SB 1383 & Rate Update

Click HERE for more information on SB 1383 and how it will affect residents, businesses and multi-family complexes!

What is SB 1383?

SB 1383 is California’s law to reduce organic waste methane emissions and is referred to as California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy.

SB 1383 is the most significant waste reduction mandate to be adopted in California in the last 30 years.

Why is SB 1383 Important?

California is now experiencing the effects of a climate crisis: hotter summers with world record-breaking temperatures, even more devastating fire seasons, more extreme droughts, and rising sea levels that erode our coastlines.

Scientists tell us that greenhouse gasses released by human activities, like landfilling food and yard waste, cause climate change.

To respond to this climate crisis, California is implementing statewide organic waste recycling and surplus food recovery.

Will recycling food waste and other organics really make a difference?

Landfills are the third largest source of methane in California.

Organic waste in landfills emits:

• 20% of the state’s methane, a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
• Air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma.

Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills.

Reducing Short-Lived Climate Super Pollutants like organic waste will have the fastest impact on the climate crisis.

Much of the details in the questions above are from CalRecycle and more information can be found on their website.

How does SB 1383 affect my service?

SB 1383 is a California law pertaining to all businesses and residents. All WVC&R organics service is provided at no additional charge, it is included with the cost of your garbage service.

If you live in a single family home:

1. You will receive a kitchen pail for food waste that you can keep on your counter or under your sink to make collection of food scraps in your kitchen clean and convenient.
2. Along with the kitchen pail we will provide detailed instructions on how to participate in the new organics recycling program.
3. You may begin placing organics in your yard trimmings cart once you receive your kitchen pail or beginning 11/1/2021 whichever occurs first.

If you live in a multi-family complex:

1. You will receive a kitchen pail for food waste that you can keep on your counter or under your sink to make collection of food scraps in your kitchen clean and convenient.
2. Along with the kitchen pail we will provide detailed instructions on how to participate in the new organics recycling program.
3. You may begin placing organics in your organics bin/cart once your apartment/townhome has organics bins or carts on site. The organics cart/bin will be located near your garbage and recycling bins.

If you own or manage a business:

WVC&R is assessing properties to provide free organics bins or carts and ensure compliance.

WVC&R is here to help your business or multi-family complex participate properly in the organics recycling program. WVC&R can provide outreach such as:

• how-to guides for multi-family complex residents
• posters for businesses
• organics recycling presentations for residents and/or staff

If you would like to request outreach, please email us at customerservice@westvalleyrecycles.com

What organics are acceptable in my yard trimmings cart?

Acceptable organics include:

FOOD SCRAPS: meat, poultry, fish, bones, egg shells, fruit, vegetables, bread, pasta, beans, solid dairy, coffee grounds/filters and tea bags

FOOD SOILED PAPER: paper towels/napkins, paper plates, pizza boxes, paper take-out food containers

PLANTS: flowers, grass clippings, cactus, leaves, plant trimmings, lumber (unpainted/untreated, under 3” diameter and 2’ long), branches (under 3” diameter and 2’ long), ivy, Christmas trees (clean with stand and decorations removed)

CERTIFIED COMPOSTABLE WARE:  bags, cups, plates, utensils (compostable ware must meet the ASTM D6400 standard for compostability)

Please refer to the links below for a complete list of rates effective July 1, 2021:

New Residential Garbage Rates:

City of Campbell | City of Monte Sereno | City of Saratoga | Town of Los Gatos

New Commercial and Multi-family Garbage Rates:

City of Campbell | City of Monte Sereno | City of Saratoga | Town of Los Gatos

West Valley Collection & Recycling is making recycling easier. Simply enter your address to view your collection schedule, request a large item pickup or enter a material to see if it’s recyclable.

WVC&R is your EXCLUSIVE Roll-Off and Debris Box Provider

Please call customer service at 408.283.9250 to schedule your debris box or for more information.