AB 1826

Businesses may contact the City of Irvine's recycling program for free compliance assistance

Waste evaluations for your business are available free of charge through the City of Irvine. We can help guide you in selecting the waste and recycling services you need from City authorized haulers. For more information and assistance with implementing or expanding recycling at your workplace, including state mandated organics recycling and surplus food donation, please contact the City of Irvine's Recycling Program at 949-724-7669 or e-mail environmentalprograms@cityofirvine.org.

 

The City of Irvine Can Help You Comply With California's Organics Recycling Law

State law AB 1826 requires "Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling," meaning that California businesses must now recycle their landscape cuttings and food waste depending on the amount of waste they generate per week.

Organics are food waste and food-soiled paper waste, green wastes such as landscape and pruning waste, and non-hazardous wood waste. Organic waste is the single most disposed of material in landfills. California disposes approximately 30 million tons of waste each year, of which more than 30 percent could be used for compost or mulch. Organic waste including yard wastes and food materials are recyclable through composting, mulching, and anaerobic digestion which can produce renewable energy and fuel. In addition to recycling food scraps, donating surplus food to local food banks can be part of your AB 1826 compliance effort.

Implementation Dates and Thresholds

AB 1826 phases in requirements on businesses over time, based on weekly amounts and types of waste produced. 

Currently: Businesses generating two (2) cubic yards of solid waste per week must arrange for organic waste recycling services. Small volume generators might qualify for exemption please submit request to environmentalprograms@cityofirvine.org.

September 15, 2020: Businesses generating two (2) cubic yards or more of any type of commercial solid waste per week must arrange for organic waste recycling services.