Environmental Services
California State Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), requires the reduction of organic waste disposed of in landfills. Organic waste is food scraps and food-soiled paper from kitchens and food operations and yard waste such as garden and landscape waste, organic textiles and carpets and wood waste.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste accounts for a significant portion of California’s waste stream. Left to decompose in landfills, the organic waste releases methane, a gas that traps the sun’s heat, warms the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. Organic waste in landfills also emits air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which contributes to health conditions like asthma. To address this issue, Senate Bill 1383 was signed into law and targets the reduction of pollutants, including methane. Cities throughout California must meet the new reduction limits through organic waste reduction and recycling.
California is working towards a 2025 goal to redirect and donate 20% of edible food to those in need. SB 1383 categorizes regulated food donors into two tiers that must start donating surplus edible food in 2022 and 2024 to food recovery organizations.
Commercial Edible Food Generators
Tier One Businesses - Effective January 1, 2022
Tier Two Businesses - Effective January 1, 2024
Learn more about:
Implementing Senate Bill 1383 requires extensive procedural changes and significant coordination. The City of San Diego is developing collection operations, amending agreements with non-exclusive franchise haulers, amending the City’s municipal code, enacting building requirements, preparing enforcement responsibilities and strategizing public education and outreach efforts. Participation in this exciting new organic waste recycling program is vital to San Diego's future.
Food and yard waste collected will be recycled using:
Recycling and waste collection changes are coming to City of San Diego serviced residences. The City will notify residents when organic waste recycling collection services will begin. Please follow these protocols until otherwise notified:
In addition to curbside organic waste recycling collection, all residences currently have the option to turn their kitchen scraps and yard waste trimmings into compost by having their own-at-home backyard composting or worm composting bin. Learn more about our discounted compost bin voucher offer, backyard composting education resources and free workshops here.
Businesses and Multifamily Serviced by a Private Hauler
Organic waste recycling options for businesses and multifamily apartments and condominiums serviced by a private hauler:
City staff can provide helpful tips and technical assistance for successful setup of organic waste recycling at your site. Please contact sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov or 858-694-7000.
Businesses can learn more about the City of San Diego's Commercial Food Scraps Composting Program here.
The City will not be considering requests for exemptions for SB 1383 until after the City of San Diego's municipal code is amended, which will take effect in the spring of 2022.
Get more information and assistance by contacting the Environmental Services Department at sdrecyclingworks@sandiego.gov or 858-694-7000. For program updates, please continue to check this page.
Visit CalRecycle to learn more about the SB 1383 organic waste recycling requirements.
Please see below free upcoming workshops or webinars to learn more about edible food recovery, food waste prevention and organic waste recycling. Click on the link to register and see more details.