SB 1383
The Statewide Climate Pollutant Reduction Law
SB 1383, the statewide climate-pollutant reduction law that makes it mandatory to compost food waste, food-soiled paper, and green waste, is in effect. CalRecycle has begun enforcement as of January 1st 2024, and will begin audits of all California jurisdictions to ensure compliance. For us, that means all city facilities must comply with the same standards set for businesses, and the city must additionally procure certain amounts of recycled paper. Our goal is to help you comply before the fining schedule begins.
A video summary of relevant SB 1383 requirements and a short training on proper waste sorting can be accessed here.
We are here to help! We want everyone to comply not just to avoid fines but because we believe in the regulations set by SB 1383 and their goals of reducing climate super-pollutants. As a city employee, there are only a handful of things that you need to worry about, and they can be categorized into waste collection and paper product procurement.
Waste Collection:
- Marin Sanitary Service should have provided every facility with a green organic waste collection bin. Make sure that you know where this bin is and that your janitorial staff or whoever is responsible for emptying internal waste collection bins is aware of the MSS curbside bin.
- All facilities must provide an “adequate number, size, and location” of waste collection containers, and containers for organics and recyclables must be provided in all areas where regular waste disposal is provided, except for in bathrooms.
Paper Product Procurement:
- If your department orders any paper products (like paper towels, tissues, copy paper, etc.) be aware that all paper products must contain a minimum recycled content set by SB 1383.
- The City's Amazon business account has a preferred products list to help you.
- The city is also responsible for keeping records of all paper product purchases and their recycled content.
Here's the breakdown. Learn more on the CalRecycle website.
- Printing and writing paper shall consist of at least 30 percent, by fiber weight, postconsumer fiber
- Other paper products shall consist of at least 30 percent, by fiber weight, of postconsumer recycled content fiber, except as specified below:
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- Toilet paper shall consist of at least 45 percent, by fiber weight, postconsumer recycled content fiber
- Paper towels shall consist of at least 40 percent, by fiber weight, postconsumer recycled content fiber
- Facial tissue shall consist of at least 10 percent, by fiber weight, postconsumer recycled content fiber
- Toilet seat covers shall consist of at least 20 percent, by fiber weight, postconsumer recycled content fiber
- General purpose paper wipers shall consist of at least 40 percent, by fiber weight, postconsumer recycled content fiber
- Food serviceware, including but not limited to, napkins, plates, bowls, food trays, takeout boxes, placemats, etc. shall consist of at least 40 percent, by fiber weight, postconsumer recycled content fiber
Check out our video training here - short, informative, and fun!
Please contact Sustainability for any questions or support!