Reducing Organic Waste (SB 1383)

Organic waste (materials such as food waste, yard waste, food-soiled paper and natural fibers) make up half of California’s waste stream.  Senate Bill 1383 targets reduction of short-lived climate pollutants, including methane, which are released when organic waste decomposes in the landfill. The law directs the state’s Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery (CalRecycle) to adopt regulations and requirements to achieve a 50 percent reduction in organic waste disposal by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025.

More information about SB 1383 can be found on the CalRecycle webpage

SB 1383 requirements for local governments include offering organic waste collection and recycling services to all residents and businesses, implementing a food recovery program, and conducting education and outreach on organics recycling, food waste prevention, and other related topics.

SB 1383 requires that businesses implement programs to ensure organic materials are no longer put in the trash, with edible food instead being donated and the rest sorted for organic waste recycling. To meet the requirements, businesses of a certain size and capacity (known as Tier 1 and Tier 2 generators) will be required to establish edible food recovery programs and donate the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed of.

• Business -SB 1383 Compliance Guide
• Business -SB 1383 Compliance Guide (Spanish)

   

  

   

CalReycle SB 1383 - Food Donor Guidelines

The Regional Solid Waste Association (RSWA) invites you to learn how to establish a successful food donation program and meet the requirements of SB 1383 for your business. View the pre-recorded webinar facilitated by the San Diego Food System Alliance.

• Food Donation 101: Best Practices for Starting a Food Donation Program
• Food Donation 101: Best Practices for Starting a Food Donation Program (Spanish Subtitled)

   

  Edible Food Donation Resources          

• SB1383 Food Recovery Requirements Overview
• 5 Steps for Setting Up a Food Donation Program
• Food Donation Liability - Protections and Food Safety
• A Guide to Food Donation Tax Deductions
• Food Recovery Agreement Template
• Food Donation Guide for San Diego County
• Local Food Recovery Organizations & Services

Edible Food Donation Resources – Spanish        

• SB1383 Food Recovery Requirements Overview (Spanish)
• 5 Steps for Setting Up a Food Donation Program (Spanish)
• Food Donation Liability - Protections and Food Safety (Spanish)
• A Guide to Food Donation Tax Deductions (Spanish)
• Food Recovery Agreement Template (Spanish)

Additional Resources:

• Food Too Good To Waste! – County of San Diego
• U.S. EPA Reducing Food Waste at Home
• U.S. EPA Preventing Wasted Food Through Source Reduction
• Food Waste Reduction Best Practices and Emerging Solutions Guide– Food Waste Reduction Alliance Save the Food 

EDCO Services

In 2021, EDCO finished construction of a state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion (AD) facility to process organic waste.  The AD Facility, which breaks down organic materials such as food waste, green waste, fats, oils, and greases, will allow residents and businesses to recycle their food waste and green waste, preventing it from ending up in the landfill. Diverting organic waste from the landfill will help the City meet its greenhouse gas and waste reduction goals and assist local jurisdictions to be in full compliance with California's state mandate.

In early 2021 EDCO began residential organic recycling services for Vista residents. Food scraps and yard waste may now be mixed in your green cart.

View EDCO’S AD Facility

EDCO’s Residential Organics Recycling Guide.

EDCO’s Commercial Organics Recycling Guide.

Learn more about EDCO’s Organics Recycling Program and request a kitchen caddie for convenient transfer of food scraps

EDCO Franchise Agreement

EDCO Recycling Workshop, February 23, 2023