California's SB 1383 in Madera County

begins July 2025

What is SB 1383?

SB 1383 is a statewide effort in California aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by addressing the growing problem of organic waste. Passed in 2016, the law requires a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025, compared to 2014 levels, and a 20% recovery of edible food that would otherwise be wasted. The law plays a critical role in California’s fight against climate change.

What is SB 1383?

SB 1383 is a statewide effort in California aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by addressing the growing problem of organic waste. Passed in 2016, the law requires a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025, compared to 2014 levels, and a 20% recovery of edible food that would otherwise be wasted. The law plays a critical role in California’s fight against climate change.

Key Goals of SB 1383:

  • Divert 75% of organic waste (like food, yard debris, and paper) from landfills.
  • Recover 20% of edible food waste to help feed Californians in need.
  • Reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas produced by organic waste in landfills.

Why Does SB 1383 Matter?

Organic waste makes up about 50% of California’s waste stream and is the largest contributor to methane emissions in landfills.

By diverting this waste, SB 1383 helps:

  • Combat climate change.
  • Conserve resources.
  • Support food recovery efforts and help alleviate food insecurity.

3 Ways to Comply with SB1383 in Madera County Starting July 1, 2025

1. Subscribing to weekly organic waste collection services provided by Redrock Environmental Group.


Sign up for services on-line, by phone, or in person. The rate for residential organics collection in all SB1383 zones is $19.82 per month. This service includes a 96 gallon cart that will be collected on a weekly basis.


The rate for commercial organics collection in the SB1383 zone starts at $76.39 per month for a 96 gallon cart that is collected on a weekly basis. Commercial service rates will vary depending on the amount of organic material you produce and the size of the collection container your business needs.


  • Sign-Up For Services HERE
  • In Person: 21739 Road 19, Chowchilla, CA 93610
  • CALL US


2. Self-hauling source separated organic waste to a community composting site, e.g. Fairmead Landfill or the North Fork Transfer Station.


Generators are to follow all Madera County codes regarding accumulation of waste at their properties. Self-haulers that are commercial businesses, including landscapers, are required to maintain certain records if they choose to self-haul. The rate for organic waste disposal will be determined by Madera County.


CalRecycle developed the Recordkeeping Tool for Self-Haulers to assist self-haulers in meeting the record-keeping requirements.

3. Managing organic waste on site at the generator’s premises, i.e. composting.


All listed compost sites will be subject to routine audits to verify compliance.


Learn what it takes to start composting at home HERE.

Business Requirements

Businesses are required to comply by:

  1. Adopting one of the three methods of compliance addressed in "3 Ways to Comply with SB1383 in Madera County."
  2. Provide collection containers for organic waste to employees, contractors, tenants, and customers on the commercial business premises.
  3. Arrange to recover the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be disposed.
  4. Request a waiver. Please see "Can I apply for a waiver?" in the FAQ section.

What Can I Put in My Green Container?

Organic materials such as vegetable and cooked meat food scraps, yard waste, untreated wood, food soiled paper and cardboard, eggshells, and other compostable items are allowable materials in your green container. Plastics, including compostable plastics or plastic bags are not allowed. Medications, pesticides, and other hazardous materials are not allowed in any of the three containers. View our recycling education page.


Download the guide.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Compliance with the County's ordinance will be monitored randomly through compliance reviews, rout reviews, investigation of complaints, and an inspection program. Residents and business owners will be provided with warnings and educational material to aid in compliance prior to fines being issued.


Madera County may impose penalties for non-compliance in amounts listed below.

  • First violation: $50-$100
  • Second violation: $100-$200
  • Third and subsequent violations: $250-$500


What Happens to Organic Waste?

The collected material is brought to a compost facility, where it is processed into nutrient rich compost for agricultural end-users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

SB 1383 targets the statewide reduction of methane emissions from landfills, which are the 3rd largest source of methane in California. In Madera County, like much of the state, approximately 30% of the material sent to landfills consists of recoverable organics, including green waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper. When these organics decompose in landfills, they release methane—a climate super pollutant up to 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide—contributing to 20% of California’s methane emissions.


Additionally, the USDA estimates that up to 40% of food in the United States goes uneaten, and CalRecycle reports that food makes up 18% of waste in California landfills. This is a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for communities like Madera County to lead the way in reducing waste and protecting the environment.


By participating in organics diversion programs, residents and businesses in Madera County can help reduce landfill waste, lower methane emissions, and create a more sustainable future for our local community and beyond.

All residents and businesses that fall within the Madera County SB 1383 zones must comply with SB 1383 regulations. You can find your zone by visiting: https://gis.maderacounty.com/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d3ab0c72ccc54f19927572791eb379d2


Areas that are highlighted with blue stripes are considered the SB 1383 zones. 

For residents, organic waste services will begin at $19.82 per month. Commercial rates begin at $76.39 per month. Actual rates will vary depending on the volume of organic material you produce. 

The organics program will start on July 1st, 2025.

Residential property owners do not qualify for waivers.


Commercial businesses may qualify for a De Minimis Waiver if they demonstrate the business's total solid waste collection is no more than 20 gallons of organic waste per week for two or more cubic yards per week OR the business’s total solid waste collection is no more than 10 gallons per week for less than two cubic yards per week.


Commercial businesses may qualify for a Physical Space Waiver if the County has evidence that the premises lacks adequate space for any of the Organic Waste container configurations.


For more details about these waivers please see the Madera County Code of Ordinances, 7.24.107 - Organic waste requirements for SB 1383 Census Tracts, G. County Waivers.

Non-compliant property owners will be subject to Madera County's code enforcement regulations.

A fee has not been established for self-hauled organic waste delivered to the North Fork Transfer Station or the Fairmead Landfill. The Board of Supervisors will consider this prior to July 1, 2025.

AB 1826 is a California law signed in 2014 that mandated businesses and multi-family housing complexes to recycle organic waste. SB 1383, signed into law in 2016, also mandates the recycling of organic waste but affects businesses, multifamily housing, and also residential property owners.

If subscribed to a collection service, residents must use hauler-provided containers. For self-hauling, residents may use their own containers.

Unfortunately, compostable bags don't break down like food. They take longer to decompose and can often jam up equipment during shredding operations at a composting facility. We ask that you do not place these products in your organics container.