SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): California is reportedly making significant progress in separating food scraps and yard waste from garbage. However, the state continues to face challenges in reaching its ambitious organic waste recycling target.

According to SB 1383, California’s organics recycling law, households and businesses are required to keep organic material out of landfills. This is part of efforts to reduce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas produced when organic waste decomposes.

In Sacramento, City workers inspect waste bins and use labels to show residents how to sort materials correctly. Thus, instead of imposing penalties for wrongdoings, it focuses on educating residents on better recycling practices. This has yielded results, with participation recording significant improvement.

ALSO READ:

Recology Opens North San Jose, CA Transfer Station to the Public

Walters Recycling Opens New Facility with Advanced Organics Sorting Technology

According to officials, the City has collected nearly 2,500 additional tons of organic waste since 2022. Also, CalRecycle data suggests that 97% of required communities and 75% of businesses across the state are participating in organics recycling program.

However, California has not been able to reach its goal of cutting landfill-bound organic waste by 75% from 2014 levels. The state diverted about 11.2 million tons in 2022, short of around 27 million tons that must be diverted each yearin order to meet the target. Although the law has resulted in meaningful progress, limited composting and anaerobic digestion capacity continues to remain as the key challenge.

Experts are of the view that continued expansion of recycling programs could help California move closer to its waste reduction goals.