California SB-1383 requires every San Jose resident and business to separate food scraps and yard trimmings from trash. San Jose's Sustainable Materials Management program provides curbside organics carts and enforces participation through franchise haulers and the city.
California SB-1383, effective January 2022, mandates statewide diversion of organic waste with a goal of 75% reduction in landfilled organics by 2025. Every San Jose resident and business must subscribe to organics collection and separate food scraps, food-soiled paper, and green waste from trash. San Jose's Environmental Services Department oversees the Sustainable Materials Management program, contracting with GreenWaste Recovery and California Waste Solutions for curbside organics carts. Edible food generators in tier 1 and tier 2 categories must also donate surplus food to recovery organizations. CalRecycle audits city compliance, and the city audits hauler and generator compliance through annual inspections.
Generators that fail to separate organics after notice and education face administrative fines starting at $50–$100 per violation and rising to $500 for repeat or large-generator offenses, with potential CalRecycle penalties to the city itself.
See how San Jose's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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