Tribal Composting Needs Assessment
CalRecycle recognizes the critical role and commitment of California Native American tribes (Tribes) in advancing climate solutions.
CalRecycle conducted a Tribal Composting Needs Assessment 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.
CalRecycle also published a Community Readiness Assessment tool to support Tribes in evaluating readiness for composting initiatives and identify gaps for future planning.
Photo credit: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
On November 20, 2025, CalRecycle published the Tribal Composting Needs Assessment Report.
On April 23, 2026, CalRecycle published the Community Readiness Assessment.
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
- No upcoming events at this time.
Past Events
- CalRecycle hosted three hybrid events in partnership with Kauffman and Associates and Tribes throughout California to learn more about Tribal composting initiatives and to shape future CalRecycle programs.
- July 9, 2025, Composting Event hosted by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians
Location: Big Valley Rancheria in Lakeport, CA - June 13, 2025 Explore Circular Food Systems with Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California
Location: Chicken Ranch Casino in Jamestown, CA - April 17, 2025 Explore Composting and Zero Waste with Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Location: Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, CA - On September 10, 2024, CalRecycle published the Small/Medium Composting Project Permitting Phase 1 Report.
The Tribal Composting Needs Assessment 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
A Needs Assessment for Tribes to understand priorities, needs, and challenges with developing and operating composting programs on Tribal lands. The Needs Assessment was conducted through in-person listening sessions, key informant interviews, and an advisory panel.
This phase also included a Community Readiness Assessment tool to assist Tribes with evaluating the degree of readiness for composting programs and ideal program scale. It helps identify whether foundational elements such as leadership support, site control, resources, and community context are in place or if gaps exist that warrant additional planning.
Photo credit: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians