California is experiencing a climate crisis: record-breaking temperatures, longer fire seasons, extreme droughts, and rising sea levels. These extreme weather events are partly caused by too much greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, so named because they trap the sun’s heat and warm the planet.

When organic materials such as food and yard debris end up in the landfill, they decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) and produce greenhouse gases. Composting organic materials significantly reduces greenhouse gas production. Furthermore, when finished compost is applied on land, greenhouse gases are pulled from the atmosphere and into the soil. By composting organic materials and recovering edible food for hungry people, we can all do our part to slow climate change.  

California Senate Bill 1383 (State Organics Law) took effect on Jan. 1, 2022 for all residents (single-family homes and apartments/condos) and businesses. The new law aims to: 

  • Reduce statewide disposal of organic waste by 75 percent by Jan. 1, 2025 (based on 2014 levels).

  • Rescue at least 20 percent of currently disposed of edible food for human consumption by 2025.

What does SB 1383 mean for you?

The Cal Recycle SB 1383 Short-lived Climate Pollutants Organic Waste Regulations will require everyone in California to recycle all organic waste, including paper, cardboard, yard materials, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. Please see the specific requirements below.

For Residents:

Residential customers should have already received their curbside organics (compost/green cart). Didn’t get yours? Contact San Luis Garbage to get your cart to your doorstep. Once it arrives, make composting a habit for your household.

For Businesses:

If you own a business or apartment/condo complex (of five units or more), you are required to:

  • Divert organic materials from the landfill by subscribing to and participating in the organics collection service via San Luis Garbage, or self-hauling organic waste to a specified composting facility, community composting program, or other collection activity or program.
  • Provide collection containers for organic waste and recyclables to employees, contractors, tenants, and customers.
  • For all outdoor and indoor containers, the container bodies or lids shall conform to the following color scheme: gray/black for garbage, blue for recycling, and green for organics. In addition, containers shall have labels with graphic images to indicate primary materials accepted and prohibited. The IWMA may be able to provide these containers and labels at no additional cost.
  • Annually provide educational information about the legal requirements to compost and recycle including how to properly sort between the three waste streams. The IWMA can provide educational materials for your employees and apartment/condo residents.

Use the links below to explore English and Spanish resources to help you comply with the new requirements!

 

 

 

Local Food Recovery Organizations:

SLO Food Bank

1180 Kendall Rd

San Luis Obispo CA 93401

Contact: Andrea Richards

Phone: (805)238-4664

Collection Service Area: San Luis Obispo

Food Accepted: All Types

 

Sunny Acres

10660 Los Osos Valley Rd

San Luis Obispo CA 93405

Contact: Johnny Rodriguez, Dan DeVaul

Phone: (805)543-4918

Collection Service Area: San Luis Obispo

Food Accepted: All Types