In September 2016, the State set methane emission reduction targets for California in Senate Bill 1383, intended as a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (like organic waste) in various sectors of California’s economy.

Senate Bill (SB) 1383 targets the 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 (Cal Recycle) to adopt regulations and requirements to achieve a 50 percent reduction in organic waste disposal by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025.

Some 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 organic recycling, food waste prevention, and other related topics. Please click on the corresponding buttons below for more information and resources on organic waste recycling.