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SB 1383

Learn about the new state law

Is your food business or hunger relief organization affected by the new food recovery requirements of SB1383? Get an overview of the requirements here.

SB 1383 Overview

As part of an effort to reduce methane emissions, California law Senate Bill 1383 establishes targets to reduce organic waste disposal by 50% by 2020 and 75% by 2025, and to increase edible food recovery by 20% by 2025.

In order to meet these targets, the law includes a number of new requirements, including the following:

  • Organic waste (e.g. food waste) collection and recycling must be provided to all residents and businesses
  • Certain businesses must donate edible surplus food to food recovery organizations like food banks, food pantries, or other hunger-relief nonprofits
  • Local governments are required to procure the products made from recycled organic material, such as renewable energy, compost, and mulch
  • Counties and jurisdictions must conduct capacity planning for the new organic waste recycling and food recovery requirements

SB 1383 & Food Recovery

Specific businesses, which SB 1383 has labeled “commercial edible food generators,” are now required to donate edible surplus food to food recovery organizations like food banks, food pantries, or other hunger-relief nonprofits.

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Food Recovery Requirements for Businesses

Tier 1 Generators must meet the food recovery requirements by Jan. 1, 2022

Tier 2 Generators must meet the food recovery requirements by Jan. 1, 2024

Mandated Food Recovery

Mandated Food Recovery

Donate the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed to a food recovery organization or service.

Agreements/Contracts

Agreements/Contracts

Establish a contract/written agreement with the food recovery organization or service. Keep a copy of the agreement on-site.

Record-keeping

Record-keeping

Keep ongoing records of the following:

  • Name, address, and contact info for each food recovery organization or service
  • Types of food donated
  • Established frequency that food is collected or taken to the recovery agency
  • Quantity of food collected or self-hauled, measured in pounds recovered per month
SB 1383 Resources For Businesses

Food Recovery Requirements for Hunger-Relief Nonprofits

If a food recovery organization or service receives food donations from a commercial edible food generator, then the organization must follow specific record-keeping and reporting requirements. Fortunately, these requirements are similar to existing record-keeping systems followed by local food banks.

Record-keeping

Record-keeping

Keep ongoing records of the following:

  • Name, address, and contact information for each Tier 1 and Tier 2 food donor that your organization collects/receives food from.
  • The quantity in pounds of edible food collected/received from each food donor per month.

Reporting

Reporting

Report the total pounds of edible food recovered in the previous calendar year to the city where your primary address is located. (City staff will reach out to request this information from your organization annually).

Download the SB 1383 Overview for Hunger-Relief Nonprofits Handout
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