Mandatory organics recycling (AB 1826)

California state law (AB 1826) requires businesses and public entities that generate two cubic yards of solid waste or more a week to recycle organic waste. Solid waste includes trash, recycling and organics. Organic waste consists of food scraps, compostable paper, green waste and nonhazardous wood waste.

Steps for businesses

• Contact EDCO to set up organics recycling collection services.
• Consider self-hauling or mulching/composting on-site (with appropriate state permits).
• Access resources like the SB 1383 Compliance Guide, Food Recovery Requirements Overview (Spanish version), and Food Recovery Template (Spanish version).

Multi-family properties

Apartment and condominium complexes with five or more units must recycle green waste, landscape materials, and nonhazardous wood waste. Starting in 2022, multi-family properties are also required to recycle food waste. Contact EDCO to arrange food and green waste collection services.

For more information on organics recycling, visit CalRecycle's Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling website.

Reducing organic waste (SB 1383)

California state law (SB 1383) mandates a reduction in organic waste disposal. Businesses must comply by:

• Setting up organics recycling programs for food and green waste.
• Implementing a food recovery program to donate edible food.
• Educating staff on waste diversion and food recovery.

Exemptions

If you believe your business or property qualifies for an exemption, contact Waste & Recycling at (760) 481-3875 or submit a waiver form in English or Spanish.

Reducing food waste

Steps to reducing food waste

Prevention of food waste

By managing food sustainably and reducing waste, businesses can save money, conserve resources, and help bridge the gap for those experiencing food insecurity. Below are resources to help businesses develop their food waste prevention plan:

• Food: Too Good to Waste! – County of San Diego
• Preventing Wasted Food Through Source Reduction – U.S. EPA
• Save the Food
• Food Waste Prevention for Commercial Kitchens
• Food Waste Prevention for Grocery Stores

Donation of edible food

Businesses can donate surplus edible food to local food recovery organizations to help address food insecurity. Large edible food generators are required to donate food under SB 1383. Resources include:

• Food Donation Guide for San Diego County