Every city and county in California is currently required to divert 50% of their waste from going to the landfill. California’s new, ambitious goal is to recycle 75% of all waste by 2020. Diverting organic waste from the landfill will help Woodland and California reach our new goal. 

Organic waste means food scraps, food-soiled paper waste, yard trimmings, and nonhazardous wood waste. These items make up approximately 30% of California’s waste and release greenhouse gases when they decompose in landfills. Instead, these organic materials can be recycled and used to make compost or mulch when taken to a compost facility.

Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling (MORe) Program

In October 2014, the governor signed AB 1826, which requires certain businesses and multifamily properties to arrange for organic recycling services for the collection of food waste, green waste, and food-soiled paper. Food waste and food-soiled paper collection is not required for multifamily properties, only green waste.

Businesses and multi-family properties that meet the thresholds below are required to do one of the following:

• Arrange for organics recycling services through Waste Management
• Reduce amount of all waste (including organics and recyclable materials) generated to under 4 cubic yards or less per week (businesses only)
• Submit an annual exemption form for one of the qualifying reasons:
  • Lack of available space
  • Alternative organics recycling methods
  • Self-hauling organics materials
  • Does not meet minimum organic waste generation

Click here to apply for a Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling Program Exemption

Exemptions will only be granted to those with qualifying proof of a reason listed above. Site visits may be needed for exemption approval. Exemptions will need to be renewed on an annual basis. Failure to renew exemptions may result in non-compliance to the MORe program.