SB 1383 & Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance Take Effect in January

A new California State law, SB 1383, aims to keep food and other compostable materials (“organics”) out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Under the law:

• Edible food currently thrown away must be recovered and donated for people to eat,
• The remaining organics must be collected for composting,
• Recyclables must also be kept out of landfills.

Starting January 2022, SB 1383 regulations will be implemented in Alameda County under the Organics Reduction & Recycling Ordinance through a partnership among Alameda County jurisdictions, garbage service providers, StopWaste, and the Alameda County Environmental Health Departments. The existing Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance in Alameda will be repealed.

Learn more at: www.StopWaste.org/Rules.

Who is affected by the new law?

The new law affects all generators of organic waste, including:

• Businesses, institutions, and non-profit organizations
• Multifamily property owners or managers of buildings with 5 or more units
• Residents in single-family homes, apartments, and condos
• Schools (public and private)
• Government agencies, such as state agencies and park districts

For free resources and assistance to help comply with the new law, visit: www.StopWaste.org/Rules-Resources.

Many of the support materials on this website are also helpful in implementing the new law.