SB 1383 Commercial Self-Haul Organic Waste

West Contra Costa city ordinances, in accordance with Senate Bill 1383, mandate that entities that self-haul organic waste meet the following criteria as a condition of their authorization to collect organic waste. Organic waste in this context refers to yard waste such as grass clippings and tree trimmings collected during routine yard maintenance.

Businesses that self-haul organic waste must:  

  1. Separate generated organic waste from non-organic waste on site and haul the organic waste to a solid waste facility that processes or recovers the waste.
    • Alternatively, collect comingled organic waste onsite and haul it to a high-diversion organic waste processing facility.
  2. Keep a record of the organic waste collected and delivered to each solid waste facilit
    • This record shall include the amount of material in cubic yards or tons transported to each facility, delivery receipts, and weight tickets from the entity accepting the waste.
    • Provide records for inspection by the City or designee upon request.

SB 1383 Violation Complaint Form

  • Please use this form to submit an alleged violation of the State of California Senate Bill (SB) 1383. Only complete this form if the violation has occurred in the following cities: El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules, and the Unincorporated areas of West Contra Costa County. Once submitted, West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (known as "RecycleMore"), will review your submission and commence the investigation within 90 days. This form will be submitted anonymously and you will not be disclosed to the violator. If you would like RecycleMore to contact you on the status of the investigation, you may include your contact information on the bottom section of this form. Once you have completed the form, please press the "Submit" button. Thank you.
  • Name of Business or Multifamily Property:
  • Address:
  • Phone Number (Optional):
  • Email (Optional):
  • Select at least one option and/or indicate "Other" if applicable,
  • Please describe, in detail, the alleged violation, including city locations(s) and all other relevant facts known to the complainant:
  • You may submit almost any file type. If you are having issues uploading the files, you may email for assistance to [email protected].
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, gif, png, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, mp3, mp4, Max. file size: 1 MB.
    • Your Contact Information (Optional)

      Please ONLY complete this section if you would like RecycleMore to contact you regarding the alleged violation submission.
    • Submit

      Once you have completed the form, please select the "Submit" button below.

    SB 1383 Organics Waiver Request

     

    Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires all California businesses, multifamily properties, and residents to divert recyclable and organic materials from the trash. All entities are required to subscribe to recycling and organics service through your garbage collection company or demonstrate that your divertible materials are being taken to a recycling or composting facility.

    As of Jan 1, 2022, it is illegal to place recyclables or organics in your trash containers in California. Organics includes plant debris, food, food soiled papers and untreated wood. Compliance assistance is available through your garbage collection company, and enforcement with potential penalties begins on Jan 1, 2024.

    To understand the SB 1383 law, the requirements, and how to comply, click here

    Certain businesses may qualify for a limited 5-year term organics waiver.  To apply for a waiver, see below for the qualifications. If you can demonstrate your waiver qualifications, complete the “SB 1383 Online Self-Reporting Form” (see links below).

     

    Waivers for organics services and Alternative Compliance will be reviewed for the following circumstances, only:

     

    1) Waivers

    a. Generate Minimal Organics (De Minimis Waiver): 

    De Minimis Waivers will be considered if you can demonstrate that you dispose of less than 20 gallons of organics each week; or 10 gallons per week for a smaller business. Multifamily properties are not eligible for De Minimus Waivers, due to the volume of tenant food waste.

    Non-food generating businesses that have landscaping do not qualify for a waiver since they are generating plant debris. Please provide landscaper information in the SB 1383 Online Self-Reporting Form (see below) under the Alternative Compliance section.

    b. Physical Space Waiver:

    If your business premises lacks adequate space for organics waste containers, you may qualify for a Physical Space Waiver. A site visit will be needed to verify your claim; limited Physical Space Waivers will be granted.

     

    2) Alternative Compliance

    • Large Markets & Manufacturers – Some large food generators utilize alternative diversion methods for food waste and may be compliant with SB 1383 without curbside organics collection. Please submit your information in the SB 1383 Online Self-Reporting Form (see below) under the Alternative Compliance section, so we can review your generation and practices.
    • Non-food Generating Businesses – Some small offices that have a landscaper removing all plant debris can submit your information using the SB 1383 Online Self-Reporting Form (see below), under the Alternative Compliance section.

     


    SB 1383 Online Self-Reporting Form

    To request for Waivers and Alternative Compliance, select the appropriate link below, which applies to the city your business is located in.

    Please note: If your waiver has been approved, you will not hear from RecycleMore. If your waiver is not approved, you will be contacted by your waste collection company to start service. 

     

    TO ACCESS THE FORMS:

     

    For Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole & Hercules:

    LINK TO ONLINE FORM:  https://recycl.ist/2GcVpf

    OR

    DOWNLOAD FORM HERE – CLICK HERE

     

    For El Cerrito:

    LINK TO ONLINE FORM:  https://recycl.ist/CrdwW1

    OR

    DOWNLOAD FORM HERE – CLICK HERE

     

    For Unincorporated West Contra Costa County, access their website for more information and their forms:

    LINK TO COUNTY WEBPAGE:  CCC SB 1383 Organics Waste and Edible Food Recovery Link

     


    Questions?

    Contact RecycleMore if you have questions regarding the SB 1383 Organics Waiver Request or Alternative Compliance.


     

    SB 1383: New Recycling Law Effective January 1, 2022

    Diverting Organic Waste and Recyclables is Now Mandatory with a New California State Law SB 1383

    A new California State Law, Senate Bill (SB) 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, aims to keep food and other compostable materials (“organics”) out of landfills to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change.

    Effective January 1, 2022, regulations for SB 1383 will be implemented in West Contra Costa County along with the member cities in this jurisdiction and the garbage collection companies (Republic Services and East Bay Sanitary).

     

    To Comply with SB 1383

    To comply with this law, all businesses and residents will be required to separate organics and recyclable materials from trash and either subscribe to the required collection services or self-haul to an appropriate facility for diversion.

    • If you are a business owner in West Contra Costa County, CLICK HERE
    • If you are a multifamily property owner in West Contra Costa County, CLICK HERE
    • If you are resident of West Contra Costa County, CLICK HERE
    • If you are a resident of West Contra Costa County living in a mulltifamily property complex, CLICK HERE

     

    The Goal of SB 1383

    Regulations will take effect on January 1, 2022. The goal of SB 1383 is to reduce organic waste disposal 75% by 2025 and to rescue 20% of surplus edible food for the food insecure by 2025.

     

    The Solution: Fight Climate Change

    California is experiencing the effects of a climate crisis: hotter summers, rising sea levels that erode our coastlines, extreme droughts, and more devasting fire seasons.

    The solution? Take on the climate crisis. This will put California and West Contra Costa County in a much better position to protect the health of our people and our planet.

    View the video from CalRecycle to learn more about California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy.

     

    The Solution: Reduce Food Waste to Feed the Food Insecure

    Approximately 1 out of every 6 people in Contra Costa County and in California are food insecure, meaning these individuals or families struggle to find their next meal. This law will help reduce food waste and help feed the food insecure.

     

    City Solid Waste Ordinances

    Each city is required to adopt a Solid Waste Ordinance that complies with the requirement of the law.

    Refer to the specific member city agency for the ordinances.

     

    Resources

    Flyer – SB 1383 General Compliance Flyer

     

     

    Mandatory Multi-Family Organics Waste and Recycle Law (SB 1383)

    Diverting Organic Waste and Recyclables Now Mandatory Under New State Law

     

     

    Effective January 1, 2024, jurisdictions can issue notice of violations and fines for generators that are not compliant with SB 1383.

    Effective January 1, 2022, California state law Senate Bill (SB) 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, requires all businesses, residents, and multifamily properties, to separate organic materials (such as plant debris, food waste, food soiled papers, untreated wood waste) and recyclable materials from trash, and either subscribe to the required collection services or self-haul to an appropriate facility for diversion.


    JUMP TO SECTIONS ON THIS PAGE:

    The GOAL  |  The WHO  |  The WHAT  |  The HOW  |  The TOOLKIT  |  The WHY  |  The ENFORCEMENT | For SELF-HAUL


    The GOAL of SB 1383

    • Reduce organic waste disposal 75% by 2025.

    • Rescue 20% of surplus edible food for those that need it by 2025.

    SB 1383 Requirements and Timeline

    Source: CalRecycle

    WHO: Who Does This Affect?

    • Single-Family homes/Condos/Townhomes
    • Multi-Family properties (such as condos or apartments with 3+ or more units, and for City of El Cerrito with 5+ or more units),
    • Commercial Businesses
    • Public/Private Schools

    WHAT: What Does This Mean?    

    The SB 1383 law has expanded on the requirements of AB 341 – Mandatory Commercial Recycling and AB 1826 – Mandatory Commercial Recycling.

    The Changes:

    • This now impacts residents, not just businesses and multi-family properties – sorting of organics and recyclables is now mandatory.
    • Large food-generating businesses like Supermarkets and Wholesale Food Distributors are now required to contract with an edible food recovery organization to donate excess edible food to help feed people.

    HOWHow Do I Participate?

    Here is how you can participate to be compliant with the SB 1383 law:

     

    MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES

    As of January 1, 2022, all multifamily properties (such as condos or apartments with 3+ or more units, and for City of El Cerrito with 5+ or more units), under state law, are now required to provide an organics cart for tenant food waste as well as manage all landscaping debris generated at the site. If you have a landscaper, you must verify that they are delivering all removed landscaping debris to a compost facility or utilizing your on-site green cart.

    If you are a Multifamily property owner or manager, please call your waste management collection services company to request the required containers or to request a site visit to discuss service options.
    For businesses located in El Cerrito, contact East Bay Sanitary.
    For businesses located in all other cities of West Contra Costa County, contact Republic Services.

    It is recommended that property management ask tenants to opt-in to the food waste program. While not all tenants are required to participate, all accounts must have a green cart available to tenants that opt-in to participate.

    Multifamily property owners are required under the law to provide information on recycling and composting to tenants annually and upon move-in and upon notice of move out. Tenant instructions are available for those tenants that wish to participate in the food waste program.


    TOOLKIT 

    For convenience, here are some resources to access to help provide the information to your tenants in the Republic Service area:

    Apartment & Condominium Waste Services Guide – Brochure

    Apartment & Condominium Waste Services Guide – Brochure – Spanish

     

    Organics Notification Letter Template

    Organics Notification Letter Template – Spanish

     

    Sample Lease Agreement

    Sample Lease Agreement – Spanish

     

    What Goes Where Poster – Organics

    What Goes Where Poster – Recycling

    What Goes Where Poster – Trash

     

     

    Food Scrap Pail Information

    Contact Republic Services Recycling Coordinators to obtain Food Scrap Pails for your tenants at [email protected] or call (510) 262-7140.

     

    Access the Online Recycling Guide to Determine What Goes in Each Bin:

    (select image)

        

    Additional Resources – Videos

    Here are videos that show your tenants how to properly sort waste and use the Kitchen Food Scrap Pail properly to place the contents in the green/organics cart. Feel free to share with your tenants.

     

    Apartments & Condomiums Waste Training by Republic Services

    This video was produced by Republic Services, and given RecycleMore approval to use.

    Composting for Apartments and Condos – English Version:

    Composting for Apartments and Condos – Spanish Version:

    Composting for Apartments and Condos – Chinese Version:

    These three (3) videos were produced by ReThinkWaste, a South Bayside Waste Management Authority, located in San Carlos, CA, and given RecycleMore approval to use.



    WHY: Why Is This Important?

    Complying with this state law helps combat climate change by recycling organic waste correctly. Organic waste is the largest waste stream in California and items like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californian’s dump in landfills. When these organic materials are sent to a landfill, they generate methane, a powerful climate pollutant. Landfills are the third largest source of methane in the state and are contributing to the drought, wildfires, and flooding that we are seeing around the state and nation. In addition, air pollutants contribute to health conditions and breathing issues like asthma.

    Landfills are the Third Largest Source of Methane Gas in California

    Source: CalRecycle

     

    By diverting organic material to compost facilities, we are directly reducing the amount of climate pollutants generated by our waste materials.

    Fighting Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste

    Source: CalRecycle


    ENFORCEMENT: Compliance Monitoring, Sorting, and Violations

    VIOLATIONS

    As of January 1, 2024, jurisdictions can issue notice of violations and fines for generators that are not compliant with SB 1383.

    MONITORING OF PROPERLY SORTING WASTE

    As a requirement of SB 1383, annual audits for Multifamily Properties must be performed to ensure waste is properly sorted.

    Your garbage collection company be conducting random inspections of containers periodically to identify contamination and encourage proper materials separation.

    These inspections will involve minimal handling of your material and may include opening of bags to inspect container contents. Auditors will be wearing reflective vests and may spend several minutes conducting their audit activities, in the early morning hours. If your containers have been inspected, you will be notified with a tag placed on your container with the outcome.

    If you have any questions, please contact your garbage collection company:  Republic Services Customer Service Department at (510) 262-7100 or East Bay Sanitary Customer Service Department at (510) 237-4321.

     

    Mandatory Commercial Organics Waste and Recycle Law (SB 1383)

    Diverting Organic Waste and Recyclables Now Mandatory Under New State Law SB 1383

     

    Effective January 1, 2024, jurisdictions can issue notice of violations and fines for generators that are not compliant with SB 1383.

    Effective January 1, 2022, California state law Senate Bill (SB) 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, requires all businesses, residents, and multifamily properties, to separate organic materials (such as plant debris, food waste, food soiled papers, untreated wood waste) and recyclable materials from trash, and either subscribe to the required collection services or self-haul to an appropriate facility for diversion.


    JUMP TO SECTIONS ON THIS PAGE:

    The GOAL  |  The WHO  |  The WHAT  |  The HOW  |  The RESOURCES  |  The WHY  |  The ENFORCEMENT | For SELF-HAUL



    The Goal of SB 1383

    • Reduce organic waste disposal 75% by 2025.

    • Rescue 20% of surplus edible food for those that need it by 2025.

    SB 1383 Requirements and Timeline

    Source: CalRecycle


    WHO: Who Does This Affect?

    • Single-Family homes/Condos/Townhomes
    • Multi-Family properties with 5+ more units
    • Commercial Businesses*
    • Public/Private Schools

     

    *Waivers:

    Limited waivers will be considered if you can demonstrate that your business generates less than 20 gallons of organics per week. Select SB 1383 Organics Waiver Request to learn more about the qualifications and to access the SB 1383 Online Self Reporting Form.



    WHAT: What Does This Mean?    

    The SB 1383 law has expanded on the requirements of AB 341 – Mandatory Commercial Recycling and AB 1826 – Mandatory Commercial Organics.

    The Changes:

    • This now impacts residents, not just businesses and multi-family properties – sorting of organics and recyclables is now mandatory.
    • Large food-generating businesses like Supermarkets and Wholesale Food Distributors are now required to contract with an edible food recovery organization to donate excess edible food to help feed people.


    HOW: How Do I Participate?

    Here are the law requirements for businesses and how you can participate to be compliant with the SB 1383 law:

     

    BUSINESSES

    1) Subscribe to Collection Service 

    Subscribe to curbside organics and recycling service from your waste collection company. Depending on your city, these diversion services can usually be added at no additional cost.

    2) Provide Containers for Organic and Recycling Waste

    Businesses are also required to make organics and recycling collection containers available to customers for the waste materials generated in self-serve areas.

    The containers must be green, blue, and black, or be labeled wtih “organics”, “recyclables”, and “garbage”.

    Who to contact for collection service:

    For businesses located in El Cerrito (for organics collection) contact East Bay Sanitary at (510) 237-4321.

    For businesses located in El Cerrito (for recycling collection) contact City of El Cerrito at (510) 215-4350.

    For businesses located in all other cities of West Contra Costa County, contact Republic Services.

    3) Sort Waste Materials: Require employees to place organic waste only in organics containers

    Effectively separate all waste materials your business generates. Building effective waste management into your standard operating procedures can help with staff satisfaction, sustainability marketing, and also possibly save you money.

    4) Provide yearly information to employees about proper sorting of organic waste

    Employee training, instructional resources, and free interior containers are available from your waste collection service company to help you to implement these programs.


    (Select image below to help you identify what goes in each cart/bin/dumpster):

        

    5) Periodically inspect organic waste containers for contamination

    6) Allow access to the property for inspections from designated jurisdiction or state representatives

    7) Implement Surplus Edible Food Recovery Program                                                     (Applies to large food generating businesses only)

    Some large food-generating businesses (such as supermarkets and wholesale food distributors) are required to contract with an edible food recovery agency and track your recovered food.

    If your business falls within with one of the categories below, you will need to implement a surplus edible food recovery program by the effective date.

     

    As a Food Generator, here is what you need to implement in order to comply with the law:

    1. Partner with one or more food recovery organizations or services to pick up or receive your surplus edible food.
    2. Have a written agreement or contract with the edible food recovery organization(s) or service(s).
    3. Recover the maximum amount of surplus edible food generated.
    4. Track and maintain a record of the following information:
    • The types of food that will be recovered each month.
    • The established frequency that food will be collected.
    • The estimated quantity of food, measured in pounds recovered per month, collected or self-hauled to a food recovery organization or service.
      1. Provide records of food recovery upon request or inspection.

     

    Resources for setting up a surplus edible food recovery program:

    Contact a food recovery organization to arrange for the donation of your recoverable edible food and start helping your communities now. For your convenience, RecycleMore has prepared a list for your consideration, and you may also refer to CalRecycle.

    RecycleMore – Edible Food Recovery Organizations

    CalRecycle – Food Recovery Organizations

     

    SB 1383 Edible Food Recovery Brochure

    Download the RecycleMore Edible Food Recovery brochure (in partnership with Contra Costa Health Services):

    CLICK HERE – English Version

    CLICK HERE – Spanish Version (versión en español)

    CLICK HERE – Chinese Version (西班牙语版  /  Xībānyá yǔ bǎn)

    Inspection and Enforcement of Edible Food Recovery Programs

    As part of the food recovery program requirements of state law SB 1383, local jurisdictions are required to inspect that you have a food recovery agreement in place and are donating your excess food.

    Refer to the chart below for the start dates of when inspections and enforcement of Edible Food Recovery Programs begin:

     

    Source: CalRecycle



    WHY: Why is This Important?

    Complying with this state law helps combat climate change by recycling organic waste correctly. Organic waste is the largest waste stream in California and items like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californian’s dump in landfills. When these organic materials are sent to a landfill, they generate methane, a powerful climate pollutant. Landfills are the third largest source of methane in the state and are contributing to the drought, wildfires, and flooding that we are seeing around the state and nation. In addition, air pollutants contribute to health conditions and breathing issues like asthma.

    Landfillls are the Third Largest Source of Methane Gas in California

    Source: CalRecycle

     

    By diverting organic material to compost facilities, we are directly reducing the amount of climate pollutants generated by our waste materials.

    Fighting Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste

    Source: CalRecycle


    ENFORCEMENT: Compliance Monitoring, Sorting, and Violations

    VIOLATIONS

    As of January 1, 2024, jurisdictions can issue notice of violations and fines for generators that are not compliant with SB 1383.

    MONITORING OF PROPERLY SORTING WASTE

    As a requirement of SB 1383, annual audits for Businesses must be performed to ensure waste is properly sorted.

    Your garbage collection company be conducting random inspections of containers periodically to identify contamination and encourage proper materials separation.

    These inspections will involve minimal handling of your material and may include opening of bags to inspect container contents. Auditors will be wearing reflective vests and may spend several minutes conducting their audit activities, in the early morning hours. If your containers have been inspected, you will be notified with a tag placed on your container with the outcome.

    If you have any questions, please contact your garbage collection company:  Republic Services Customer Service Department at (510) 262-7100 or East Bay Sanitary Customer Service Department at (510) 237-4321.

     

    Mandatory Residential Organics Waste and Recycling Law (SB 1383)

    Diverting Organic Waste and Recyclables Now Mandatory

     

    Effective January 1, 2022, California state law Senate Bill (SB) 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, requires all businesses, residents, and multifamily properties, to separate organic materials (such as plant debris, food waste, food soiled papers, untreated wood waste) and recyclable materials from trash, and either subscribe to the required collection services or self-haul to an appropriate facility for diversion.

     

    The Goal of SB 1383

    • Reduce organic waste disposal 75% by 2025.

    • Rescue 20% of surplus edible food for those that need it by 2025.

     


    WHO: Who does this affect?

    • Single-Family homes/Condos/Townhomes
    • Multi-Family properties with 5+ more units
    • Commercial Businesses
    • Public/Private Schools

     


    WHAT: What Does This Mean?    

    The SB 1383 law has expanded on the requirements of AB 341 – Mandatory Commercial Recycling and AB 1826 – Mandatory Commercial Recycling.

    The Changes:

    • This now impacts residents, not just businesses and multi-family properties – sorting of organics and recyclables is now mandatory.
    • Large food-generating businesses like Supermarkets and Wholesale Food Distributors are now required to contract with an edible food recovery organization to donate excess edible food to help feed people.

     


    HOW: How Do I Participate?

    Here is how you can participate to be compliant with the SB 1383 law:

    Residents are expected to use the organics cart for all plant debris, food wastes and food soiled papers. If you do not have an organics or recycling cart, contact your waste collection service company, as it is may already be included in your service fee, depending on the city of where you receive service.

    For residents that live in multifamily properties, check with your property management about participating in the organics program.

    Click here for more information on Curbside Organics.

     

    Food Scrap Pails:

    Countertop food scrap pails for easy separation of food wastes and food soiled papers are available at your city’s service counter at no charge. 

    Click here for more information on Food Scrap Pails.

     

     

    Who to contact for collection service:

    For residents located in El Cerrito, contact East Bay Sanitary.
    For residents located in all other cities of West Contra Costa County, contact Republic Services.

     


    WHY: Why is this Important?

    Complying with this state law helps combat climate change by recycling organic waste correctly. Organic waste is the largest waste stream in California and items like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californian’s dump in landfills. When these organic materials are sent to a landfill, they generate methane, a powerful climate pollutant. Landfills are the third largest source of methane in the state and are contributing to the drought, wildfires, and flooding that we are seeing around the state and nation. In addition, air pollutants contribute to health conditions and breathing issues like asthma.

    By diverting organic material to compost facilities, we are directly reducing the amount of climate pollutants generated by our waste materials.

     


    SB 1383: COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT

    MONITORING OF PROPERLY SORTING WASTE

    As a requirement of SB 1383, annual audits for Residents must be performed to ensure waste is properly sorted. 

    Your garbage collection company will be conducting random inspections of containers periodically to identify contamination and encourage proper materials separation.

    These inspections will involve minimal handling of your material and may include opening of bags to inspect container contents. Auditors will be wearing reflective vests and may spend several minutes conducting their audit activities, in the early morning hours. If your containers have been inspected, you will be notified with a tag placed on your container with the outcome.

    If you have any questions, please contact your garbage collection company:  Republic Services Customer Service Department at (510) 262-7100 or East Bay Sanitary Customer Service Department at (510) 237-4321.

     


    SB 1383 Requirements and Timeline

    Source: CalRecycle

     

    Fighting Climate Change by Recycling Organic Waste

    Source: CalRecycle

     

    Landfills are the Third Largest Source of Methane Gas in California

    Source: CalRecycle

     


    WHAT GOES IN EACH CART/BIN/DUMPSTER:

    (select image)

         

     


     

    Mandatory Organics Waste and Recycle Law (SB 1383) for Residents of Multifamily Properties

    Diverting Organic Waste and Recyclables Now Mandatory Under New State Law

     

    As of January 1, 2022, Senate Bill (SB) 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy requires all California businesses, multifamily properties, and residents, to sort and divert recyclable and organic materials from the trash. 

    Recycling and organics collection containers must be available to tenants by the property owners/managers for use in the same location, or as convenient, as trash containers.

     

    HOW: How Do I Participate?

    As a resident in a multifamily property (such as condos or apartments with 3+ or more units, and for City of El Cerrito with 5+ or more units), you can help in sorting the materials your household generates.

    Here is how you can participate:

    • Sort Waste Materials

    Effectively separate all materials your household generates into the provided bins by your property owner or manager, for recycling, organics, and trash.

    Need help to understand how to sort your waste materials?

    Select the images below to take you to the RecycleMore Online Recycling Guide:
    (select image)


     

     

     

     

    • Food Scrap Pails Program

    To help with sorting your organic waste, free food scrap pails are available to each household. Check with your property manager or HOA to see if they have food scrap pails available for you. Learn more about the program and other ways of how you can obtain a food scrap pail:

    CLICK HERE

    • Violation Reporting

    If you are resident that lives in a multifamily property, and you want to report your building/complex for not providing either recycling or organics service (you may submit the report anonymously), please submit the alleged violation and information regarding the situation here:

    CLICK HERE

     

    Why is This Important?

    Waste generators complying with this state law helps combat climate change by recycling organic waste correctly. When organic materials are sent to landfills, they generate methane, a powerful climate pollutant. Organic waste is the largest waste stream in California and items like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard, make up half of what Californian’s dump in landfills. By separating out these waste items from the trash, organic materials can be processed and composted into soil amendments that are added to soil to grow crops, food, and green spaces. By choosing to compost instead of landfill, waste generators are contributing to a circular economy that protects our environment for current and future generations.

     

    RESOURCES 

    Here are some resources to help sort waste properly (for Republic Service area customers):

     

    Apartment & Condominium Waste Services Guide – Brochure

    Apartment & Condominium Waste Services Guide – Brochure – Spanish

     

    What Goes Where Poster – Organics

    What Goes Where Poster – Recycling

    What Goes Where Poster – Trash

     

    Additional Resources – Videos

    Here are videos that show you how to properly sort waste and use the Kitchen Food Scrap Pail properly then to place the contents into the green/organics cart. 

     

    Apartments & Condomiums Waste Training by Republic Services

    This video was produced by Republic Services, and given RecycleMore approval to use.

    Composting for Apartments and Condos – English Version:

    Composting for Apartments and Condos – Spanish Version:

    Composting for Apartments and Condos – Chinese Version:

    These three (3) videos were produced by ReThinkWaste, a South Bayside Waste Management Authority, located in San Carlos, CA, and given RecycleMore approval to use.

     

     

     

     

    10 Ways to Reduce Food Waste

     

    With SB 1383 (that took effect on January 1, 2022) and the cost of food increasing (approximately 5.9 percent in 2023), food waste has become a topic of concern. Most people don’t realize how much food they throw away every day — from uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce to parts of fruits and vegetables that could be eaten or repurposed. The average family of four spends $1,500 each year on food that ends up uneaten. Here are some impactful ways to reduce food waste at home. By adopting at least one or two of these solutions, they can become a habit, making it easier to use more food waste reducing strategies in the future.

    1. Create a Weekly Meal Plan

    Before heading to the grocery store, make a meal plan of the recipes that you would like to make for that week. Think of how you can extend the meal you plan on cooking and expanding to the next night or two.

    1. Check Your Pantry/Freezer

    Check what you have in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer before you head out to the grocery store. See what you can use as an alternative ingredient instead of buying something new. Use up those items first.

    1. Create a Shopping List

    Before going to the store, make a list of the items that you are going to shop for and stick to it. Going to the grocery store unprepared can result in you buying the same thing that you already have at home.

    1. Shop the Weekly Grocery Ads

    Consider looking through what is on sale for the week at your designated grocery store and shop for those items. Sign up for club offers and look for coupons. This will help you not overspend.

    1. Get Creative with Leftovers/Designate Leftovers Night

    With leftovers, you don’t have to start from scratch, and it will make it an easy meal. Not only can it save a night off cooking but can be more economical. Or designate a theme night to clean out what is in the fridge and invite your friends over.

    1. Serve Smaller Portions

    If you feel that you are cooking a lot and it is not being consumed or used, consider not making as much food as you normally do. Make your portions smaller. By serving smaller portions, it can help reduce food waste, but it can also help your health and waistline, if that is a concern.

    1. Use Food Scraps for Soups, Stocks, and Jams, as well as Re-grow Them

    Many ends or not so pretty fruits and veggies can be used for soup stock or cooked down a yummy jam. Think about extending the life of the food scrap and creating something else with it. You can even save roots and veggies and regrow them.

    1. Keep Organized

    Keep your refrigerator and your pantry organized, so you can easily find out what you have and what you can use. It might make sense to label items with dates clearly marked, so you identify what needs to be used first. A suggestion is to put those items in front or on top.

    1. Freeze Items

    If you cannot use items in a timely matter, consider utilizing your freezer. Freeze items and label them clearly with the contents and date, so you know what it is.

    1. Store Items Properly

    Make sure you know how to store items properly to extend the life of your food item. Certain locations and bins in the refrigerator, or airtight containers, can offer a longer shelf life. Determine what can be left on the counter/pantry, what goes into the refrigerator, and what should go in the freezer.

     

    Consider Composting

    When you do have food waste, consider at home composting. Learn more about backyard composting, CLICK HERE.

    As an alternate solution, you can always place your items in the green/organics bin for your weekly curbside garbage collection.

    Food scrap pails are also available to residents of West Contra Costa County for your kitchen for convenient sorting of food scraps for composting or to place contents into the green/organics bin. For more information, CLICK HERE.

     

    Empower Yourself

    Take control. Take action. Preventing food from going to waste is one of the easiest and most powerful actions you can take to save money and lower your climate change footprint, by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and conserving natural resources. (Source: EPA.gov)

     

     

    RESOURCES:

    https://www.epa.gov/recycle/preventing-wasted-food-home#toolkit

    https://stopfoodwaste.org/resources

    https://stopfoodwaste.org/resource/fruit-veggie-storage-guide

     

    Hazardous Materials in Home Posed a Risk to City of San Pablo Residents, How Can You Help Prevent Future Incidents?

     

    Richmond, CA., August 18, 2023 — A recent incident on August 2, 2023, posed a hazardous material (HAZMAT) incident to the City of San Pablo community and residents. Excessive amounts of lab type chemicals were found in a resident’s home in San Pablo, that was being cleaned out by a relative. The amounts and types of laboratory chemicals initiated a hazardous materials incident that involved several county and state agencies.

    Due to the amount of the potentially dangerous materials that were found at this location, residents in the 3-block area were given a mandatory evacuation order between Giant Road, Miner Avenue, 11th Street, and Palmer Avenue, in San Pablo, soon after a Shelter in Place order was given.

    The agencies involved did an outstanding job at keeping the residents safe, preventing injuries, and identifying the chemicals (many of which were unlabeled), removing the materials from the residence safely, and disposing of the items properly.

    Residents use common household chemicals for cleaning, maintaining yards, and vehicles.  When no longer needed these products must be disposed of properly. RecycleMore would like to remind the residents of San Pablo and all of West Contra Costa County about the no-cost Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs available to help people safely and legally dispose of common household hazardous items. Industrial and lab strength chemicals do not belong in the home and should be disposed of by contacting hazardous waste contractors and not delivered to the HHW facility. Even household chemicals can be dangerous.

     

    Take stock of cleaners, pesticides, paints, batteries, oils, and fuel stored in garages, sheds and under sinks and bring any old, excess, and unwanted HHW to the HHW facilities in West Contra Costa County (Proof of West County residency is required):

    West Contra Costa HHW Facility

    101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801

    9am-4pm Wednesday – Saturday

    OR

    El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Center

    7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530

    9am-4pm Tuesdays Only (For HHW acceptance. Businesses are not accepted.)

     

    If you are a small business owner in West Contra Costa County, you may be eligible to drop off hazardous waste for a fee, as part of the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program. For more information, access the RecycleMore website.

    “RecycleMore is proud of the Hazardous Waste Programs available to residents and businesses. RecycleMore would not be able to offer these programs without the assistance of the contractor, Republic Services, says Peter Holtzclaw, Executive Director of RecycleMore.

    If you have chemicals that are NOT common household products or large quantities, DO NOT attempt to deliver these chemicals to HHW facilities, you may need to hire a hazardous waste contractor to properly dispose of the material. If you believe there is a safety hazard, please contact your local emergency response agency to assess the situation.

     

    ABOUT RECYCLEMORE: RecycleMore is a local government joint powers authority created by the cities of El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, San Pablo and unincorporated Contra Costa County. RecycleMore is also known as the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA).

    Within the jurisdiction, RecycleMore provides waste processing management for the franchised waste stream which includes the landfill, recyclables, composting, and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).

    RecycleMore is also charged with implementing and making sure the region is in compliance with California State Laws such as AB 939, AB 1826, and SB 1383, which mandate a reduction in the amount of waste materials going to landfill.

     

    Related Links

    Website:         https://recyclemore.com/

    Website/HHW Facilities:  https://recyclemore.com/hazardous-waste/hhw-facility-info/

    Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/WestCountyRecycleMore/

    Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/westcountyrecyclemore/