In California we’re pretty used to recycling paper, glass, aluminum cans and plastic, but a new state law is taking effect this year that will mandate organic waste recycling as well. Nevada County Public Works Director Steve Castleberry briefed the County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday on the new regulations. He says it affects mostly facilities that handle food.

click to listen to Steve Castleberry

Castleberry says they have identified up to 30 facilities in the county that could be affected. Statewide, organic waste makes up more than 30 percent of the material going into the state’s landfills, and AB 1826 is intended to help meet the statewide goal of diverting 75 percent of waste material.

click to listen to Steve Castleberry

Butte County has decided to build their own digester to handle the food waste because there are no facilities close by that can recycle for them.
Castleberry says over the next several months, Waste Management staff will contact businesses both in writing and in-person to make sure they are aware of the requirements. There is not currently a countywide food waste recycling program, but county staff will examine a number of existing informal programs to see if they are applicable on a larger scale.