The following laws are designed to reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability across the state. Compliance is generally monitored and enforced by local jurisdictions, with the ultimate goal of creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly California.

AB341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling (2012)

Overview:

• This law requires businesses and multifamily residential dwellings (with five or more units) to arrange for recycling services.
• The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting commercial solid waste from landfills.

Important Dates:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2012

Key Points:

• Businesses and multifamily residential complexes generating four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week must recycle.
• Local jurisdictions are responsible for informing businesses about recycling requirements and tracking progress.

AB 1826: Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling (2016)

Overview:

• This law requires businesses to recycle their organic waste (like food scraps, yard trimmings, and non-hazardous wood waste).

Important Dates:

• April 1, 2016: Businesses generating 8 cubic yards of organic waste per week must recycle.
• January 1, 2017: Businesses generating 4 cubic yards of organic waste per week must recycle.
• January 1, 2019: Businesses generating 4 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week must recycle organic waste.
• September 1, 2020: Local jurisdictions must implement programs to recycle organic waste from businesses.

Key Points:

• The thresholds gradually decrease over time to include more businesses.
• By 2025, the goal is to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% and to rescue at least 20% of edible food for human consumption.