Recology works closely with city and state government toward our shared sustainability goals. Important pieces of recycling legislation include AB 341 and more recently, AB 1826.
AB 341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling
Effective July 1, 2012, California Assembly Bill 341 (AB 341) mandates all businesses that generate more than 4 cubic yards of solid waste “trash” per week, and multifamily dwellings of 5 units or more are subject to mandatory commercial recycling. Businesses can take one, or any combination of the following actions in order to divert recyclable waste from landfill:
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- Self-haul
- Subscribe to a hauler
- Arrange for the pickup of recyclable materials
In Vallejo, businesses and property owners may subscribe to recycling services to comply. Property owners of a commercial business or multifamily residential dwelling may also require tenants to source separate their recyclable materials to aid in compliance.
AB 1826: Mandatory Commercial Organics
Effective January 1, 2019, California Assembly Bill 1826 (AB 1826) mandates all businesses, and multifamily dwellings of 5 units or more, that generate 4 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste “trash, recycling, and organics” per week are subject to mandatory organics recycling. Businesses can take one, or any combination of the following actions in order to divert compostable waste from landfill:
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- Source separate organic waste from other waste and participate in a waste recycling service that includes collection and recycling of organic waste
- Recycle its organic waste on site through such means as composting, anaerobic digestion, and/or vermi composting.
- Self-haul its organic waste off site for recycling
Organic materials we collect include food scraps, food soiled paper, landscape and pruning waste, etc.
*Note that multifamily dwellings are not required to recycle food waste, including food-soiled paper; please refer this link for guidance.
SB 1383
SB 1383 builds upon California’s leading commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution statewide. SB1383 will require all businesses and residents to divert organic materials (including: food waste, yard waste and soiled paper products) from the landfill. Starting January 1st, 2022 regulations will take effect and State enforcement begins. The law also requires the state to increase edible food recovery by 20% by 2025. To review CalRecycle resources and education about Senate Bill 1383, click here.