Tribal Composting Needs Assessment and Permitting Guide

 

 

CalRecycle recognizes the critical role and commitment of California Native American tribes (Tribes) in advancing climate solutions.

CalRecycle is drafting a Tribal Composting Needs Assessment and Permitting Guide to understand the priorities and resources needed by Tribes for developing and operating composting facilities to divert materials from landfills and to help foster climate resilience.

 

Photo credit: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

This initiative supports the Governor’s nature-based solution agenda called for in Executive Order N-82-20 and the implementation of the 30×30 Pathways and Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. These statewide efforts aim to:

  • Protect and restore biodiversity
  • Fight climate change
  • Build a circular economy
  • Advance equity and opportunity across California

Upcoming Events

  • CalRecycle plans to host Tribal engagement sessions in early 2025.

Past Events

The Tribal Composting Needs Assessment and Permitting Guide is the second of a two-phase project to advance composting in California.

Phase 1

Focused on developing tools and resources for small and medium composting activities in California. Helping prospective operators and local governments:

  • Develop
  • Design
  • Operate and
  • Permit

Tribes may use the Phase 1 report as a resource to create small and medium-sized composting programs on Tribal lands.

Phase 2

Will supplement Phase 1 by:

  • Conducting a Needs Assessment for Tribes to understand priorities, needs, and challenges with developing and operating composting programs on Tribal lands.
    • Tribes may participate in the Needs Assessment through in-person and virtual engagement sessions conducted by CalRecycle and third-party contractors.
    • CalRecycle will use the information from this Needs Assessment to guide future programs, technical assistance, and other resources.
  • Publishing a Permitting Guide to help Tribes identify requirements specific to Tribal lands.
Group of people attending a compost workshop

Photo credit: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

Timeline

Jan-March 2025
Engagement Sessions

May 2025
Draft Needs Assessment Report

July 2025
Final Needs Assessment Report

October 2025
Draft Permitting Guide

December 2025
Final Permitting Guide

For more information, contact tribalaffairs@calrecycle.ca.gov