Commercial Recycling

CA Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) is California's legislation aimed at reducing organic waste and increasing edible food recovery. It targets two main issues: 

• Climate change: by cutting methane emissions from landfilled organic waste.
• Food Insecurity: by rescuing edible food that would otherwise be thrown away. 

Food Donation

Food donation is mandatory for Tier One and Tier Two generators: 

• Tier One
  • Supermarkets 
  • Grocery Stores
  • Food Service Providers
  • Food Distributors
  • Wholesale Food Vendors
• Tier Two 
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Health Facilities
  • Large Venues and Events
  • State Agencies
  • Local Education Agencies

Action Steps for Business Compliance

1. Establish an Organics Recycling Program
   • Enroll in the curbside organics program with EDCO. 
   • Provide organics and recycling bins where such materials are generated. Customized signage is available on CalRecycle's website. 
   • Educate employees, contractors, and customers annually on waste sorting.
2. Establish a Food Donation Program (Tier One and Tier Two generators)
   • Set up a written contract with a food recovery organization.
   • Donate the maximum amount of edible food.
   • Maintain detailed records of food donation activities: 
     • Organization name & contact
     • Collection schedule
     • Monthly food donation weight
     • Types of food donated
3. Monitoring & Inspections
   • SB 1383 requires cities to monitor and inspect businesses to ensure they follow legislative guidelines and identify areas where support may be needed. 
     • Allow access to facilities for city/EDCO inspectors.
     • Ensure signage, proper bin use, and sorting practices are in place. 

Exemption

A De Minimis Waiver allows businesses to be exempt from the organic waste collection requirement under SB 1383 if the amount of organic waste generated is low in volume. 

De Minimis Waiver

EDCO Cart System for Commercial Services

Each commercial business in El Cajon is provided with three carts by EDCO:

1. Gray Cart – Trash

For material that cannot be reused, donated, repurposed, recycled, or composted.

• Learn more about correct materials on the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery website.

2. Blue Cart – Recycling

For paper, cardboard, plastics (#1–#7), glass, metals, and Styrofoam.

• More details available on EDCO’s website.

3. Green Cart – Organic Waste

For all food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste.

• In compliance with California’s Organics Recycling Law (SB 1383), residents are required to place these materials in the green cart.

• Visit EDCO’s website for more details about organic recycling.

For Assistance

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

Email: zero.waste@solanacenter.org

Phone: (760) 436-7986

City of El Cajon

Email: sb1383@elcajon.gov