Food Waste Diversion

Mandatory Organics Recycling Image

 

AB 1826 (2014) MANDATORY COMMERCIAL ORGANICS RECYCLING


This bill requires businesses and multifamily buildings (of 5 or more units) that generate 2 cubic yards or more of solid waste per week to arrange for organics recycling services. As of January 1, 2022, all businesses are required to follow the SB 1383 regulations. Under SB 1383 the requirement for organics recycling service was expanded to all businesses and residential properties, regardless of service level or number of units.


SB 1383 (2016) SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT REDUCTION


SB 1383 targets the reduction of methane emissions from landfills. The law establishes targets to achieve a 75% reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organics waste from the 2014 level by 2025. It also requires that at least 20% of currently disposed edible food be recovered for human consumption statewide by 2025.

Beginning January 1, 2022, all businesses, schools, and multifamily complexes are required to subscribe to an organics collection service and must separate into their green organics container ALL of their green waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper (100% fiber based).

In addition, Edible Food Generators (considered Tier 1 and Tier 2) must recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed of, arrange for food donation and collection through contracts or written agreements with food recovery organizations or services, and maintain food donation records. Navigate to the Food Donation & Material Reuse section to learn more.


CITY REQUIREMENTS FOR RECYCLING AND ORGANICS COLLECTION


SB 1383 regulations required all jurisdiction to adopted an organics recycling ordinance. In accordance with the requirements under SB 1383 the City of LA adopted an enforceable ordinance (ordinance number 187711) requiring businesses and residential properties to subscribe and participate in recycling and organics recycling, and for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Edible Food Generators arrange for food donation and collection through contracts or written agreements with food recovery organizations or services, and maintain food donation records. Failure to arrange for required service may result in notices of violation and future administrative citations and penalties.


HOW TO ARRANGE FOR ORGANIC SERVICE


RecycLA customers should contact our 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 and request a waste assessment, from their recycLA service provider, to establish organics service.


IMPORTANT NOTE


Beginning January 2024 commercial and multifamily properties that do not have organic service will be subject to penalties in accordance with Section 66.07. (ENFORCEMENT) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

Please use the links below to help identify a Food Rescue organization near you and for additional information.

To find out more about the SB 1383 Food Recovery mandate please refer to the CalRecycle website:
Please also see the following helpful links: