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
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More About AB 1826
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Composting and Green Waste
- CalRecycle’s Home Composting Tips
- County of Riverside Composting
- Composting Classes in Riverside County
- Online Class List
- Composting Class Schedule PDF - Green Waste Processors in Riverside County
- List of Greenwaste Processors - City of Moreno Valley - Composting Tips
- Composting Tips PDF (coming soon) - City of Moreno Valley – Benefits of Composting
- Benefits of Composting Handout (coming soon)
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Food Saving
Californians throw away nearly 6 million tons of food scraps or food waste each year. This represents about 18 percent of all the material that goes to landfills. Rather than throwing away excess food, use the links below to find ways to manage it more thoughtfully.
- City of Moreno Valley – Smart Shopping Guidelines
- Smart Shopping Guidelines - City of Moreno Valley – Tips to fight food waste
- Food Saving Tips Postcard - Natural Resource Defense Council Savethefood.com
- StopFoodWaste
- City of Moreno Valley – Smart Shopping Guidelines
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Food Donation
Feeding hungry people with donations of extra food is an integral part of resource conservation. Organizations served by food rescue and food bank programs include community centers, soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, senior programs, and childcare centers. The food banks listed below are an excellent resource in finding community food donation programs in your area. Donations of both perishable and non-perishable food items are accepted in most cases. Contact the agencies below for details.
- Department of Environmental Health List of Food Banks in Riverside County
- List of Food Banks in Moreno Valley (coming soon)