As of January 1, 2019, businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week are required to arrange for organic waste recycling services.
In fall 2020, using 2018/2019 Statewide Waste Characterization Study data and 2019 Recycling and Disposal Reporting System data, CalRecycle will determine if the statewide disposal of organic waste has decreased by 50 percent by 2020 (using 2014 as a baseline). If it has not decreased by 50 percent, then the organic recycling requirements on businesses will expand to include businesses that generate two cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week. Additionally, the exemption for businesses that do not generate at least one cubic yard of organic waste per week will no longer be available if this target is not met. CalRecycle will continue to conduct the two- and four-year reviews after this cycle.
Late last year (October 2019), the City of Irvine like other California local jurisdictions started reaching out to businesses requesting information regarding their Organic Waste Recycling Program. In their letter, they mentioned that the State has required the jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance and fine structure by no later than January 1, 2022 (i.e. Senate Bill (SB) 1383). The new State regulations will require the jurisdictions to fine not only all locations who are without required programs, but also locations that have food waste in their trash or are mixing trash with their organic waste set out for recycling.
NV5’s experienced regulatory compliance specialists provide expertise on the requirements of AB1826. We can help businesses or property owners prepare Organic Waste Recycling Programs and train their employees and/or tenants before these fines are mandated.