Recycling Of Organic Waste - State Programs - Public Resources - CA

Section § 42649.8

This law defines key terms related to waste management in California. It explains what a 'business' is, which includes many types of organizations and multifamily residential buildings. It defines a 'commercial waste generator' as any business that has specific waste responsibilities under another section. The law describes a 'full-service restaurant' as a place where food is served directly to seated customers by staff. 'Organic waste' consists of various biodegradable materials, and an 'organic waste generator' is a business responsible for managing this type. A 'park' includes entertainment complexes and similar facilities. 'Rural jurisdiction' and 'rural county' refer to less populated areas with specific waste rules. Finally, a 'self-hauler' is a business that manages its own waste disposal instead of hiring outside services.

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Business” means a commercial or public entity, including, but not limited to, a firm, partnership, proprietorship, joint stock company, corporation, or association that is organized as a for-profit or nonprofit entity, or a multifamily residential dwelling.

(b) “Commercial waste generator” means a business subject to subdivision (a) of Section 42649.2.

(c) “Full-service restaurant” means an establishment with the primary business purpose of serving food, where food may be consumed on the premises, and an employee of the establishment takes all of the following actions:

(1) The consumer is escorted or assigned to an assigned eating area. The employee may choose the assigned eating area or may seat the consumer according to the consumer’s need for accommodation or other request.

(2) The consumer’s food and beverage orders are taken after the consumer has been seated at the assigned seating area.

(3) The food and beverage orders are delivered directly to the consumer, unless the establishment is buffet style or self-service.

(4) Any requested items associated with the consumer’s food or beverage order are brought to the consumer, unless the establishment is buffet style or self-service.

(5) The check is delivered directly to the consumer at the assigned eating area.

(d) “Organic waste” means food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste.

(e) “Organic waste generator” means a business subject to subdivision (a) of Section 42649.81.

(f) “Park” means a theme park, amusement park, water park, resort or entertainment complex, zoo, attraction, or similar facility.

(g) “Rural jurisdiction” means a jurisdiction that is located entirely within one or more rural counties, or a regional agency comprised of jurisdictions that are located within one or more rural counties.

(h) “Rural county” means a county that has a total population of less than 70,000 persons.

(i) “Self-hauler” means a business that hauls its own waste rather than contracting for that service. “Self-haul” means to act as a self-hauler.

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Section § 42649.81

This law says that businesses in California that produce a certain amount of waste must set up recycling for organic waste, which is waste that comes from plants or animals, like food scraps or garden clippings.

From 2020, if the state hasn't cut organic waste in half compared to 2014 levels, businesses producing two cubic yards or more waste each week must recycle their organic waste too, unless it's not helpful. Some rural businesses are exempt.

Businesses can meet these requirements by separating organic from other waste, recycling on-site, or hiring services that process mixed waste to recycle organic matter. Property owners can ask tenants to separate their waste to help meet these rules.

If a business serves customers on the premises, they must provide bins for organic waste that are easy to find and clearly marked with instructions, except full-service restaurants who provide recycling bins for employees instead. Some exceptions are made for certain non-mobile food facilities in parks.

Businesses must work within state and local laws when setting up these services, and any landscaping services they use must also follow these recycling rules.

Multi-family residential buildings with fewer than five units aren't considered businesses here, and those that are larger don't need to recycle food waste specifically.

If local regulations don't offer organic waste recycling, businesses can set up their own services until such services are available from the local government.

(a)

(1) A business that generates four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste, as defined in Section 42649.1, per week, shall arrange for recycling services specifically for organic waste in the manner specified in subdivision (b).

(2) On or after January 1, 2020, if the department determines that statewide disposal of organic waste has not been reduced to 50 percent of the level of disposal during 2014, a business that generates two cubic yards or more per week of commercial solid waste shall arrange for the organic waste recycling services specified in paragraph (1), unless the department determines that this requirement will not result in significant additional reductions of organics disposal.

(3) A business located in a rural jurisdiction that is exempted pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 42649.82 is not subject to this chapter.

(b) A business subject to subdivision (a) shall take at least one of the following actions:

(1) Source separate organic waste from other waste and subscribe to a basic level of organic waste recycling service that includes collection and recycling of organic waste.

(2) Recycle its organic waste onsite or self-haul its own organic waste for recycling.

(3) Subscribe to an organic waste recycling service that may include mixed waste processing that specifically recycles organic waste.

(4) Make other arrangements consistent with paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 42649.84.

(c) A business that is a property owner may require a lessee or tenant of that property to source separate their organic waste to aid in compliance with this section.

(d)

(1) A business subject to subdivision (a) and that provides customers access to the business shall provide customers with an organic waste recycling bin or container to collect material purchased on the premises for immediate consumption and that fulfills all of the following requirements:

(A) Is in the same area as a bin or container for trash other than recyclable organic waste, except in restrooms.

(B) Is visible and easily accessible.

(C) Is clearly marked with educational signage indicating what is appropriate to place in the organic waste recycling bin or container in accordance with state law and the local jurisdiction’s solid waste ordinances and practices.

(2) Full-service restaurants are exempt from the requirements of this subdivision if the full-service restaurant provides its employees an organic waste recycling bin or container to collect material purchased on the premises for immediate consumption and implements a program to collect recyclable organic waste.

(3) With respect to a park that is subject to subdivision (a), both of the following apply:

(A) This subdivision only applies to permanent, nonmobile food service facilities with dedicated seating areas that are not full-service restaurants.

(B) In lieu of providing an organic waste recycling bin or container as required by paragraph (1), a facility identified in this paragraph may implement a process for recycling organic waste from customers that yields results comparable to or greater in volume and quality to results attained by providing an organic waste recycling bin or container.

(4) The department shall develop model signage that businesses may use in implementing paragraph (1).

(5) For a park that is subject to subdivision (a), this subdivision shall apply on and after January 1, 2022.

(e) A business generating organic waste shall arrange for the recycling services required by this section in a manner that is consistent with state and local laws and requirements, including a local ordinance or local jurisdiction’s franchise agreement, applicable to the collection, handling, or recycling of solid and organic waste.

(f) When arranging for gardening or landscaping services, the contract or work agreement between a business subject to this section and a gardening or landscaping service shall require that the organic waste generated by those services be managed in compliance with this chapter.

(g)

(1) A multifamily residential dwelling that consists of fewer than five units is not a business for purposes of this chapter.

(2) A business that is a multifamily dwelling is not required to arrange for the organic waste recycling services specified in subdivision (b) for food waste that is generated by the business.

(h) If separate organic waste collection and recycling services are not offered through a local ordinance or local jurisdiction’s franchise agreement, a business generating organic waste may arrange for separate organic waste collection and recycling services, until the local ordinance or local jurisdiction’s franchise agreement includes organic waste recycling services.

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Section § 42649.82

This law requires jurisdictions to set up an organic waste recycling program to help businesses divert their organic waste. The program must be tailored to each area's needs and can include policies like mandatory recycling or using mixed processing systems. Rural areas might be exempt, but exemptions could end if waste reduction goals are not met.

If a jurisdiction already has a suitable program by 2016, it doesn't need to create a new one. The program should identify local recycling facilities, potential new sites, zoning requirements, and any barriers to expanding recycling capabilities. It should also involve educating and monitoring businesses to ensure compliance.

Jurisdictions can enforce this with fines or penalties and may allow exemptions for lack of space or low waste generation. They must inform the state about regulated businesses and program progress yearly.

The state will periodically review jurisdictions to ensure they are making a reasonable effort to implement these recycling programs, considering factors like business compliance, recycling rates, education efforts, and market availability for organic waste.

(a)

(1) In addition to the requirements of Section 42649.3, each jurisdiction shall implement an organic waste recycling program that is appropriate for that jurisdiction and designed specifically to divert organic waste generated by businesses subject to Section 42649.81, whether or not the jurisdiction has met the requirements of Section 41780.

(2)

(A) A county board of supervisors of a rural county may adopt a resolution, as prescribed in this paragraph, to make the rural county exempt from the requirements of this section. If a rural jurisdiction is a city, the city council may adopt a resolution, as prescribed in this paragraph, to make the rural jurisdiction exempt from this section. If a rural jurisdiction is a regional agency comprised of jurisdictions that are located entirely within one or more rural counties, the board of the regional agency may adopt a resolution, as prescribed in this paragraph, to make the rural jurisdiction exempt from the requirements of this section.

(B) A resolution adopted pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall include findings as to the purpose of and need for the exemption.

(C) A resolution to exempt a rural jurisdiction pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be submitted to the department at least six months before the operative date of the exemption.

(D) On or after January 1, 2020, if the department determines that statewide disposal of organic waste has not been reduced to 50 percent of the level of disposal during the 2014 calendar year, all exemptions authorized by this paragraph shall terminate unless the department determines that applying this chapter to rural jurisdictions will not result in significant additional reductions of disposal of organic waste.

(b) If a jurisdiction, as of January 1, 2016, has in place an organic waste recycling program that meets the requirements of this section, it is not required to implement a new or expanded organic waste recycling program.

(c) The organic waste recycling program required by this section shall be directed at organic waste generators and may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

(1) Implementing a mandatory commercial organic waste recycling policy or ordinance that addresses organic waste recycling.

(2) Requiring a mandatory commercial organic waste recycling program through a franchise contract or agreement.

(3) Requiring organic waste to go through a source separated or mixed processing system that diverts material from disposal.

(d)

(1) The organic waste recycling program shall do all of the following:

(A) Identify all of the following:

(i) Existing organic waste recycling facilities within a reasonable vicinity and the capacities available for materials to be accepted at each facility.

(ii) Existing solid waste and organic waste recycling facilities within the jurisdiction that may be suitable for potential expansion or colocation of organic waste processing or recycling facilities.

(iii) Efforts of which the jurisdiction is aware that are underway to develop new private or public regional organic waste recycling facilities that may serve some or all of the organic waste recycling needs of the commercial waste generators within the jurisdiction subject to this chapter, and the anticipated timeframe for completion of those facilities.

(iv) Closed or abandoned sites that might be available for new organic waste recycling facilities.

(v) Other nondisposal opportunities and markets.

(vi) Appropriate zoning and permit requirements for the location of new organic waste recycling facilities.

(vii) Incentives available, if any, for developing new organic waste recycling facilities within the jurisdiction.

(B) Identify barriers to siting new or expanded compostable materials handling operations, as defined in paragraph (12) of subdivision (a) of Section 17852 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, and specify a plan to remedy those barriers that are within the control of the local jurisdiction.

(C) Provide for the education of, outreach to, and monitoring of, businesses. The program shall require the jurisdiction to notify a business if the business is not in compliance with Section 42649.81.

(2) For purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), an “organic waste recycling facility” shall include compostable materials handling operations, as defined in paragraph (12) of subdivision (a) of Section 17852 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, and may include other facilities that recycle organic waste.

(e) The organic waste recycling program may include any one or more of the following:

(1) Enforcement provisions that are consistent with the jurisdiction’s authority, including a structure for fines and penalties.

(2) Certification requirements for self-haulers.

(3) Exemptions, on a case-by-case basis, from the requirements of Section 42649.81 that are deemed appropriate by the jurisdiction for any of the following reasons:

(A) Lack of sufficient space in multifamily complexes or businesses to provide additional organic material recycling bins.

(B) The current implementation by a business of actions that result in the recycling of a significant portion of its organic waste.

(D) Limited-term exemptions for extraordinary and unforeseen events.

(E)

(i) The business or group of businesses does not generate at least one cubic yard of organic waste per week, if the local jurisdiction provides the department with information that explains the need for this higher exemption than that authorized by subparagraph (C).

(ii) The information described in clause (i) shall be provided to the department with the information provided pursuant to subdivision (f).

(iii) This subparagraph shall not be operative on or after January 1, 2020, if the department, pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 42649.81, determines that statewide disposal of organic waste has not been reduced to 50 percent of the level of disposal during the 2014 calendar year.

(f)

(1) Each jurisdiction shall provide the department with information on the number of regulated businesses that generate organic waste and, if available, the number that are recycling organic waste. The jurisdiction shall include this information as part of the annual report required pursuant to Section 41821.

(2) In addition to the information required by paragraph (1), each jurisdiction shall report to the department on the progress achieved in implementing its organic waste recycling program, including education, outreach, identification, and monitoring, on its rationale for allowing exemptions, and, if applicable, on enforcement efforts. The jurisdiction shall include this information as part of the annual report required pursuant to Section 41821.

(g)

(1) The department shall review a jurisdiction’s compliance with this section as part of the department’s review required by Section 41825.

(2) The department also may review whether a jurisdiction is in compliance with this section at any time that the department receives information that a jurisdiction has not implemented, or is not making a good faith effort to implement, an organic waste recycling program.

(h) During a review pursuant to subdivision (g), the department shall determine whether the jurisdiction has made a good faith effort to implement its selected organic waste recycling program. For purposes of this section, “good faith effort” means all reasonable and feasible efforts by a jurisdiction to implement its organic waste recycling program. During its review, the department may include, but is not limited to, consideration of the following factors in its evaluation of a jurisdiction’s good faith effort:

(1) The extent to which businesses have complied with Section 42649.81, including information on the amount of disposal that is being diverted from the businesses, if available, and on the number of businesses that are complying with Section 42649.81.

(2) The recovery rate of the organic waste from the material recovery facilities that are used by the businesses, all information, methods, and calculations, and any additional performance data, as requested by the department from the material recovery facilities pursuant to Section 18809.4 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.

(3) The extent to which the jurisdiction is conducting education and outreach to businesses.

(4) The extent to which the jurisdiction is monitoring businesses and notifying those businesses that are not in compliance.

(5) The appropriateness of exemptions allowed by the jurisdiction.

(6) The availability of markets for collected organic waste recyclables.

(7) Budgetary constraints.

(8) In the case of a rural jurisdiction, the effects of small geographic size, low population density, or distance to markets.

(9) The availability, or lack thereof, of sufficient organic waste processing infrastructure, organic waste recycling facilities, and other nondisposal opportunities and markets.

(10) The extent to which the jurisdiction has taken steps that are under its control to remove barriers to siting and expanding organic waste recycling facilities.

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Section § 42649.83

This law states that if a local area in California decides to add or expand its organic waste recycling program to comply with certain regulations, they don't have to change their existing waste management plans or get state approval for these changes. However, they do need to report any changes or expansions in their recycling program in their annual report to the state.

(a) If a jurisdiction adds or expands an organic waste recycling program to meet the requirements of Section 42649.82, the jurisdiction shall not be required to revise its source reduction and recycling element or obtain the department’s approval pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 41800) of Chapter 7 of Part 2.

(b) If an addition or expansion of a jurisdiction’s organic waste recycling program is necessary, the jurisdiction shall include this information in the annual report required pursuant to Section 41821.

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Section § 42649.84

This law allows local governments in California to implement their own, stricter rules for organic waste recycling than what is set by the state. It does not affect existing waste management contracts, licenses, or permits previously granted by local authorities. Additionally, this law preserves businesses' rights to sell or donate their recyclable organic waste. The law does not interfere with local government authority over land use, zoning, or facility location decisions.

(a) This chapter does not limit the authority of a local governmental agency to adopt, implement, or enforce a local organic waste recycling requirement, or a condition imposed upon a self-hauler, that is more stringent or comprehensive than the requirements of this chapter.

(b) This chapter does not modify, limit, or abrogate in any manner any of the following:

(1) A franchise granted or extended by a city, county, city and county, or other local governmental agency.

(2) A contract, license, or permit to collect solid waste previously granted or extended by a city, county, city or county, or other local governmental agency.

(3) The existing right of a business to sell or donate its recyclable organic waste materials.

(c) Notwithstanding any other requirement of this chapter, nothing in this chapter modifies, limits, or abrogates the authority of a local jurisdiction with respect to land use, zoning, or facility siting decisions by or within that local jurisdiction.

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Section § 42649.85

Local government agencies in California can charge organic waste producers a fee to cover the costs associated with adhering to specific waste management regulations.

A local governmental agency may charge and collect a fee from an organic waste generator to recover the local governmental agency’s costs incurred in complying with this chapter.

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Section § 42649.86

This law section outlines responsibilities for a state department in California to tackle issues with permits and sites for composting and anaerobic digestion. It emphasizes working with various state and regional agencies to support the state's organic waste processing and recycling infrastructure.

The department must also work with local governments and industries to boost organic recycling, enhance infrastructure capacity, and create markets for organic waste.

Additionally, the department is required to share information on state financial support and incentives available for developing organic waste infrastructure to meet greenhouse gas and waste reduction goals.

(a) The department shall identify and recommend actions to address, with regard to both state agencies and the federal government, the permitting and siting challenges associated with composting and anaerobic digestion, and to encourage the continued viability of the state’s organic waste processing and recycling infrastructure, in partnership with the California Environmental Protection Agency and other state and regional agencies. These other state and regional agencies shall include, but are not limited to, the State Air Resources Board, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the State Water Resources Control Board, California regional water quality control boards, and air pollution control and air quality management districts.

(b) The department shall cooperate with local governmental agencies and industry to provide assistance for increasing the feasibility of organic recycling by promoting processing opportunities and the development of new infrastructure of sufficient capacity to meet the needs of generators, and developing sufficient end-use markets throughout the state for the quantity of organic waste required to be diverted.

(c) The department shall identify and post on its Internet Web site state financing mechanisms and state funding incentives that are available for in-state development of organic waste infrastructure to help the state achieve its greenhouse gas reduction goals and waste reduction goals.

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Section § 42649.87

This law requires the California Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies to promote using organic waste like agricultural and urban organic matter to make compost. The goal is to reduce landfill waste and cut down greenhouse gas emissions by emphasizing compost use on working lands.

Agencies must assess progress in building organic waste recycling facilities, meet regularly with stakeholders, and hold public workshops to share updates and gather feedback. They should also develop recommendations for enhancing the state's organic waste processing infrastructure and support wildfire recovery efforts with compost applications.

This section is effective until January 1, 2026, unless a new statute changes this date.

(a) The California Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with the department, the State Water Resources Control Board, the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, shall develop and implement policies to aid in diverting organic waste from landfills by promoting the use of agricultural, forestry, and urban organic waste as a feedstock for compost and by promoting the appropriate use of that compost throughout the state to improve the state’s soil organic matter.

(b) In developing policies pursuant to subdivision (a), the California Environmental Protection Agency shall promote a goal of reducing at least five million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year through the development and application of compost on working lands, which include, but are not limited to, agricultural land, land used for forestry, and rangeland. The California Environmental Protection Agency shall work with the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the Forest Management Task Force to achieve this goal.

(c) The Secretary for Environmental Protection and the Secretary of Food and Agriculture shall ensure proper coordination of agency regulations and goals to implement this section. The California Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Food and Agriculture, with the department, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the State Air Resources Board, shall do all of the following:

(1) Assess the state’s progress towards developing the organic waste processing and recycling infrastructure necessary to meet the state goals specified in Assembly Bill 341 (Chapter 476 of the Statutes of 2011), Assembly Bill 1826 (Chapter 727 of the Statutes of 2014), Senate Bill 1383 (Chapter 395 of the Statutes of 2016), the State Air Resources Board’s May 2015 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy concept paper, and the Department of Food and Agriculture’s Healthy Soils Initiative.

(2) Meet at least quarterly and consult with interested stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the compost industry, local governments, agricultural land managers, and environmental organizations, to encourage the continued viability of the state’s organic waste processing and recycling infrastructure.

(3) Hold at least one public workshop annually to inform the public of actions taken to implement this section and to receive public comment.

(4) Develop recommendations for promoting organic waste processing and recycling infrastructure statewide, which shall be posted on the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Internet Web site no later than January 1, 2017, and updated annually thereafter.

(5) Promote watershed health, reduce fire risk, and improve postfire recovery by encouraging projects that use woody biomass from forests and working lands and that promote the management of woody biomass through onsite wood chip application and integration with other organic waste streams for the purpose of creating compost, where appropriate.

(6) Support postfire recovery efforts to reduce erosion and stabilize fire-damaged land by encouraging the application of compost, while taking into consideration site-specific ecology, to restore soil aggregation, increase water infiltration, reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and support plant growth, where appropriate.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2026, deletes or extends that date.

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