I called my hauler but they said organics recycling is not required and I do not have to sign up. Does that mean I’m exempt?
The representative you spoke to was mistaken. Larger national waste hauler franchises have representatives not located in the state of California who may not be current on the laws and regulations of our state. Organics recycling services are mandatory for all multi-family properties with five units or more. If you do not comply by January 1, 2022, your waste hauler will provide advance notice before delivering an organic recycling bin and starting collection services.
When is the deadline for compliance?
The new state law goes into effect on January 1, 2022. You must sign up for service by December 31, 2021 to be in compliance with the new law.
Can property managers get technical assistance and training for this program?
The City of Sacramento will be holding a Zoom webinar for property managers on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 10:00 AM. This webinar will discuss the details of the program and compliance, provide guidance, and answer any questions property managers may have. This presentation will also be recorded and linked here as well.
To register, please click the following link and complete the registration form: https://cityofsacramento-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_scy9HwrHQbW5XFcb_ByzGQ
Will I be fined if my tenants do not recycle properly?
The City may levy an administrative penalty ($250 minimum) for every time an inspection finds that contaminants were placed in a container. As a property manager, you must provide education on the required proper usage of all your containers to all current and new tenants. Your waste hauler will be required to provide you with digital and paper copies of this education that you may distribute.
Why does organics recycling matter?
When our food ends up in landfills, it emits methane as it rots. By diverting organic waste away from landfills, we can minimize harmful emissions and in turn, make black gold—compost. Compost is nutrient-rich, helps retain soil moisture and composition, reduces our need for fertilizer, and increases crop output. Compost has even been found to draw carbon into our soils, reducing atmospheric CO2.
How much will this service cost?
Only your hauler can provide you with the cost of this service. Please contact them directly to inquire about cost and service-specific questions.
What will be the size of the organics recycling container?
The size of your container will be determined by the number of units on your property. The minimum size container is a 64-gallon organics collection cart (approximately 25” wide x 32” deep x 42” high). Please contact your waste hauler directly to inquire about container size and service-specific questions.
What exactly goes in the organics recycling bin?
Your waste hauler will provide specific instructions and materials that you can provide to your tenants about property sorting of organics materials.
How often is the organics container picked up?
Your organics container will be serviced together with your trash and recycling during your normal weekly service.
Can we use plastic bags for the food waste?
You may use clear compostable bags to place food scraps into your organics bin. Please contact your hauler for specific requirements.
Will the organics recycling container omit bad odors or attract pests?
We suggest using the same guidelines for your trash container as your organics container to contain odors and prevent pests. Here are some additional tips:
- Ensure the organics recycling container lid is always closed.
- If available, place the organics recycling container in an enclosure.
- Make sure the container is serviced on a weekly basis.
- Encourage tenants to place their food scraps in 100% compostable bags.