Frequently Asked Questions

Mandatory recycling of organic waste is the next step toward achieving California’s aggressive recycling and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission goals. California disposes approximately 30 million tons of waste in landfills each year, of which more than 30 percent could be used for compost or mulch. Organic waste such as green materials and food materials are recyclable through composting and mulching. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the decomposition of organic wastes in landfills have been identified as a significant source of emissions such as methane, contributing to global climate change. Reducing the amount of organic materials sent to landfills and increasing the production of compost and mulch are also part of the California Global Warming Solutions Plan AB 32 (2006).

All California cities, counties, businesses and residents are required to meet the SB 1383 mandate to reduce organic waste and thereby reduce emissions state wide. Landfill gas created by decomposing organic wastes is a significant source of methane that contributes to climate change. Despite the state’s robust and traditional recycling infrastructure, organic materials (yard trimmings, food scripts and soiled paper) make up 41% of the remaining waste stream. Redirecting these resources to composting operations will save landfill space, reduce emissions, and restore soils.

Businesses can meet the mandatory requirements by:

• Call us to set up your organics collection service at 831.768.3133 unless you qualify for a business di minimus or physical space waiver

• Supermarkets of over 10,000 square feet (Tier I) are required to donate the maximum amount of edible food to the Second Harvest Food Bank, track their donation weights and agreements.

• If your business is self hauling, you are required to report your monthly organics totals by weight to the City of Watsonville and where they were hauled to to food.scrap@watsonville.gov by June of each year.

There are two types of waivers that commercial businesses and multifamily complexes can apply for every 5 years: the de minimis and physical space waivers. The waiver requires a city of Watsonville inspection and approval to be in effect. If your business no longer meets the guidelines for the waivers, you must call to start service.

Minimal generation waivers (De minimis) – for businesses and multi-family properties that generate a minimal amount of compostable/organic waste (food scraps and plant debris) depending on the amount of waste your business or multi-family property generates:  

Amount of Waste Your Business Generates: Threshold to Quality for a Minimal Generation Waiver:

* Less than 2 cubic yards of total weekly service: Generate no more than 10 gallons of compostable/organic waste per week

* 2 or more cubic yards of total weekly service:  Generate no more than 20 gallons of compostable/organic waste per week

Physical Space Waiver:

There are physical space constraints that prohibit the addition of compost and recycling containers

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