On January 1, 2022, a new California state law (SB 1383) took effect, requiring that compostable materials be kept out of landfills—including food scraps, paper, cardboard, and plant trimmings—to prevent the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In Alameda County, the law is implemented under the Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance.

Residents must have curbside compost/organics and recycling collection service and sort materials into the correct bins. Compost/organics and recycling containers are available at no additional cost from Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC).

Businesses, institutions, and nonprofits as well as owners/managers of multifamily properties with five or more units must subscribe to compost/organics and recycling collection service, set up color-coded and labeled indoor bins (multifamily properties: common areas only), ensure proper sorting, and educate employees, contractors, and/or tenants about the law at least annually and during tenant move-in and move-out.

Certain food-generating businesses* must also donate surplus edible food to food recovery (rescue) organizations or services instead of composting it. Click here for more information and to find a list of Food Recovery Partners available to pick up or receive surplus edible food from Alameda County businesses and institutions. 

*Tier 1 sites that must start surplus food donation by 1/1/22: large supermarkets ($2M+ gross annual sales), grocery stores (>10,000 sq. ft.), food service providers, food distributors, and wholesale food vendors. Tier 2 sites that must start surplus food donation by 1/1/24: large health facilities (100+ beds), hotels (200+ rooms), large venues and special events (2,000+ individuals per day), restaurants (>5,000 sq. ft. or 250+ seats), state agency facilities, and public schools.

·      Contact Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 613-8700 to order compost/organics and recycling collection service if you don’t already have it and to request containers.

·      To learn what goes where, visit Resource.Stopwaste.org/Curbside.

·      For more information about the Ordinance, including free support services and outreach materials, visit www.StopWaste.org/Rules. 

Questions? Email com-dev@albanyca.org.