Fremont, CA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

California's Organic Waste Reduction SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy

Landfilled food and other organic waste rotting in landfills emits methane climate pollution contributing to California's hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and more wildfires.

To reduce methane pollution and other short-lived climate pollutants, California passed SB 1383 (Lara, 2016). The law set targets for 2025:

- 75% less organic waste sent to landfills.

- 20% of unsold, still-edible food sent to food recovery organizations.

Landfills Are Third Largest Source of Methane in California Organic waste in landfills emits:

- 20% of the state's methane, a climate super pollutant that heats 84 times more than carbon dioxide.

- Air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma. Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills.

Collections: All jurisdictions need to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses, and recycle organic waste. Procurement: Procurement requirement information. Jurisdictions must use the products made from the recycled organic material, such as compost and mulch. Food Recovery: Some food service businesses must donate unsold food to food recovery organizations to help some of the 1 in 5 Californians without enough to eat. Capacity Planning: Counties must take the lead to plan for needed organic waste recycling and food recovery capacity. Enforcement: Enforcement provisions support jurisdictions, non-local entities, local education districts, state, and federal facilities. Recordkeeping: Entities must maintain records used for compliance inspections required by local and state agencies. Waivers and Exemptions: Waivers and exemptions for qualifying jurisdictions, local education agencies, and non-local entities. Reporting: Jurisdictions are to report on program implementation.

Jurisdictions: Requirements for city, county, and special districts with solid waste collection. Food Donors: Californians throw away 5-6 million tons of food waste every year. SB 1383 requires that businesses donate surplus food instead of throwing it out. Food Recovery Organizations: SB 1383 links food service businesses with food recovery organizations to get donated food to Californians in need.