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Senate Bill 1383 and Food Recovery

Learn what you can do to contribute to a more sustainable future through organic recycling, waste reduction, and adoption of climate-friendly practices.

What is SB 1383?

SB 1383 is a landmark legislation that aims to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, including methane and HFCs. While the law primarily targets industrial and commercial sources, it also involves changes and opportunities for consumers to contribute to a more sustainable future through recycling, waste reduction, and adoption of climate-friendly practices.

Why Do We Need to Act Now?

SB 1383 established targets to achieve a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal and recovery of 20% of edible food that would otherwise be sent to landfills by 2025.

Goals of Senate Bill 1383

Reduce Methane Emissions from Landfills

Recover Edible Food for Hungry People

Store Carbon in the Soil via Compost

Image by Joke vander Leij from Pixabay

Image by Mike from Pixabay

What Can You Do?

Separate Organic Waste

Separate organic waste from other types of waste at home. Use designated bins or containers for food scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and other organic materials.

Participate in Local Recycling Programs

Participate in local organic waste recycling programs offered by the city or waste management provider. Follow guidelines for what materials can be composted or recycled and how to properly prepare them for collection.

Reduce Food Waste

Minimize food waste by planning meals, buying only what you need, and storing perishable foods properly to extend their shelf life. Donate surplus food to food banks or compost if possible.

Compost at Home

Compost organic waste at home. You can use a backyard compost bin or vermicomposting system to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Support Sustainable Practices

Support businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Choose products and services with minimal packaging, buy locally grown and organic foods, and advocate for policies that promote waste reduction and recycling.

What Can Cities Do?

Implement Organic Waste Recycling Programs

Establish or expand organic waste recycling programs to divert organic waste from landfills. This includes collecting food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials separately from regular waste.

Provide Collection Bins and Infrastructure

Ensure residents and businesses have appropriate collection bins and infrastructure for separating organic waste. This may involve distributing separate bins for food waste and green waste, as well as establishing drop-off locations for organic materials.

Promote Composting and Anaerobic Digestion

Encourage composting and anaerobic digestion of organic waste to produce compost and biogas, which can be used as renewable energy sources or soil amendments. Cities can provide education, incentives, and support for residents and businesses to compost on-site or participate in community composting programs.

Enforce Regulations and Compliance

Enforce regulations related to organic waste recycling and ensure that businesses and residents comply with SB 1383 requirements. This may involve monitoring waste collection practices, conducting inspections, and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

Collaborate with Stakeholders

Collaborate with stakeholders including waste management companies, recycling facilities, businesses, and community organizations to develop and implement effective strategies for organic waste recycling and methane emissions reduction.