Public Policy Advocacy

LARA BLOG

Public Policy Advocacy
California Legislative Actions

As part of California’s efforts to combat climate change and move forward on the ambitious goal of 75 percent recycling, composting, or source reduction of solid waste, CalRecycle is actively working with local government partners and industry to expand California’s recycling infrastructure and keep methane-emitting food and other organic waste out of landfills.

  • SB 1383 Reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in California – Beginning January 1st, 2020, requires 50% reduction of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level. Beginning January 1st, 2015, 75% reduction of statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level. Also requires 20% of currently disposed edible food to be recovered for human consumption.
  • AB 1826 of 2014–Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling – Beginning April 2016, businesses that generate at least 8 cubic yards of organic waste (food scraps, yard clippings) per week must arrange for the recycling of that waste. The law phases in the requirements on more businesses over time. Beginning January 1, 2016, local jurisdictions will begin implementing organic waste recycling programs to divert organic waste generated by businesses.
  • AB 199 of 2015–Alternative Energy: Recycled Feedstock Tax Break – Provides tax exemptions for businesses purchasing recycling and composting equipment. It also expands eligibility for this tax exclusion to equipment that uses recycled feedstock to make new products.
  • AB 876 of 2015–Compostable Organics Infrastructure – Requires local counties and regional agencies to include in annual reports to CalRecycle: estimated amount of organic waste over a 15-year period, estimated additional infrastructure required, and locations for new/expanded infrastructure.
  • AB 901 of 2015–Direct Reporting Requirements – Provides CalRecycle with enforcement authority for existing disposal reporting requirements and updates reporting requirements for recycling, composting, and solid waste disposal facilities. This will help CalRecycle accurately measure progress toward the 75 percent goal.
  • AB 1045 of 2015–Organic Waste Composting Promotion – Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency, CalRecycle, the State Water Resources Control Board, the State Air Resources Control Board, and the Department of Food and Agriculture to develop and implement policies that keep organic waste out of landfills and promote composting and alternative uses for that material.