Organics Recycling – SB 1383

The State of California has a new organics recycling mandate – Senate Bill 1383 – to divert organic materials like food and green waste from landfills to purposeful uses like compost, mulch, and renewable energy. To fulfill the state law and to continue Santa Monica’s commitment to environmental stewardship and achieving our zero waste goal by 2030, the City Council adopted a new Mandatory Recycling Ordinance for Santa Monica on November 9, 2021.

Under the ordinance, all Santa Monica single- and multi-family households and commercial customers are required to separate waste using a three-bin system: black for refuse, blue for non-organics recycling such as cardboards and bottles, and green for organics recycling beginning January 1, 2022. While many customers have three bins, there are some that do not have a green bin, commonly known as the bin for yard waste. The green bin serves a wider use for all organics, which means food waste, food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste, and green waste (e.g., landscape and yard waste). 

The requirement goes into effect on January 1, 2022 with enforcement to follow. There are limited waivers for the organics recycling mandate, including businesses and residents that collect a minimal amount of organics per week or if a customer’s building lacks adequate space for the required containers (subject to approval by the City).

To learn more about how to recycle your organic waste, listen to the KCRW and Santa Monica Daily Press podcasts on organics recycling.

To view the City’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance, click here.