California jurisdictions must secure 100% of their CalRecycle procurement target of recovered organic waste products under SB 1383 starting Jan. 1, 2025, or face substantial fines. Many jurisdictions will struggle to meet their target because there are not enough organic waste facilities to produce qualified products, according to Bill Camarillo, CEO of Agromin, California’s largest organics waste recycler.
CalRecycle estimates an additional 20 to 25 million tons of organic waste must be processed into compost, mulch or biogas to meet the procurement needs of California’s jurisdictions. CalRecycle says this would require between 50 and 100 new or expanded recycling facilities.
“The lack of recycling facilities and an inconsistent supply of raw organic materials will make it difficult, if not impossible for all jurisdictions to meet their SB 1383 targets,” says Camarillo.
“Establishing a strong relationship between jurisdictions and organic waste processors is key. By working together, jurisdictions and recyclers can find creative solutions to the procurement issue.” Camarillo cited Agromin’s partnership with the City of Ventura as an example.
“Agromin created a coupon program so Ventura residents and businesses can easily order free compost for pick up or delivery at shop.agromin.com/allproducts. Ventura tracks orders through a secure portal, which helps with CalRecycle reporting requirements. The city created a robust web presence outlining the giveaway program and used social media and other marketing to get the word out,” says Camarillo. Since the program began as a pilot in December 2022, residents have ordered 743 tons of Agromin’s compost and mulch.
Agromin established similar partnerships with the County of Ventura, City of Oxnard, City of Sacramento and City of Camarillo. Find all free compost program partnerships at www.agromin.com/community.
“These types of partnerships can be replicated throughout the state by organic waste recyclers,” says Camarillo. “My advice to jurisdictions is to lock in product procurement relationships and create programs that enable product distribution quickly and efficiently.”
About Agromin:
Agromin, based in Oxnard, California, is the state’s largest organics recycler. It manufactures soil products for farmers, government entities, landscapers and gardeners, serving over 200 California communities. Agromin processes more than 1 million tons of organic material annually into over 300 eco-friendly soil products. The results are more vigorous and healthier plants and gardens, and on the conservation side, the opportunity to close the recycling loop, allowing more room in landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Agromin is a U.S. Composting Council Composter of the Year recipient. For more information, visit www.agromin.com.