Self-Haulers
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Senate Bill (SB) 1383, a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants such as methane, requires all California jurisdictions to reduce the landfilling of organic materials and recover surplus edible food sources from commercial establishments to feed Californians facing food insecurity (instead of letting them go to waste).
Historically, organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings have been sent to landfills, where they made up about 20% of the state’s methane emissions — a greenhouse gas that is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. SB 1383 has set targets to reduce 75% of organic waste disposal by 2025 and save at least 20% of uneaten food to feed those in need.
As a result, self-haulers, individuals, or entities that transport their own waste to landfills or recycling facilities are now subject to regulations.
View the flyer to learn more in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF).
What Does This Mean for Self-Haulers?
Self-haulers are required to separate organic waste from non-organic landfill waste. This separated organic waste must be taken to a recycling or materials recovery facility. It is important to record the total cubic yards or tons and keep all receipts. Specific hauler requirements at the local level may vary.
Participation in organic waste recycling programs brings residents, businesses, and local governments together to address environmental challenges and work towards the common goals of sustainability and resilience. By participating in organic waste recycling, self-haulers can partner with their community to build a brighter future.
Franchised and Private Contract Haulers
Franchised and private contract haulers must identify the facilities to which they will transport organic waste. Haulers are required to obtain and maintain documentation of jurisdiction approval to haul organic waste within the jurisdiction. Jurisdictions that have a rural exemption, low-population waiver or high-elevation waiver — and haulers and self-haulers operating or located within these jurisdictions — are exempt from these requirements.
Self-Haulers (Including Landscapers)
Self-haulers must separate organic waste from non-organic waste onsite and haul the organic waste to a solid waste facility that processes or recovers the organic materials. They may also collect commingled organic waste onsite and haul it to a high-diversion organic waste processing facility. Businesses that self-haul organic waste must keep a record of the amount of waste delivered to each solid waste facility or activity that recovers it. Documentation is essential for tracking progress toward waste diversion goals and may be subject to inspection by local jurisdictions or regulatory agencies.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Haulers
Organic materials generated from construction projects, such as wood, paper, and cardboard that are in mixed debris, must be separated and recovered. These materials may then be recycled at a processor that accepts segregated C&D debris. Contact your Local Enforcement Agency for processor information. If you live in an area where recycling opportunities are limited, disposal may be your only option. C&D haulers must keep records of how organic waste generated from construction projects is disposed of or recycled. This includes documenting the destination of the waste and the method of disposal.
Self-Haulers to Community Composting Sites
Residents or businesses may choose to deliver organic material to a community composting site. Community composting sites may pay generators for their material if there is no franchise hauler available. Community composters should consult with the local jurisdiction to determine what is allowed.
- What is organic waste?
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Organic waste is any material that is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or an animal. Biodegradable waste is organic material that can be broken into carbon dioxide, methane or simple organic molecules, such as food scraps and yard trimmings.
- Am I required to participate? What if I don’t change anything about how I dispose of my waste?
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Yes, everyone is required to participate. If you choose not to participate, you may receive an Improper Facility Use fine as laid out by the State of California, Government Code Sections 53069.4, 25132, 36900.
- Why are the requirements changing?
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A focus on recovering and recycling organic materials is vital to California’s efforts to combat climate change. When organic materials such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) in a landfill, they produce methane — one of the most potent climate pollutants in the atmosphere and a major contributor to climate change.
- What are the fines for improper facility use?
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If self-haulers do not abide by the organic waste requirements as laid out by the State of California, they are subject to improper facility use fines. For violations occurring after January 1, 2024, the State of California requires all jurisdictions to issue a Notice of Violation requiring compliance within 60 days. If after 60 days, the entity is still not in compliance, the jurisdiction is required to impose penalties.
The penalties imposed by any jurisdiction are based on Government Code Sections 53069.4, 25132 and 36900 and are as follows:
- First violation: $50-$100 per violation
- Second violation: $100-$200 per violation
- Third or subsequent violation: $250-$500 per violation
- Why is recycling organic waste important?
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Organics recycling helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air and water quality, and create valuable resources such as compost, renewable energy and mulch. In addition, it conserves natural resources by reducing the need for raw materials used in producing compost, mulch and renewable energy. This contributes to overall sustainability efforts and helps preserve ecosystems.
- Are there additional resources available?
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CalRecycle and local authorities may provide support and resources to help self-haulers understand and comply with SB 1383 requirements. This includes educational materials, training programs and tools such as the Record-keeping Tool for Self-Haulers, designed to facilitate compliance with record-keeping obligations.