Food makes up the largest portion of landfilled waste
California and other states now mandate landfill diversion -
are your operations in compliance?
California’s 75% diversion mandate
Each year, 23 million tons of organic waste will need to be recycled, reduced or composted statewide. CalRecyle’s mandate is being implemented through municipalities, which in turn are regulating hauling companies and commercial food processors to meet this ambitious goal.
Composting faces new regulations
California’s HB 1383 establishes new restrictions on air emissions and water discharge from composting operations, significantly increasing the cost of compliance. This is mainly because decomposition of organic matter through composting contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
AD permitting remains a challenge
Anaerobic digestion is another alternative to landfill disposal of organic waste. However, odor concerns and siting issues have caused permitting delays and denials for a number AD projects. The high capital cost and decline in value of renewable energy credits (RINs) also pose significant challenges.
