SB 1383: California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy

In 2016, SB 1383 was passed as a statewide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change by diverting organic waste from landfills. Organic waste includes food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard. SB 1383 establishes targets to achieve a 50% reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020 and a 75% reduction in 2025. It also requires that 20% of currently disposed of edible food be recovered for human consumption by 2025. 

When organic waste is sent to landfills, it emits 20% of the state's methane, a super pollutant that heats 84 times more than carbon dioxide. Organic waste in landfills also releases air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma. By keeping organic waste out of the landfills, it protects public health and the environment.