Dive Brief:
- The state of California introduced a bill, AB 1826, that would amend an existing solid waste law to include organic waste—including food waste and clippings—produced by businesses.
- The bill would require businesses that create specified amounts of organic waste to adopt recycling services to dispose of the materials in a compliant manner.
- The bill would go into effect on January 1, 2016 for companies generating eight cubic yards or less, January 2, 2017 for companies creating four or more cubic yards, and January 1, 2019 for companies producing one cubic yard or less. All volumes are based on organic generation for a one-week time period.
Dive Insight:
The bill faced opposition from the California Grocers Association. Support came from the American Biogas Council, Solid Waste Association of Orange County, Recology and Northern California Recycling Association.
In February, the state introduced another bill, AB 1594, that focused on the diversion from landfills of organic green waste such as yard clippings.