Resources for Food Recovery Organizations and Services

What is Senate Bill (SB) 1383?

In September 2016, the State set methane emission reduction targets for California in Senate Bill 1383, intended as a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (like organic waste) in various sectors of California’s economy.

SB 1383 establishes statewide target to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills (50% reduction by 2020 and 75% by 2025). It also set a goal to rescue at least 20% of currently disposed edible food by 2025 and redirect that food to people in need.

This effort will increase access to nutritious food for members of our community, while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions that are the result of food ending up in a landfill! Together, we can do this important work for our community and the planet.

Identification

Food Recovery Service

A person or entity that collects and transports edible food from a commercial food donor to a food recovery organization or other entities.

Food Recovery Organization

An entity that engages in the collection or receipt of edible food from a commercial edible food donor that distributes that food to the public, either directly or through other entities. Including but not limited to:

Food banks
Nonprofit charitable organizations
Nonprofit’s charitable temporary food facilities

Steps for Compliance

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Secure written agreements or contracts with food recovery organizations that receive your donation.

Begin donating excess edible food.

Maintain donation records at business location to be submitted to your city.