New Composting Law – Beginning in 2022, a new recycling requirement for all Californians took effect. This new “composting law”, often referred to as SB1383, requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents to reduce the amount of organic waste that is sent to landfills. Organic waste includes food waste, vegetation, organic textiles, wood, and paper products. Once landfilled, the decomposition of organic waste is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of this new regulation aims to reduce landfill methane emissions which will reduce the impacts of climate change.

 Watch this video to learn more about SB1383's organic waste diversion requirements:

City of Santa Clara residents are already compliant with SB1383 and no sorting or additional containers are required. Organic waste is collected in the garbage container and is delivered to a mixed waste processing facility where it is separated from the garbage and ultimately made into compost material.

What if I live in an apartment or townhome complex?

All types of multi-family properties are compliant with SB1383, whether garbage is collected in a cart or in a shared bin (dumpster). No sorting or additional containers are required.

What is Mixed Waste Processing? 

Using a system of belts, screens, electromagnets and blasts of air, recyclables mistakenly placed in the garbage container will be captured, sorted and sold as resources for new products. Food scraps and compostable paper will also be pulled from the garbage and sent to a composting facility.
 
Please continue to place clean recyclables in your blue bin and place your yard trimmings in your green bin (no food scraps in the green cart). These materials will continue to be collected and processed for recycling and compost. 
 
To see a video of the GreenWaste Facility in action or find useful recycling guides visit the Green Waste Recovery website. 

More Information

SB1383 requires commercial businesses to reduce the amount of organic waste that is sent to landfills. Visit Commercial and Industrial Garbage & Recycling for more information.

Utility discounts are available due to financial hardship for those households that qualify. For information on requirements and to apply, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/Assist.    

For questions regarding garbage processing changes, contact Environmental Programs staff at 408-615-3080 or via email at Environment@SantaClaraCA.gov.