators located within the specified census tracts from some or all of the requirements of Article 3 (14 CCR 18984-18984.10).

Low Population Waiver (SB 613)

With the passage of SB 613, beginning January 1, 2024, CalRecycle began accepting new department-issued waiver and exemption application requests (14 CCR Section 18984.12). This waiver is in effect until December 1, 2028.

Rural Exemption (Cities)

Rural Exemption (Counties)

Elevation Waiver (Cities)

Elevation Waiver (Counties)

The elevation waivers in Section 18984.12(d) only exempts generators from collection and separating food waste and food-soiled paper. The waiver does not apply to any other feedstock.  Section 18984.12(d)(2) offers more flexibility, allowing a jurisdiction to apply for a waiver for some of its territory, in particular for census tracts located in whole or in part above 4,500 feet elevation. Even if a portion of the tract is at 4,500 feet, the entire tract may be waived. Although the entire tract may be waived, generators located below the 4,500 foot threshold are not exempted from the requirement to collect, separate, and recover food waste and food-soiled paper.

Non-Local Entities and Local Education Agencies

Approved waivers for non-local entities and local education agencies can apply to CalRecycle to waive their obligation to comply with some or all of the organic waste collection service requirements [see 14 CCR Sections 18986.2 and 18986.3(a)]. This list will be updated periodically.

Approved Waivers for Non-Local Entities and Local Education Agencies.

For more information contact: Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP), Organic Waste Methane Emissions Reductions, SLCP.organics@calrecycle.ca.gov