On Thursday, the Little Hoover Commission released its final report of recommendations on California’s organics recycling mandates, also known as the Senate Bill 1383 regulations. Titled “Reducing California’s Landfill Methane Emissions: SB 1383 Implementation,” the report includes input from various stakeholders that are vital to implementation of the program, including RCRC affiliate Rural Counties Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) and its member county solid waste jurisdictions, as well as the compost industry, solid waste haulers and CalRecycle.
ESJPA Deputy Executive Director Staci Heaton testified in August 2022 at the request of the Commission, explaining some of the unique difficulties rural jurisdictions have experienced with finding sufficient infrastructure to process organic materials, procuring recycled organic content and, most importantly, implementing the program within an ever-changing regulatory landscape. Jared Carter, Madera County Deputy Public Works Director, also joined the hearing to discuss the county’s very specific issues with requiring mandatory curbside collection in a county where many residents find it more feasible to haul their own solid waste. ESJPA and its members also met with Commission staff on several occasions to help inform the findings contained in the final report, which includes many of ESJPA’s recommendations for improving the organics recycling program.
The final report was approved at the Commission’s May 23, 2023 business meeting. More information on the Commission’s organic waste recycling report can be found on their website. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact ESJPA Deputy Executive Director (and RCRC Senior Policy Advocate), Staci Heaton.