SB 1383: Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Act

Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was signed into California law in 2016, establishing statewide methane emission reduction goals. Methane emissions resulting from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills are a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to global climate change.

To reduce organic waste in landfills, SB 1383 has two main goals:

  1. Reduce the amount of organic material disposed in land­fills by 75% by 2025. 
  2. Donate 20% of edible food to organizations who help feed people in need.

This bill expands upon the goals of AB 341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling and AB 1826: Mandatory Commercial Organics. However, SB 1383 is unique in that it impacts residents in addition to businesses in that everyone needs to recycle organic materials.  SB 1383 also requires some businesses to donate excess edible food to feed people in need. 

Who must comply?

  • Residents
  • Commercial businesses
  • Commercial food generators
  • Schools
  • Government entities

For more information on how this legislation affects you directly, Please go to:

recycling for residents
recycling for businesses

What is organic material?Organics Trash Can

Organic waste generally includes the following.  

  • Food scraps including all solid, semi-solid and liquid food such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, bones, poultry, seafood, bread, rice, pasta, tea bags, coffee grounds, and oils.
  • Yard trimmings include grass clippings, leaves, flowers, hedge clippings, and weeds.  Non-hazardous wood waste includes tree branches, tree trunks, and untreated lumber.

Where will the organic material go?

Some of the organic material will be processed into compost.

 

Composting Process

 

Some of the organic material will be processed into biogas at an anaerobic digestion facility.

 AD Process

For more information and to read the legislation, please visit CalRecycle’s website.