SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
Public Resources Code sections 42649.8-42649.87 and CalRecycle regulations under SB 1383 set a 75 percent reduction target for organic waste landfilling. Every jurisdiction must provide three-stream collection or approved alternatives, and residents must subscribe to organics service or self-haul or compost on site. Backyard composting remains permitted. Cities may not opt out, though they choose enforcement timing. Edible food generators must also donate surplus food to recovery organizations.
Civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation per day under Public Resources Code 42652.5; cities must adopt enforcement programs.
See how San Francisco's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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