Organic Waste Recycling Requirements (SB 1383)
Under California Senate Bill 1383, residents and businesses in Monterey County must properly manage organic waste to reduce landfill methane emissions while recovering edible food for people in need. Local SB 1383 programs demonstrate how regional collaboration can turn this mandate into meaningful environmental and community benefits.
Preventing Organic Waste
Residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce organic waste generation by:
- Planning meals and purchasing only what is needed
- Storing food properly to prevent spoilage
- Using leftovers creatively
- Composting food scraps as a last resort
Recycling Organic Materials
All organic waste must be separated by residents and businesses and placed in your designated organics container for collection.
Organic materials may be recycled through:
- Curbside organics collection provided by [Hauler Name for Your Jurisdiction with a link]
- On-site composting
Methane Reduction Benefits
Keeping organic materials out of landfills helps:
- Prevent methane emissions that occur when organic materials decompose in landfills. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change.
- Create nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health, supports local farms and landscaping, and helps build a circular local economy.
- Improve soil’s ability to retain water and store carbon, helping farms and landscapes become more resilient to drought and climate impacts.
Organic Waste Collection Services
Organic waste generated in Del Rey Oaks is collected by GreenWaste, and processed at ReGen Monterey, your local waste management district. At ReGen, yard trimmings and food scraps are transformed into nutrient-rich compost that helps local farms grow the food that feeds our community.
Contact your hauler if your home or business does not yet have an organics cart.
Public Health and Environmental Benefits
Diverting organic waste from landfills helps protect public health and the environment by:
- Reducing methane emissions that contribute to climate change
- Protecting air and water quality
- Conserving landfill space for future generations
Edible Food Recovery
Certain businesses are required to donate edible food that would otherwise be discarded to food recovery organizations. According to the Monterey County Health Needs Collaborative, over 40 percent of Monterey County residents are food insecure. ReGen Monterey has resources that can connect food generating businesses with nonprofits that distribute food to residents in need including food pantries, senior meal delivery programs, homeless service providers, campus food hubs and food banks.
Please note that, while there are not currently any edible Food Recovery Organizations (FRO) or Food Recovery Services (FRS) in the City of Del Rey Oaks, a link to a list of FRO/FRS in the surrounding area is available below. This list will be updated annually, or sooner should a FRO/FRS become available in the City of Del Rey Oaks.
Edible food recovery resources include:
- Careit Food Donation App – A free online marketplace that connects food donors such as restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, institutions and municipalities with nonprofits that recover food for people in need. Nonprofits can claim available food, coordinate pickup, and track donations through the app.
- View a list of local edible food recovery organizations
- Learn more about Edible Food Recovery Grants
- Visit CalRecycle to learn more SB 1383 requirements for food recovery organizations
- Best Practice Guide for Food Recovery Organizations and Services