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Organic Waste Collection in Long Beach

Release Date: 2023-01-01

SB 1383, California’s new organics recycling law, establishes targets to achieve a 75% reduction in the level of statewide disposal of organic waste and a 20% reduction in the level of statewide disposal of edible food. Increasing food waste prevention and encouraging edible food rescue will help reduce methane emissions from the disposal of organic waste.  

Recovering edible food and redistributing it to feed people in need is the best use for food that would otherwise go to waste. 


This bill has several requirements, and the information below only highlights the most commonly asked questions about the impacts related to removing organics from the waste stream.  

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Residential

When will I get organics service at my home?

The City is working towards full implementation of a residential organics program by the end of 2025. Residents will receive notice of the program and educational materials prior to any new program’s implementation.

Currently, the City offers free composting workshops and home composting bins at a reduced rate. We also offer free workshops on how to reduce waste at home, including ways to reduce food waste.

If I live in an apartment, will I still get organics service? Yes, all single-family homes and multi-family properties are required to have the service. If you have trash service already by a private hauler, work with your landlord to reach out to them to set up this service. All private haulers already offer this service. 

If you have City service, the City is working towards full implementation by the end of 2025. 
Will the City provide resources on how to use my green cart? Yes, the City will provide educational resources to ensure success and prevent contamination for our City organics program.
What will be collected? Food scraps and yard debris will be collected. More info will be provided with the educational campaign prior to start of service.
Will organics service increase my bill? Yes, the City is not able to provide this service at no cost to our residents.

Commercial Businesses

Do I have to have organics service at my business?

Yes, this is required per Municipal Code Ch. 8.6 and state law SB 1383 as part of a statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gases from landfill disposal of organic waste. Please work with your hauler to sign up for service to be in compliance.

If you have City trash service, please email lborganics@longbeach.gov.

Can I apply for a waiver if I don't generate organic waste?

Waivers must be submitted to your hauler directly. 

You may be eligible for a waiver if your business generates either 1) less than 10 gallons of organic waste if they generate less than 2 cubic yards of total solid waste per week, or 2) less than 20 gallons of organic waste if they generate 2 cubic yards or more of total solid waste per week, pursuant to Municipal Code Ch. 8.6 and state law SB 1383.

If you have City trash service, please email lborganics@longbeach.gov.

Is there a cost for this service?

There is a cost associated with this service. Work with your haulerand consider getting quotes from multiple haulers to ensure you have a competitive rate.

What if I don’t have space at my business for another cart? Your hauler will help you determine the capacity you have at your property to add this service and to right-size your solid waste containers.
If I own an apartment/multi-family complex, am I required to provide organics service? Yesapartment/multifamily complex owners are required to add organics service for their buildings. Contact your hauler to set up service and for educational resources.
Do I have to donate edible food?

If your business qualifies as a Tier 1 Edible Food Generator, you must recover all edible food possible starting January 1, 2022. If your business qualifies as a Tier 2 Edible Food Generator, you must recover all edible food possible by January 1, 2024. We encourage all businesses to recover edible food and donate to the community in need.

Resources for donating edible food and more information on the food recovery requirements of SB 1383.

Can I get fined for not having organics service at my business? The City will issue Notices of Violations for non-compliance. Beginning January 1, 2024, fines will be assessed for non-compliance.
Can my business use a landscaper that self-hauls yard debris?  Yes. Landscape services must meet the self-haul requirements according to Ordinance No. 21-0040 Section 8.60.370G.

For more information, contact lborganics@longbeach.gov. 

SB 1383: Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP): Organic Waste Methane Emissions Reductions