Mandatory Commercial
Organics Recycling

The Regulations: What are they?

The law requires that businesses arrange for recycling services for organic waste. At Athens, we will be recycling your organics through composting, mulching and anaerobic digestion. All businesses that generate organic waste might eventually be subject to comply, including multi-family residential dwellings that consist of five or more units. (Please note: multi-family dwellings are not required to have a food waste diversion program, only green waste recycling services.)

Timeline

January 2017 – Businesses generating four (4) cubic-yards or more of organics waste weekly must arrange for organics recycling services.

 January 2019 – Businesses generating four (4) cubic-yards or more of municipal solid waste must   arrange for organics recycling services.

What is “Organics Waste”?

Organics waste includes food scraps, green waste (including landscape and pruning waste), and food-soiled paper (fiber-based only). See below for examples.

Stock image of trash bin

Organics Waste Examples

(includes but not limited to)
Lady throwing green waste
Green Waste
  • Grass clippings
  • Leaves and branches
  • Flower and hedge trimmings
  • Weeds
  • Lumber, scrap wood and plywood (not painted or treated)
Picture of vegetables
Food Scraps
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Cheese and dairy
  • Meat, bones, poultry and seafood
  • Bread, rice and pasta
  • Cut flowers and herbs
  • Coffee filters
  • Any putrescible matter produced from human or animal food production, preparation, and consumption activities
Different types of waste
Food-Soiled Paper
  • Food-stained paper
  • Napkins and paper kitchen towels
  • Paper egg cartons
  • Paper food boats (no plastic lining)
  • Paper packaging
  • Paper plates and cups (no plastic lining)
  • Pizza boxes
  • 100% fiber based, compostable serving-ware and to-go containers  

Athens Has You Covered!

As the leading local recycling and waste services company, we have developed a strategic plan to educate, collect, and recycle all organics waste produced by our customers. We regularly return the material to the community through our composting events and giveaways.

American Organics

Athens Services

Athens Services provides composting through our state-of-the-art facility, American Organics. We process many types of organics materials, including food waste. Currently, we provide food waste collection and composting for municipalities and food service establishments throughout Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. American Organics can create compost blends suitable for industrial, agricultural, municipal, residential or commercial use.

AMERICAN ORGANICS
Location

20055 Shay Road
Victorville, CA 92394 | map

AMERICAN ORGANICS
Hours

7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Friday

AMERICAN ORGANICS
Cost

$50 per ton
(cash and credit cards accepted)

AMERICAN ORGANICS
Accepted Waste

Green waste (grass clippings, tree trimmings, brush)

AMERICAN ORGANICS
Prohibited Waste

All loads will be checked – if they contain any of the items below, your load will be denied.

  • Dirt, rocks or boulders
  • Glass, plastics, PVC pipe or hose
  • Oils, chemicals or paint
  • Paper, cardboard or plastic bags
  • Household appliances or furniture
  • Electrical components or computers
  • Tires or metals

Organics AB 1826 Brochure

Organics
Recycling Brochure

AB 1826 Brochure
DOWNLOAD NOW

Organic Recycling FAQ

AB 1826 FAQ
DOWNLOAD NOW

Organics AB 1826 FAQ

The AB 1826 Timeline

January 1, 2016:

Jurisdictions implemented organics recycling programs.

April 1, 2016:

Businesses generating eight (8) cubic-yards or more of organics waste weekly had to arrange for organics waste recycling services.

January 1, 2017: 

Businesses generating four (4) cubic-yards or more of organics waste weekly must arrange for organics waste recycling services.

August 1, 2017:

Jurisdictions report progress on organics recycling programs to CalRecycle.

January 1, 2019:

Businesses generating four (4) cubic yards or more of solid waste weekly must arrange for organics waste recycling services.

All accounts affected by the law will receive personalized communication regarding the law and service requirements. To learn more about AB 1826 and its requirements, please visit: www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

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