SB 1383: Organics Recycling

The state of California is fighting climate change by requiring the recycling of organic waste. Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills. Organic waste in landfills releases 20% of the state’s methane, a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Recycling organic waste and recovering edible food will help fight climate change and improve public health and the environment.

Senate Bill 1383, signed in 2016, established statewide targets to achieve a 75% reduction of organic waste in landfills, and to recover at least 20% of edible food by 2025. Learn more about SB1383 from CalRecycle here.

To achieve this goal, all California residents and businesses will need to begin recycling organic waste and/or diverting food waste to an appropriate food recovery program. Startig mid-October 2021, EDCO Disposal will begin delivering new, green organics carts to all residential customers in Signal Hill. Organics collection will begin November 1, 2021. All residents will be required to place organic waste into the new green cart.

What Goes in the Organics/Green Waste Cart?

If it grows, it goes!

  • Food scraps
  • Food soiled paper (i.e. used pizza boxes, used paper napkins / paper towels, paper bags, paper containers) 
  • Grass, leaves, yard waste, plants, branches
  • Coffee, coffee filters, tea bags
  • Untreated wood and natural fibers (popsicle sticks, wooden chopsticks, toothpicks)

What Does NOT Go in the Organics/Green Waste Cart?

  • Paper containers with a plastic or wax coating
  • Takeout boxes with metal that cannot be removed
  • Plastic bags (including certified compostable or biodegradable bags)
  • Clothing or textiles
  • Pet waste and cat litter
  • Wine corks
  • Rocks and soil
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts and ashes
  • Styrofoam
  • Anything that does not break down naturally

More information on sorting your waste can be  found on EDCO's Recycling Brochure (PDF)

Educational Resources for Kids

Print out these fun puzzles and games for kids, and help them learn about what goes in the new green organics bin!

Three Waste Bins one blue one gray one green

Edible Food Recovery

Starting in 2022, some food service businesses must donate edible food to food recovery organizations with others starting in 2024. California has a 2025 goal to redirect to people in need 20% of edible food currently thrown away. Learn more.


Signal Hill Compliance

On August 24, 2021, Council held a public hearing (PDF) to introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 8.11 to the Signal Hill Municipal Code, relating to Organic Waste Disposal Reduction.

On September 14, 2021, the Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance (PDF) was adopted, and the Waste Hauling Services Agreement (PDF) between the City and EDCO Disposal was amended and restated.

For questions on the City's Organic Waste and Recycling requirements please contact the Public Works Department at 562-989-7351