Frequently Asked Questions

Organic waste is any material that is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or an animal. Biodegradable waste is organic material that can be broken into carbon dioxide, methane, or simple organic molecules.

• Grass
• Leaves/Tree Branches
• Shrubs/Brush
• Plants/Weeds
• Garden Trimmings
• Sawdust
• Meat, Fish, Poultry
• Dairy Products
• Coffee Grounds
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Bread, Pasta, Rice, Grains
• Bones, Eggshells, Seafood Shells
• Plate Scrapings
• Food Soiled Paper/Napkins

• Animal waste
• Palm fronds
• Soil
• Rocks
• Paper, plastic, silverware/dishware
• Glass, metal, rubber
• Food packaging material
• Compostable or biodegradable products
• Treated Lumber

A focus on recycling organic materials is central to California's efforts to combat climate change. When organic materials such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) in a landfill, they produce methane, which is one of the most potent climate pollutants in the atmosphere and a major contributor to climate change.

SB 1383 requires cities and counties to procure annually a quantity of recovered organic waste products to meet their annual procurement target. Per CalRecycle, these procurement requirements will strengthen California's green, self-sustaining economy. Demand for these products will drive infrastructure investment and create new green-collar jobs in the state.

Recovered organic waste products can:

• Benefit local communities and spaces such as parks
• Improve soil and air quality
• Support local environmental initiatives, such as Climate Action Plans

CalRecycle assigns an annual procurement target to each jurisdiction based on its population. Jurisdictions can fulfill their target by procuring any combination of the following recovered organic waste products:

• Compost
• Mulch
• Renewable Energy (Transportation Fuel, Heat, and Electricity) from Anaerobic Digestion and Electricity from Biomass Conversion

Each jurisdiction has the flexibility to choose what mix of recovered organic waste products it wants to procure, and may choose to either use or donate these products to meet its procurement target, depending on its local needs.

Recovered surplus edible food will be donated to food banks, homeless shelters, and other organizations for those who are food insecure. Starting in 2022, food service businesses must donate surplus edible food to food recovery organizations. This will help feed almost 1 in 4 Californians who are without enough to eat. California has a 2025 goal to redirect 20% of surplus edible food (currently being thrown away) to people in need.

In partnership with other agencies in the region, the City is working to implement SB 1383's food recovery mandates. The City has joined the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments' regional food recovery program and will also begin work on creating two 'mini food recovery hubs' at Baldwin Park's Serenity Homes family site and the city's new homeless shelter Esperanza Village. Local businesses and eligible food donors will be able to partner with these local food recovery organizations to safely donate edible food.

Yes, everyone is required to participate and properly sort discarded materials into the correct bins or receptacles provided. If you choose not to participate, you may receive contamination charges from Waste Management. Additionally, by January 2024 the state has mandated the City to fine residents and businesses who are not participating. We appreciate all Baldwin Park residents for putting in the extra time and effort into properly sorting their waste.