In 2016, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill  1383 (SB 1383) into law requiring a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP). Check out this video for more information.

Goals of SB 1383 are:

• Reduce organic waste disposal 75% by 2025
• Rescue at least 20% of currently disposed surplus food by 2025

To comply with SB 1383, businesses are required to:

1. Recycle their food waste by:

a. Subscribing to and participating in Republic Service’s food waste collection program; OR

b. Self-haul food waste to a specified composting facility, community composting program, or other collection activity or program.

Certain businesses along with multifamily complexes may be eligible for a waiver if they meet State requirements. Requirements and waivers can be found here.

2. Donate surplus food

a. As of January 1, 2022, Tier one businesses are required to donate the maximum amount of edible food they would otherwise dispose of, to food recovery organizations.

b. As of January 1, 2024, Tier two businesses are required to donate the maximum amount of edible food they would otherwise dispose of, to food recovery organizations

Commercial Food Waste Collection Program

Republic Services provides a commercial food waste collection program for City of Chula Vista businesses and multi-family dwellings.  All commercial businesses, apartment and condominium complexes MUST participate in this program.

Like the current recycling program which diverts resources away from the landfill, the commercial food waste collection program will also divert resources from the landfill and put them in a process that will generate a product to improve the health of our soil. This program provides green recycling containers that accept all leftover or spoiled food (meat, dairy, seafood, vegetables, fruit, grains, and coffee grounds), food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels, coffee filters), and food-soiled cardboard (take-out and pizza boxes). Contaminants like plastics, glass, and metals are not accepted in Republic Services’ commercial food waste collection program.

Businesses and multifamily complexes will have the option of using 64-gallon carts or two-yard bins.

Businesses must either:

• Subscribe to and participate in Republic Services commercial food waste collection program OR

• Self-haul organic waste to a specified composting facility, community composting program, or other collection activity or program.

Businesses must also provide:

• Collection containers for food waste and recyclables in all areas where disposal containers are provided for customers (except restrooms).

• Education to employees, contractors, tenants, and customers regarding how to properly sort food waste into the correct containers.
  
  

* Businesses may contact City staff to arrange for assistance with education requirements 

Certain businesses may be eligible for a waiver if they meet State requirements. Requirements and waivers can be found here. 

Multifamily complexes (apartments and condominiums) must provide:

• Food and yard waste collection services to employees and tenants

• Annual education to employees and tenants on proper sorting of food and yard waste

• Information on food and yard waste collection to new tenants

* Apartment managers and association representatives may contact City staff to arrange for assistance with education requirements

Certain multifamily complexes may be eligible for a waiver if they meet State requirements. Requirements and waivers can be found here.

How the Commercial Food Waste Collection Program works:

What is accepted in your green food waste container:

What is NOT accepted in your green food waste container:

FOOD WASTE COLLECTION IS AS EASY AS 1 -2- 3!

SEPARATE

• Separate all accepted items from non-accepted items

• Employees, contractors, tenants, and customers must properly sort food waste into the correct containers at business establishment

COLLECT

• Businesses must provide collection containers for food waste and recyclables in all areas where disposal containers are provided for customers, except in restrooms

• Businesses must provide food waste collection services for:
  
  • Employees
  • Tenants
  • Contractors
  • Customers

• To reduce contamination, businesses must provide education to employees, contractors, tenants, and customers regarding how to properly sort food waste into the correct containers

EMPTY

• Empty food waste, food-soiled paper and food soiled cardboard into your Republic Services green food waste container

Who Can Help Me Implement the Food Waste Collection Program?

The City of Chula Vista, Environmental Services Staff & Republic Services are available to assist businesses with questions, staff training and free resources.

Republic Services
(619) 421-9400

City of Chula Vista - Environmental Services Division
environmentalservices@chulavistaca.gov 
(619) 691-5122

CalRecycle - Information for businesses on managing organic waste

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