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Senate Bill 1383: Organic Waste reduction requirements
Read about SB 1383 here, and check back for more info as we work to implement these requirements for our Ridgecrest Community! (Updated 1/2023)
Jump to SB1383 (Ridgecrest) Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Watch the SB1383 (Ridgecrest) Overview Video
Senate Bill 1383: Reducing Short-lived Climate Pollutants in California, Organic Waste Reduction requirements are:
The most basic element of this regulation is requiring jurisdictions to provide an organic waste collection service that meets the regulatory requirements to each of their residents and businesses. This means a third brown "Organics" bin will be added.
Residential Container Transition
As part of the City of Ridgecrest's efforts to comply with new waste and recycling container identification and labeling requirements under SB 1383, WM will begin transitioning residential carts starting on Monday, December 5th. This container transition will include replacing lids on existing 96-gallon trash carts with new black lids and delivering the new organic waste carts and kitchen pails along with an updated residential service guide. To prepare for the cart transition, WM has provided the following guidance to residents:
- On your regularly scheduled service days, if possible, please place trash cart out before 6 a.m. and leave it out until 6 p.m. Please repeat this each week during the month of December until your lid has been replaced.
- Please check the inside of your new organics cart for your kitchen pail and residential service guide.
- Weekly Organic Waste Collection is scheduled to begin the week of January 9, 2023. Please do not place any materials in your organic waste cart prior to the collection start date.
If, after December 31st, your 96-gallon trash cart lid has not been replaced or you have not received your organics cart, residential customers may contact WM Customer Service at (760) 463-6024. Please Note: for residential customers with 64-gallon or 35-gallon trash carts, WM will be replacing the lids for those sized carts at a later date.
For more detailed information regarding this announcement, view the WM Press Release - Residential Cart Roll-out.
| - Landfilling organics produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change in CA with both environmental and economic impacts. [ex: billions spent on wildfire management; drought cost $2.7 billion loss in agriculture industry] | - Organic waste is composed of green waste, wood waste, food waste, and fibers such food-soiled paper/cardboard products & comprises 2/3 of current waste stream with food waste alone accounting for the largest waste stream in CA [18% of disposal in 2014 study] |
| - Diverting the organic waste stream from landfills extends the life of our current landfill, reducing the likelihood of a costly landfill creation project in the future. | - Recovering edible food from the waste stream helps to feed the millions of Californians that are food insecure |
1 IN 5 CHILDREN GOES HUNGRY EVERY NIGHT IN CALIFORNIA.- Redirecting perfectly edible food that is currently being disposed of, to instead feed those in need, will help alleviate this problem. |
CALIFORNIA THROWS OUT OVER 6 MILLION TONS OF FOOD WASTE EACH YEAR!
WHAT IS FOOD RECOVERY?This will save landfill space and lower methane emissions, climate super-pollutants, emitted by organic waste in landfills. Starting in 2022, some foodservice businesses must donate edible food to food recovery organizations with others starting in 2024. This will help feed the almost 1 in 4 Californians without enough to eat. California has a 2025 goal to redirect to people in need 20% of edible food currently thrown away. Learn More about Food Recovery: https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/SLCP/FoodRecovery | |
The law directs the following:Jurisdictions must establish food recovery programs and strengthen their existing food recovery networks. (https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/foodrecovery/jurisdictions) Food donors must arrange to recover the maximum amount of their edible food that would otherwise go to landfills. (https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/foodrecovery/donors) Food recovery organizations and services that participate in SB 1383 must maintain records. (https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/foodrecovery/organizations) | |
Regulations take effect January 2022 -Jurisdiction programs must be in place.
Requires Californians to reduce organic waste disposal by 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025 which correlates to a reduction of at least 4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, by 2030.
Additionally, SB 1383 sets a goal of increasing edible food recovery by 20% by 2025.
COLLECTION FREQUENCY PROPOSAL
In December 2021. the City of Ridgecrest submitted a proposal to CalRecycle's Local Enforcement Agency for approval to implement bi-weekly collection of solid waste materials with the new implementation of weekly organics collection required under SB 1383. The City continued working with the LEA and the City's contracted hauler, Waste Management, thru February 2022 to provide follow-up information regarding the proposal and answer additional questions from the LEA review process. In March 2022, the City finalized discussions with the LEA and WM for approval of the collection frequency proposal.
Projected to take effect in January 2023, this CalRecycle issued waiver will allow the City to implement bi-weekly collection of solid waste and recycling bins with the new organics bins collected on a weekly basis. Providing a bi-weekly collection of garbage rather than a weekly collection has the potential to encourage compliance with the new sorting requirements and reduce cost increases to residents. The City worked with Kern County and Waste Management to develop a proposal that addresses any potential health & safety concerns or impacts to local facilities - and the City is committed to continue working together to remedy any potential challenges that arise as a result of the program. The City of Ridgecrest is the first jurisdiction to be awarded this waiver, but others are now looking into this option as well.
To learn more about the City of Ridgecrest's collection frequency proposal, view the documents below:
Collection Frequency Initial Proposal - Local Enforcement Agency
Collection Frequency Proposal Follow-Up - Local Enforcement Agency
For more information on CalRecycle Collection Frequency Waivers:
Alternative Frequency Guidance - CalRecycle
SB 619: NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY (NOIC)
Jurisdictions are required to implement SB 1383 starting on January 1, 2022. As jurisdictions are preparing to implement the law, many local governments are facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Governor Newsom signed SB 619 (Laird, Chapter 508, Statutes of 2021) into law to support local governments as they design and implement successful organic waste recycling programs throughout the state. The law authorizes CalRecycle to waive civil penalties if a jurisdiction submits a Notification of Intent to Comply for some or all of the regulatory requirements and successfully implements a plan to correct their violations.
Notice of Intent to Comply - SB 619 Infographic
The City of Ridgecrest was authorized to submit a Notice of Intent to Comply to CalRecycle at the City Council meeting on February 2, 2022. View the following documents for detailed information regarding the NOIC:
Resolution 22-07 - CalRecycle Notice of Intent to Comply (SB 619)
Notice of Intent to Comply - Staff Report (2/2/22)
Notice of Intent to Comply - Actions & Timeline
CalRecycle will be notifying jurisdictions of approved NOICs in the upcoming month - for more information visit: CalRecycle: Notification of Intent to Comply
LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is administering a one-time grant program meant to provide aid in the implementation of regulations adopted by CalRecycle pursuant to Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016 and SB170 Budget Act of 2021. This non-competitive grant program provides $57,000,000 of funding to local jurisdictions to assist with the implementation of regulation requirements associated with SB 1383, including but not limited to:
- Capacity Planning
- Collection
- Edible Food Recovery
- Education and outreach (includes organic waste & edible food recovery)
- Enforcement and Inspection
- Program Evaluation/Gap Analysis
- Procurement Requirements
- Record Keeping
For more information check out CalRecycle's FAQ page here: Local Assistance Grant Program FAQs
At the City Council meeting on February 2, 2022, the City of Ridgecrest received approval to apply for CalRecycle funding opportunities, including the Local Assistance Grant Program. According to the Notice of Funding Availability page provided by CalRecycle, the City of Ridgecrest is estimated to receive $39,832 of the $59 million allocated for this grant cycle FY 21-22. The City intends to utilize this funding to assist with the design, production and marketing of materials and supplies for education and outreach. For more detailed information see the following documents:
RECYCLING SERVICES
City Hall will accept the following items from residents for recycling, these recycling programs have been set up in partnership with local charities/fundraising groups:
- Cans and Bottles - bring your cans and bottles into the foyer of City Hall. Bins are provided - this program is in partnership with the Habitat for Humanity.
- Soda Tabs - bring your soda tabs into the foyer of City Hall. Bins are provided - this program is in partnership with the Lions Club of Ridgecrest.
Waste Management Newsletter:
Click here to view the latest newsletter from Waste Management.
Where to Take Recyclables
- Dave Pearsons Recycling Center - Cardboard Accepted (No Paper)
1536 N Mahan
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: 760-446-0449
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Golden Empire Salvage
811 E Ridgecrest Boulevard
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: 760-371-4406 - Ridgecrest Landfill
3301 Bowman Road
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: 800-552-KERN (5376), ext. 6
Visit the Kern County Waste Management Department website for information on County programs and facilities (such as Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events, Used Motor Oil Recycling) and to view the Kern County Recycling Guide. Ridgecrest Landfill accepts paper for recycling - no magazines, junk mail or office paper.
Construction & Demolition (C&D) Debris
The City of Ridgecrest is required by State Law to divert a minimum of 65% of its waste from landfills. Many materials generated from C&D projects can be successfully diverted through recycling or reuse. Requiring C&D debris recycling as a condition of building permits helps the City to comply with State Law. The City requires 100% of inert solids and at least 50% (by weight) of the remaining C&D debris be diverted from the landfill for project types listed.
A waste management plan (format provided) must be submitted to the Building Official prior to the issuance of a building permit. Additionally, to obtain final approval for the project, the applicant must document CALGreen compliance within 30 days of project completion by submitting all recycling/disposal facility receipts.
CALGreen requires covered projects to recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum 65% of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent.
Waste Management
To help meet this requirement, the City has a franchise agreement for solid waste handling and recycling with Waste Management. WM can assist applicants in diverting C&D material through construction and demolition dumpster services in the City limits of Ridgecrest. You can reach them at 888-266-7511, ext. 4 for Commercial Services.
Tips to Manage C&D Material at the Job Site
- Determine recycling, salvage, reuse and disposal options before the job begins.
- Consider deconstruction instead of mechanical demolition.
- Reuse materials such as fixtures and doors.
- Donate materials that can be reused to charities or nonprofit agencies.
- Educate contractors regarding your waste management plan.
- Clearly identify recycling areas with large signs.
- Place recycling bins in areas that will minimize misuse or contamination by the employees and the public.
- Place advertisements in local newspapers announcing salvageable and reusable materials for sale or donation.
Mandatory Commercial Recycling (MCR)
Back in 2012, the State passed AB 341, Mandatory Commercial Recycling, which requires businesses that generate four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week, or a multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more, to recycle bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard.
Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling (MORe)
In 2016, the State began implementing AB 1826 (Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling) in a tiered approach. As of January 1, 2019, any business or multi-family residential dwellings of five units or more that generate four cubic yards or more of solid waste per week (total for trash, recycling and organics) must recycle their organic waste. As of December 31, 2020, any business or multi-family residential dwellings of five units or more that generate two cubic yards or more of solid waste per week (total for trash, recycling and organics) must recycle their organic waste.
SB 1383 Waiver Requirements
California State Legislature Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) became effective January 1, 2022. This law requires all waste generators, including businesses and multifamily complexes, to separate food scraps and yard waste from the trash and participate in an organic waste collection program with the City's contracted hauler, WM.
Under SB 1383, certain businesses and multifamily complexes may qualify for a waiver from this mandatory program; however, only those who have requested a waiver from WM and received approval from the City of Ridgecrest can avoid mandatory participation. If a waiver is not approved by the City of Ridgecrest, your business or property will be required to participate in the organic waste and recycling collection programs noted above. There are two (2) types of waiver requests available for commercial programs in Ridgecrest:
De Minimis Waiver
Businesses or multifamily complexes that generate either no or very little organic waste may qualify if either of the following conditions are met:
o Total solid waste collection of two (2) cubic yards or more per week (about two thirds of a standard size dumpster) with organic waste generation of less than twenty (20) gallons per week or,
o Total solid waste collection of less than two (2) cubic yards per week and organic waste generation of less than ten (10) gallons per week.
Space Constraint Waiver
Businesses or multifamily complexes that lack the physical space for a separate or additional organic waste and/or recycling container may qualify. The business or complex must be able to demonstrate that the space constraints cannot be resolved by changing container sizes or locations.
If you believe your business or multifamily complex may qualify for either of these waivers, please email Ashley Sparks at acrowsp@wm.com with the waiver request, including the SB 1383 Wavier Application Form and any supporting documentation. WM and the City of Ridgecrest will review requests based on the criteria above as required by CalRecyle to determine whether a waiver will be granted – this process may include site visits to confirm that the thresholds are met. The City and WM will continue to review the waiver applications as received and will be following up with the businesses with more detailed information and an official letter from the City either approving/denying the request.
For additional assistance with starting recycling and/or organic waste collection service, please contact WM Recycling Manager Ashley Sparks at acrowsp@wm.com or (661) 749-3762.
Additional information about the Commercial Recycling and Organics Recycling programs is available on the Waste Management website.
Sb1383 Frequently Asked Questions
Senate Bill 1383 is a CA state law that requires local jurisdictions to provide sanitation services to all residents and businesses, including collection services for solid waste, recycling, and organic materials. CalRecycle is the state agency responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of SB1383 regulations.
Beginning in January 2022 the City would be fined by CalRecycle for every violation under SB 1383 (and there are a lot of regulations). This is why the City filed for the Notice of Intent to Comply - to allow more time to educate citizens and implement the program before fines are incurred.
Yes – beginning the week of January 9, 2023, WM will begin collecting 3-streams of waste, including the new organics bins. This is to reduce the organic material that is landfilled – according to CalRecycle, organics account for 50% of landfilled waste. As organic materials decompose, methane is released. Methane is classified as a shortlived climate super-pollutant, 80x more potent than carbon dioxide.
Beginning in January 2023, collection services will include the following:
Organics (green lid): grass/leaves/tree clippings, coffee filters, tea bags, food-soiled paper products, all food (dairy, meat, bones, shells)
Recycle (blue lid): paper and cardstock, cardboard, rinsed plastic/aluminum/tin containers, recyclable packaging
Trash (black lid): non-recyclable packaging (Styrofoam, saran wrap, etc.), waxed paper products, sanitary/hygienic napkins, diapers, pet waste.
For more detailed information on sorting requirements, click HERE
No – this is why proper sorting is so important to reduce contamination of material streams. Recycling and organic materials are separated from the solid waste that is landfilled. The recycling is transferred to Pearson's recycling. Organics will be transferred to Mt. Vernon composting facility. By reducing the amount of material that is landfilled, the life of the landfill is extended (prolonging the need for an expensive new landfill) and there are various environmental benefits including better water quality and reduction in the potent greenhouse gas methane.
SB 1383 requires that jurisdictions provide organic waste collection services to all single-family and multifamily residences of all sizes and business that generate organic waste. Alternative means of disposal will be allowed to supplement collection, however per SB 1383 regulations, the jurisdiction must automatically provide collection service to all organic waste generators. The City of Ridgecrest contracts with WM to provide the required sanitation services, which is why residents and businesses within City limits will now have mandatory collection services with WM.
In addition to collection, monitoring, and reporting services for organics, recycling, & trash, WM provides the following services for residential customers at no additional charge:
- On-property service for elderly and/or disabled residents
- Bulky item collection for residents including multi-family properties (3 times per year)
- Sharps mail-back program
- Holiday tree collection
- Household hazardous waste collection at the Kern County Special Waste Facility, Ridgecrest landfill (2nd and 4th Saturday of the month).
For residential customers the cost will be dependent on the size of the trash container– this is called ‘right sizing’ and it means that the cost of service will be based on the amount of material that is being landfilled. Smaller trash bin sizes are available at a lower cost for households that do not generate large quantities of waste (i.e. senior citizens, one-person households, etc.). An additional recycling and/or organics bin can be requested free of charge. See the table below for more information regarding monthly residential rates for different size options.
| Residential Service Rates | Monthly Rate (2021-2022) | New Monthly Rate (2022-2023) | Difference |
| 35-gallon trash service | $15.32 | $20.23 | $4.91 |
| 65-gallon trash service | $17.75 | $22.79 | $5.54 |
| 95-gallon | $19.15 | $25.29 | $6.14 |
| Additional 95-gallon trash cart | $8.97 | $11.84 | $2.87 |
| Every other week Recycling Service (up to two carts) | Included | Included | _ |
| Weekly Organics Service (Coming 2023) | - | Included | - |
| Additional Recycling or Organics Cart (3 or more carts) | $8.97 | $11.84 | $2.87 |
| On Property Service | $35.55 | $46.96 | $11.41 |
The new rates went into effect in July 2022 and cover the cost of the materials that WM will be procuring to prepare for the new collection program implementation in January 2023. The rates can be thought of in two parts: the first part is to cover the cost of equipment (carts, bins, and trucks). Even though this is a “one-time cost” for purchasing each piece of equipment, WM is putting the money in upfront and will be paid back, through the rates, over the length of the contract, which is ten years starting July 2022. By starting the increase in July, WM was able to order all of the necessary equipment (e.g. trucks, containers, etc.) at the July 2022 price avoiding the inflation that will be included in the January 2023 price. This also ensures that all new containers can be distributed to the community on time for the collection program to begin in January. The term length of the agreement was specifically chosen to align with the useful life of the assets to enhance rate stability and equity. The second part is, as noted, is to cover ongoing costs for collection (both current collection services for trash and recycling, and future organics collection).
In an effort to reduce rates to customers, the City negotiated a bi-weekly collection frequency schedule with our Local Enforcement Agency to allow solid waste and recycling to be collected every other week with the implementation of weekly organics collection. This reduced the proposed rate increase to residential customers by 32%. Furthermore, the City worked with WM to develop a cart transition schedule to re-lid existing carts for color compliance rather than replacing existing inventory for additional savings. WM offers an option for a 35-gallon trash cart service at a reduced rate for those that do not generate a significant amount of waste. WM offers "on-property service" free of charge for seniors/disabled residents.
The City worked with WM and the Local Enforcement Agency to address any potential health hazards that may arise from bi-weekly collection of solid waste. The majority of putrescible waste will be collected as 'organic' material on the same weekly frequency as current solid waste collection. The City also gained approval from Kern County Public Works to accept compostable bags in the organic bins to help reduce lingering odors/residue from food waste. For those that may have above-average volumes of solid waste - additional bins are available from WM. For residents that generate large quantities of diapers or pet waste, a twelve-month pilot program will be implemented to provide an additional drop-off facility for these materials. This program will include a diaper drop-off bin located at WM’s corporation yard to collect nuisance non-organic solid waste in conjunction with the every-other-week solid waste and recyclable materials collection.
As of January 2023, opting out of WM service is no longer an option for Ridgecrest residents. A commercial business may be eligible for a waiver (de minimis, space constraint) if specific criteria are met per SB 1383 regulations. Unfortunately, CalRecycle does not allow jurisdictions to issue residential waivers. If service is not set up, automatic enrollment will occur and billing will commence. Remember, costs can be reduced by rightsizing your trash cart. To set up or modify service with WM, contact Customer Service at (760) 463-6024.
Local jurisdictions are required to begin enforcement in January 2024. The City of Ridgecrest will focus on addressing violations with additional outreach and education to reach compliance. If violations are egregious and/or continuous, the City does have the ability to levy administrative citations. However, the City is committed to working with residents and businesses to address issues prior to levying fines whenever feasible.
The community recycling bins on Ridgecrest Blvd. have proven challenging to maintain and service due to overuse and illegal dumping. For this reason, the bins will be moved to WM Corporation Yard at 237 San Bernardino Blvd. (County Line Rd.), Ridgecrest, CA 93555, beginning January 2023.
Information will be provided at the current site to inform citizens of the relocation. The recycling bin will be available to accept recyclable materials over the weekend and will start empty on Saturday mornings. WM will work on providing a second recycling bin to accommodate additional recycling generated during the holiday season.
The City is working with Kern County Public Works to arrange procurement of organic material in the form of compost that will be made available to residents through free compost giveaway events. More information to follow.
Yes - for those outside City jurisdiction, Kern County Public Works is responsible for implementing programs to comply with SB 1383. For more information, contact Kern County Public Works Department – Waste Operations Division at (661) 862-5100 or https://kernpublicworks.com/contact-us/.
For policy questions, contact Megan McKenzie at mmckenzie@ridgecrest-ca.gov.
For logistical questions, please contact WM representative Ashley Sparks at acrowsp@wm.com.