Los Angeles, like many other cities throughout the state and nation,  businesses generate massive amounts of food waste. In recent years, California has been at the forefront of environmental initiatives, particularly in addressing food waste and its impact on climate change. With the implementation of various laws and regulations, Los Angeles has taken significant steps to reduce organic waste disposal and sustainable practices. 

These regulations cover different aspects of food waste, each applying to different groups. Some apply to residents and businesses; others apply to businesses that produce specific amounts of waste. If you operate a business that produces food waste in Los Angeles, it’s important that you’re aware of the food waste laws in California, as some can carry fines for non-compliance. 

Los Angeles’s Food Waste Requirements

The state of California has been making efforts to reduce climate pollutants through various measures, especially in recent years. Part of these efforts cover food waste, which produces methane when decomposing in landfills. Most of these laws on food waste apply to businesses and entities that produce significant amounts of waste, but some apply to residents and businesses alike. 

Senate Bill 1383

Senate Bill (SB) 1383, also known as Lara, is one of the most impactful laws covering food waste. It was passed in 2016 to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025 (from 2014 levels). This aim hopes to drastically release the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, with a broader goal of curbing short-lived climate pollutants like methane, a potent greenhouse gas produced by decomposing organic matter in landfills. 

SB 1383 also includes a 20% target for edible food recovery. Large food generators, such as grocery stores and restaurants, must donate edible food to food banks or other recovery organizations to feed those in need. This part of the bill is designed to help reduce food insecurity throughout California. 

This bill requires all Los Angeles residents and businesses to compost food scraps and other organic materials, such as coffee grounds, manure, yard trimmings, and plants. This waste, called “green” waste, should be disposed of separately to contribute to the reduction of organic waste disposal. 

On top of setting requirements for organic food disposal, this bill introduces penalties for non-compliance, making it a critical tool in California’s fight against climate change. If you contaminate green waste with the wrong items, you could face fines of up to $500. 

Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling

Assembly Bill (AB) 1826, also known as the Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Law, is another law covering commercial food waste. This bill, passed into law in 2014, mandates that businesses and multi-family residences must arrange for organic waste recycling. 

It was implemented in phases, starting with larger businesses before trickling down to smaller entities. Today, it covers the broad spectrum of businesses and multi-family residences. It covers various types of organic waste, including food waste, green waste, landscaping, pruning waste, and non-hazardous wood waste. 

As of 2021, any business that generates two cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week must comply with the law. For Los Angeles, this means that any commercial establishment—whether you run a restaurant, grocery store, or multi-family apartment complex—must have systems in place for separating and recycling organic waste, including food waste.  

Mandatory Commercial Recycling

In addition to SB 1383 and AB 1826, businesses need to pay attention to Assembly Bill (AB) 341, also called the Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law. It focuses on both non-organic and organic waste, complementing the efforts of SB 1383. 

It applies to businesses and multi-family residential dwellings of five units or more. If your business generates four cubic yards or more of solid waste per week, you’re required to arrange for recycling services. 

This law doesn’t just concern food waste; it also emphasizes the importance of separating recyclable materials, such as packaging and food containers, which are a big part of the overall waste stream in commercial food establishments.

Solutions That Align With Los Angeles’ Food Waste Regulations

If your business generates significant amounts of food waste, you have a handful of options, including:

Recycling 

Various waste disposal providers throughout Los Angeles offer recycling and disposal programs that align with applicable state laws and regulations. Residents can get green bins specific for green waste, while businesses can enlist services and bins designed to meet organic waste requirements that apply to them.

Donation

The California Good Samaritan Food Donation Act goes hand-in-hand with food waste initiatives, given that part of the goal is to reduce food insecurity. This act provides legal protections to individuals and businesses who donate food in good faith. It protects them from civil or criminal liability as long as the food is safe for consumption. 

In alleviating concerns about potential lawsuits, this act hopes to encourage supermarkets, restaurants, and other food service businesses to donate surplus food rather than throwing it away. 

Product Disposal Services

If the food is contaminated or otherwise unsafe to consume, food donation isn’t an option. In this case, food and beverage disposal services can be a helpful solution. These services are designed to safely and efficiently destroy and dispose of food waste in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The methods ensure that the waste is completely destroyed and can’t return to market shelves or end up in the wrong hands. Each destroyed batch of items comes with a certificate of destruction to ensure you can remain compliant with applicable federal and state regulations and internal criteria.

Dispose of Food Waste Properly With Sledgehammer Product Destruction

If your business generates food waste that requires secure disposal in compliance with California law, Sledgehammer Product Destruction can help. We offer secure, efficient food waste disposal services designed to help you get rid of food waste that can’t be donated while remaining compliant with applicable laws. 

Need food waste destruction and disposal services? Contact us today to get a quote.