Solid Waste Cooperative

Solid Waste & Recycling Program

SB 1383: Reducing Organic Waste in California

Organic waste makes up more than one-third of the material in California’s waste stream. When this material decomposes in landfills, it emits greenhouse gases (GHGs) that significantly contribute to climate change. To address this issue, Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was passed to set statewide targets for reducing organic waste disposal:

• 50% reduction from 2014 levels by 2020
• 75% reduction by 2025

In addition, SB 1383 requires the recovery of 20% of edible food that would otherwise be sent to landfills, to help feed Californians in need.

The final regulations went into effect on January 1, 2022, and apply to cities, counties, businesses, and residents across California. The edible food recovery requirements are being phased in for two tiers of commercial food generators:

• Tier I generators (e.g., supermarkets, large grocery stores, food service providers, wholesalers) were required to comply starting January 1, 2022
• Tier II generators (e.g., hotels with on-site food facilities, large restaurants, health facilities, and large venues) were required to comply starting January 1, 2024

For more information, implementation tools, and educational resources, please visit CalRecycle’s SB 1383 webpage.

WRCOG continues to support its member agencies and partners with outreach, technical assistance, and collaboration as we work together toward a more sustainable future.

Proper Disposal of Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Electronic waste (E-waste) includes electronic products that are no longer working or are nearing the end of their useful life—such as computers, cell phones, tablets, TVs, and other devices. Due to the harmful materials many of these products contain, California law requires that E-waste be disposed of properly to protect human health and the environment.

In addition to environmental concerns, many electronics also store personal or sensitive information. Before donating, recycling, or disposing of any electronic device, be sure to erase all personal data from the device’s memory.

There are several safe and responsible ways to dispose of your E-waste:

• Find a certified E-waste recycling center near you: CalRecycle E-Waste Locator
• Explore local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection options through Riverside County Waste Resources:
• By properly disposing of your electronics, you help keep toxic materials out of landfills and contribute to a more sustainable and secure community.

Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Diversion

Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials make up a significant portion of California’s overall waste stream. According to CalRecycle, C&D debris accounts for approximately 29% of all materials disposed of in landfills statewide.
Common C&D materials include:

• Lumber and wood
• Drywall and plaster
• Concrete, brick, and other masonry
• Metals and wiring
• Carpet and flooring
• Plastic, pipes, and glass
• Dirt, rocks, green waste, and land-clearing debris
• Paper and cardboard

Many of these materials can be reused or recycled, helping to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and potentially lower project costs through material recovery and landfill diversion.

Recycling C&D waste is not only environmentally responsible—it’s also a key strategy in meeting local and state waste diversion goals, including compliance with California’s Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).

For more information on how to properly manage and recycle C&D materials, visit CalRecycle – Construction & Demolition.

Solid Waste Committee Meetings

WRCOG’s Solid Waste Committee (SWC) was formed after the adoption of Assembly Bill (AB) 939, “The Integrated Waste Management Act,” to regionally address the waste diversion goals in Western Riverside County.  California has continued to pass legislation (AB 341, AB 1826, AB 827, and SB 1383) requiring jurisdictions to implement processes that promote business and multi-family complex recycling and organics recycling programs.  The SWC works with WRCOG’s member agencies, its partners, and the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), meeting every quarter to discuss solid waste issues and ways to address mandates.  Participation in the SWC includes the option for the preparation and submittal of the Electronic Annual Report (EAR) by WRCOG.  The EAR describes the progress a jurisdiction has made in achieving CA legislation under AB 939 and SB 1383.  Staff provides a final draft for review and upon approval of member jurisdictions’ EARs are submitted to CalRecycle.   EARs are due August 1 of each year for the previous calendar year activities.

Representatives from WRCOG member agencies and stakeholders meet quarterly to discuss solid waste, environmental, and recycling issues.

Participating Jurisdictions