Skip Navigation

Mandatory Organics Recycling

In October 2014 Governor Brown signed AB 1826 Chesbro (Chapter 727, Statutes of 2014), requiring businesses to recycle their organic waste on and after April 1, 2016, depending on the amount of waste they generate per week. This law also requires that on and after January 1, 2016, local jurisdictions across the state implement a Mandatory Organic Recycling (MOR) program to divert organic waste generated by businesses, including multifamily residential dwellings that consist of five or more units (please note, however, that multifamily dwellings are not required to have a food waste diversion program).

Organic waste includes food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste.

Diverting organics from landfills for processing into compost and
mulch reduces landfill Green House Gas(GHG) emissions and produces sustainable products that contribute to soil health, plant nutrition, water conservation and carbon sequestration. Mandatory commercial organics recycling helps to meet the goals of California’s Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32.

We’re Here to Help

Schedule a free waste audit and we will assess you needs and identify the best solution for your business. If you would like to set up an organics program, or if you have questions about the regulation, please contact Waste Management’s Recycling Program Coordinator, Barbara Jimenez at bjimenez@wm.com.

Who Must Comply?

The new law states that businesses and multifamily dwellings must start recycling organic waste by the following dates:

  • April 1, 2016: Businesses that generate eight (8) cubic yards of organic waste per week shall arrange for organic waste recycling services.
  • January 1, 2017: Businesses that generate four (4) cubic yards of organic waste per week shall arrange for organic waste recycling services.
  • January 1, 2019: Businesses that generate four (4) cubic yards or more of solid waste per week shall arrange for organic waste recycling services.

*Note: Multifamily dwellings are not required to have a food waste diversion program

How to Comply?

  • Source-separate organic waste from other waste and subscribe to an organic waste recycling service that specifically includes collection and recycling of organic waste.
  • Recycle organic waste onsite.
  • Self-haul organic waste for organic recycling (proof of transport and tracking required).
  • Subscribe to an organic waste recycling service that includes mixed-waste processing that specifically recycles organic waste.
  • Donate extra food.

Resources