AB 1826 - Mandatory Organics Recycling

Background and Overview

In October of 2014 Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1826 Chesbro (Chapter 727, Statutes of 2014), requiring businesses to recycle their organic waste on and after April 1, 2016, depending on the amount of waste they generate per week. Organic waste (also referred to as organics) means food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste.

Key Elements of the Law for Businesses

A business that meets the waste generation threshold must engage in one of the following organic recycling activities:

  • Source separate organic waste from other waste and participate in a
    waste recycling service that includes collection and recycling of organic waste.
  • Recycle its organic waste on site, or self-haul its organic waste off site
    for recycling.
  • Subscribe to an organic waste recycling service that may include mixed waste processing that specifically recycles organic waste.

 Note: A business generating organic waste shall arrange for the recycling services in a manner that is consistent with state and local laws and requirements, including a local ordinance or local jurisdiction's franchise agreement, applicable to the collection, handling, or recycling of solid and organic waste. 

For more information on AB 1826, please view our Mandatory Organics Recycling flyer (PDF) or visit CalRecycle's Website.

Implementation Dates and Thresholds 

The implementation schedule is as follows:

  • January 1, 2019: Businesses that generate four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week must arrange for organic waste recycling services.
  • Fall 2020: CalRecycle will conduct a review of all jurisdictions to verify if waste reduction targets have been met.
  • Summer/Fall 2021: If it is determined that statewide organics recycling has not been reduced by 50% of the level of disposal listed in 2014, then the organic recycling requirements will expand to cover businesses that generate two cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week. Previously approved exemptions may no longer be available if this target is not met.

The City of Irwindale is currently working with a consultant and Athens Services to create an Organics Recycling Program that would allow for separate organic bins and pick up service. In the meantime, in order to comply with this law, businesses can do any of the following:

  • Recycle its organic waste on site, or self-haul its separated organic waste off site to a composting facility or other organics recycling facility.
  • Sell or donate the generated organic waste to an accredited facility.
  • Subscribe to an organic waste recycling service that may include mixed waste processing that specifically recycles organic waste.
  • Collaborate with food banks, soup kitchens, shelters, or divert food scraps to animal feed organizations. Make sure you know how to handle food scraps properly and all current laws associated with food recovery.
  • Source separate organic waste from other waste and participate in a waste recycling service that includes collection and recycling of organic waste (Coming Soon through Athens Services).

SELF CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

If you are recycling organic materials via means other than a program provided by Athens, you are required to report your organics recycling to the City. The reporting process is easy and fast. Just return a completed Annual Commercial Self-Haul Certification Form (PDF) to the City.

EXEMPTION INFORMATION

If you business qualifies for an exemption, then please fill out and return the AB 1826 Exemption Form (PDF) to the City of Irwindale.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please visit the following California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery Web Sites:

Please contact Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 or visit the Athens Services website for more information on Organics Recycling.