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Organics Recycling FAQ
- What are the SB 1383 requirements?
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In addition to organics recycling, SB 1383 also require businesses to implement an Edible Food program to prevent throwing out "edible food".
- Who does SB 1383 apply to?
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SB 1383 regulations apply to all persons and entities that generate organic materials, such as food scraps and plant trimmings. Everyone is required to divert their organic materials from the garbage. In addition, certain entities that provide food will be required to donate their excess food to feed people.
- Are there any exemptions to SB 1383?
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Commercial entities and education agencies may be exempted from some or all of the requirements if they can provide documentation or evidence that shows minimal organic material is being generated or if their premises lack adequate space to fit all three containers (garbage, recycling, and organics). For more details, visit: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/waivers.
- What are the penalties for non-compliance?
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As the most aggressive waste reduction law to be adopted in California in the past three decades, SB 1383 includes significant penalties for non-compliance including monetary penalties. Penalty amounts vary depending on the jurisdiction and extent of non-compliance, but the base penalties shall fall within the ranges listed below.
- First violation: $50-100
- Second violation: $100-200
- Third and subsequent violations: $250-500
- What is the purpose of AB 1826?
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To reduce greenhouse emissions by diverting commercial and multi-family residential organic waste through organics recycling.
- What is organic waste?
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Organic waste, as defined in AB 1826, is food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper.
- How are organics recycled?
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Composting, mulching, anaerobic digestion, and rendering are examples of ways organic material is processed to create a variety of valuable products.
- What is AB 827 and why was it passed?
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Effective July 1, 2020 - AB 827 mandates food service establishments provide customers with bins for three types of waste generated from items purchased and consumed on site – food scraps, recyclables, and trash.
- Which businesses are subject to AB 827?
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AB 827 applies only to limited-service food establishments such as fast-food restaurants where customers order and pay at the counter and clear their own tables after eating. Full-service restaurants are exempt from this law since they typically have staff separating food waste after clearing tables.
- Are any businesses exempt from AB 827?
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Full-service restaurants are exempt if they they have wait staff and/or kitchen staff responsible for escorting diners to their table, taking their order, delivering their food to their table, bringing their bill or helping them process their payment, and clearing their table after they leave. Bins for employees to sort food waste must be labeled, visible, and readily accessible.
- What are the AB 827 requirements?
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Organic waste bins or containers must be visible and easily accessible to employees and customers, they must be labeled, and they must be placed adjacent to each trash can (restroom waste bins are excluded). There is no minimum number of bins required.
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