SB 1383: California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) Reduction Strategy

 Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires all residents and businesses in California to achieve a 50% reduction in the landfill disposal of organic waste by 2020 and a 75% reduction by 2025. Additionally, no less than 20% percent of currently disposed edible food must recovered for human consumption by 2025. To achieve this, SB 1383 requires everyone to have recycling and organic waste collection services and certain businesses to donate surplus edible food.

Methane emissions from decomposing organic waste in landfills are a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to global climate change. Organic materials, including food waste, account for a significant portion of California’s overall waste stream. Food waste alone accounts for approximately 18% of total landfill disposal. Increasing food waste prevention, encouraging edible food recovery, and expanding composting programs throughout the state will help significantly reduce methane emissions from landfills. 

Edible Food Recovery

Recovering surplus edible food is not only a great idea, but also a California law for certain businesses. Why recover edible food?

• Prevent Food Waste: Californians send over 6 million tons of food scraps or food waste to landfills each year, of which almost 1 million tons are potentially donatable, edible food.
• Feed Our Community: Over 9 million Californians (23%) don’t know where their next meal will come from. Recovering and donating surplus edible food allows it to be distributed to community members in need.
• Fight Climate Change: Food that ends up in landfills emits greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

How do I know if my business is required to recover and donate surplus food?

Under SB 1383, businesses required to recover and donate surplus edible food fall within into two tiers:

What does my business need to do to comply?

1. Have a written agreement with a food recovery organization or service to pick-up or receive surplus edible food that would otherwise be disposed (e.g. in landfill or compost).
   
   
2. Save the maximum amount of surplus edible food that would otherwise be thrown away, and donate it to food recovery organizations, services, and/or staff.
   
   
3. Maintain records of all written agreements with each food recovery organization or service and track the type, frequency, and total pounds of food donated to those organizations or staff monthly.
   

How do I get started?

The City of Vallejo is participating in the Solano County Edible Food Recovery (EFR) Program. City and County EFR staff are here to help facilitate efforts to comply in a manner that supports you and your business!

1. Make sure edible food recovery requirements apply to your business. If you are unsure, please email the City's Recycling Coordinator for assistance.
   
   
2. Review and understand food donor requirements. A model food recovery and donation agreement can be found on CalRecycle’s site here.
   
   
3. Find a local food recovery organization. A list of food recovery organizations in Vallejo can be found below. Visit the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano’s Get Food Vallejo page for a full up-to-date list of the Food Bank’s partner distribution sites located in Vallejo.

Call to confirm the specific types of food accepted by each organization, collection method (i.e. drop-off or pick-up) and frequency.

PANTRY: Provides groceries to the public or specific clients and accepts fresh foods such as produce and/or shelf-stable items such as canned goods, dried beans, pasta, and rice.

SOUP KITCHEN: Provides meals to the public or specific clients and may accept ready-made foods.