California’s Ambitious Organic Waste Law Takes Center Stage in Pasadena

As California pushes forward with its aggressive climate agenda, local officials are working to help residents and businesses navigate sweeping new composting requirements that target a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce will host a virtual forum next week to explain Senate Bill 1383, the state’s comprehensive organic waste reduction law that mandates substantial cuts in organic waste disposal. The online session, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., will bring together representatives from Athens Services, a local environmental services company, and City of Pasadena officials.

At the heart of the legislation are ambitious targets: a 50% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2020 and a 75% reduction by 2025. These goals take aim at a critical environmental challenge — organic waste in landfills generates 20% of California’s methane emissions, with methane being 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

The law, which became effective Jan. 1, 2022, requires all California residents and businesses to sort their organic waste into designated green containers to ensure proper recycling services.

“Composting, Recycling & More: Talking Trash With Athens Services and the City of Pasadena,” as the virtual session is titled, will outline these requirements and their implementation. Interested participants can join the Zoom session at bit.ly/PasadenaChamberSB1383 on the day of the event.