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), commercial entities (for-profit and non-profit organizations, government offices, and industrial facilities), non-local entities (state/federal facilities and prisons), and education agencies (schools, community colleges, and universities).

The 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?
Requirements for Residents
Requirements for Commerical Business Entities
Waivers for Businesses
Food Recovery and Donation Requirements
Report an SB 1383 Violation