Skip to main content

Using Translation

The County of San Mateo has added a translation feature developed by Google Translate to assist web visitors in understanding information on this website in a variety of foreign languages. Please be aware that Google Translate, a free third party service which the County does not control, provides automated computer translations that may not give you an exact translation. The County cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate so translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The County disclaims and will not accept any liability for damages or losses of any kind caused by the use of the Google Translate feature.

recycling organic kitchen waste into compost
MANDATORY ORGANICS RECYCLING
Cutting down on landfill waste.

Mandatory Organics Recycling Law (SB 1383)

In September 2016, California set methane emissions reduction targets for California (SB 1383 Lara, Chapter 395, Statutes of 2016) in a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants. The aim of the law is to:

  • Reduce organic waste disposal 75% by 2025.
  • Recover (for people to eat) at least 20% of currently disposed surplus food by 2025.

When organic waste, such as food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings, end up in landfills, they generate methane gas, a significant contributor to climate change and poor local air quality. That is why SB 1383 now requires residents and businesses to properly sort their waste into compost, recycling, and landfill bins. Not only does organic waste diversion combat global climate change, but it also creates nutrient-rich compost and mulch from materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill.

What do the SB 1383 requirements mean for you?

Whether you are a resident or business, you are required to properly sort all food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper, and place them in your curbside compost bin.

Inspection and Enforcement

The County is required, by the State, to inspect residents and businesses annually to ensure that they are 1) subscribed to their hauler’s recycling and compost/green waste pickup services, or self-hauling their waste to a certified facility, and 2) properly sorting their waste and utilizing recycling and compost/green waste bins. If a business is a food-generating business such as a restaurant, grocery store, or wholesaler, County inspectors will inspect your business to determine whether you are in compliance with the edible food recovery requirements.

If your property is the subject of inspection and is determined to be out of compliance with the SB 1383 Organics Recycling ordinance, your business or residence may be subject to fines.

Report a Violation

To report a violation of any of the requirements, please submit a violation complaint form below.

Violation Complaint Form

Please use this form to submit an alleged violation of the State of California Senate Bill (SB) 1383. Only complete this form if the violation has occurred in the Unincorporated areas of San Mateo County only. See this map for reference.

Once submitted, the Sustainability Department will review your submission and commence the investigation within 90 days. This form will be submitted anonymously, and you will not be disclosed to the alleged violator.

If you would like the Sustainability Department to contact you on the status of the investigation, you may include your contact information in the bottom section of the form below. Once you have completed the form, please press the “Submit” button. Thank you.

"*" indicates required fields

Identity of the Alleged Violator

Address*
Please describe, in detail, the alleged violation, including the Unincorporated County of San Mateo locations(s) (i.e.: North Fair Oaks, Palomar Park, etc.) and all other relevant facts known to the complainant.

Submit all relevant photographic, videos, or documentary files as evidence to support the allegations in the complaint (if available). Please do not submit photos of inside anyone’s cart or private property.

You may submit file types listed below. If you are having issues uploading files, you may email OOS_organicsrecycling@smcgov.org for assistance.

Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, gif, png, pdf, mp3, m4a, wav, mp4, mov, mpg, wmv, avi, Max. file size: 300 MB.

    Your Contact Information (Optional)

    If you would like the Sustainability Department to contact you on the status of the investigation, please enter your information below. Your contact information will remain confidential.

    Name

    Apply for a Waiver

    Businesses and multi-family properties may be granted a and exempted from some of the SB 1383 requirements if they can provide documentation and evidence to support one of the waiver options.

    The Latest News & Events

    Fixit Clinic @ John Daly Library
    Jun
    7

    Fixit Clinics are fun community-based workshops where neighbors, friends, and families work collectively to learn how to repair broken items.

    Keep All Plastic Out of the Green Bin Everyone in San Mateo County is required to compost all food scraps and yard…
    Getting food to people who need it while also reducing food waste requires many hands. As one food recovery non-profit…