5 minute read
SB 1383: Navigating the Change at Multifamily Communities
By Kristen Reyes
What are community managers to do about Senate Bill 1383? Like any change, organizing your trash management for compliance with SB 1383 may seem daunting. Most people agree that proper organic disposal is an important initiative. However, the existing guidelines need to be clarified. Implementing this initiative at your property should be attainable for you, and that starts with clear expectations.
What is SB 1383?
Let us recap. Organic waste, which includes green waste like yard trimmings and food waste like food-related paper, cardboard, and food scraps, is considered a “short-lived climate pollutant.” Studies show that organic waste is one of the most significant contributors to methane levels, producing 20% of the state’s methane gas. Not only does methane impact climate, but it also decreases air quality, putting those with health conditions at higher risk—a point especially poignant for those suffering from long-term COVID-19 and other respiratory issues.
In 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown announced Senate Bill 1383, an initiative to meet new targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction in California. These new targets aim to:
• Reduce organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025.
• Rescue 20% of currently disposed surplus food for consumption by 2025.
Each target has a purpose. The first will reduce the methane created by food waste, and the second will provide greater access to food for the California population, especially those struggling with food security. So, the objectives are worthwhile.
On January 1, 2022, SB 1383 went into effect, calling cities to provide waste management options to dispose of organic waste separately from other waste. Now, organic waste is taken to recycling facilities to create compost for soil, biofuel, and electricity. As facilities create more products from re-purposed organic material, local California governments will utilize them in energy, commerce, and more.
What do communities need to do to be compliant?
SB 1383 affects businesses, schools, and residential communities, including apartments and HOAs. Your jurisdiction, meaning county or city, determines how it will roll out new organic collection services, and your community must comply with your jurisdiction-specific plan. Likely, your city or county’s plan will affect the number of bins on site, communication with your residents, and frequency of waste removal.
Each jurisdiction is responsible for providing organic waste collection services and containers.
In most areas, these are provided through your contracted trash hauler. However, the cost and equipment are set by your jurisdiction and vary greatly. Organic waste pick-up can cost between $12 and $100 per bin monthly for weekly pick-up. Some haulers provide small indoor totes for residents, while others do not. In summary, to understand what your hauler provides and how much it costs, it is best to call them.
While making the adjustments may temporarily disrupt the existing systems of multifamily trash management, the process can be made more accessible. Here are tips on how to prepare:
1. Estimate organic waste production and procure equipment
The minimum requirement for organic bins differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A good rule of thumb is to contact your hauler for compliance recommendations or have your trash management vendor call for you. Your trash hauler will be your area’s closest source to compliance rules. Use the script below to assist your call:
Manager: Hi, I am the manager for [community]. I am calling to inquire about the requirements for SB 1383 compliance. I want to be compliant and help meet SB 1383 initiatives while being costeffective for my community—what is the minimum number of organic waste bins recommended?
In addition to asking your hauler, you may also want to audit your organic waste production. This can help you determine the number of bins needed for responsible disposal. You can hire a trash management company or waste auditor to help you estimate your organic waste production.
2. Educate your team and residents
Educate your team on proper disposal. Everyone must understand how to dispose of organic waste to ensure a smoother transition. Most importantly, help your residents by including educational materials in a newsletter, clearly marking bins, or placing the flyers at or near the enclosures. Most trash haulers have resource handouts detailing what materials can go into organic waste. Following your hauler’s specifications is always best to avoid bin contamination and fees.
3. Know the penalties
Communal change takes time. SB 1383 regulations allow jurisdictions up to three years to reach compliance. However, some cities have already begun issuing penalty fees. Again, whether you are at risk of penalties varies depending on your area. We recommend contacting your trash management provider or hauler immediately to be safe. This way, you will not stress over compliance charges.
Directing Your Communities Through The Changes
Management plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transition to a more sustainable future as a steward of residential communities. Navigating new waste management regulations is a challenge. However, the path to SB 1383 compliance can be manageable. Utilizing a trash management provider and following advice from your contracted hauler can increase the clarity and efficiency of these new processes. SB 1383 presents multifamily communities with an opportunity to evolve their waste management practices for the greater good. While the transition may be tricky, communities can embrace SB 1383 and their environmental responsibility with assistance from trash management experts who support them.
