Growing Compost Momentum in California: New Bins & Programs

California is ramping up its organics recycling efforts, driven by the strong mandates of SB 1383 and AB 1826. The aim? Slash the amount of organic waste in landfills by an ambitious 75% by 2025. These withering goals are pushing local governments to ramp up curbside programs, educational outreach, and even cutting-edge composting technology.AP NewsCalRecycle Home PageWaste Dive

Long Beach & South Bay: Leading the Way

Long Beach is accelerating its Residential Organics Collection Program, rolling out green carts citywide by October 2025. The phased expansion began in October 2024, and in June 2025 alone covered ~19,000 homes. Implementation continues through autumn, with informational mailers (in English, Spanish — and by request in Khmer and Tagalog), pail giveaways, and outreach events. Already, nearly 8,000 households have diverted over 900 tons of organics from landfills.Long Beach

Residents also get flexibility: after a two-week “settling in” period, cart sizes can be changed online or via phone, though limits apply (one exchange every six months). Blue recycling carts are also on the way, set to replace the retired purple ones beginning 2026.Long BeachLong Beach Post

Across the South Bay, many jurisdictions—working with entities like South Bay Cities Council of Governments—are implementing SB 1383 mandates, developing local collection systems and public education initiatives.South Bay Cities Council of Governments

EDCO’s Innovative Commingled Organics in Long Beach

EDCO Disposal launched a program in Long Beach allowing food scraps and yard waste to be placed together in one green container—no need for separate bins! Compostable material must not be bagged in plastic; paper bags okay. This simplification is a powerful step toward convenience and compliance.EDCO

Los Angeles & Redondo Beach: Broadening the Scope

Los Angeles’ OrganicsLA curbside program is moving full steam ahead under SB 1383 mandates. Residents are required to separate and recycle organics via designated green bins.Sanitation Services

Redondo Beach, as part of the South Bay region, is benefiting from this broader initiative, aligning with countywide strategies and supporting SB 1383 implementation alongside neighboring cities.

Innovative Compost Processing: Republic Services “Thor” Machine

In Chula Vista—another SoCal front-runner—Republic Services unveiled “Thor,” a cutting-edge machine at the solar-powered Otay Sustainability Park. Thor separates organic materials from mixed commercial waste, grinds them, and composts at scale—reducing methane emissions and bolstering state compliance.Axios

Why This Matters

  • Environmental Impact: Diverting food scraps, yard waste, and soiled paper keeps methane—a key climate threat—from escaping landfills.

  • Compliance & Standards: SB 1383 requires curbside organics collection, standardized containers with education, and procurement of composted products.CalRecycle Home PageWaste DiveAP News

  • Real Community Gains: Long Beach’s early rollout shows actual landfill waste reductions. The Granite improvement strategy and equipment investments reflect serious municipal commitment.Long BeachLong Beach Post

  • Simplified Behavior Change: Programs like EDCO’s commingled green bin and public education efforts reduce barriers to proper diverting—making compliance easier.

Quick Snapshot: Long Beach vs. South Bay vs. Los Angeles

RegionProgram HighlightsLong BeachGreen cart rollout through 2025; outreach in multiple languages; cart resizing; blue recycling carts phasing in.South BayRegional coordination under GHG-reduction mandates; shared planning and compliance efforts.Los AngelesOrganicsLA curbside program under SB 1383; residents must separate organics; countywide planning includes cities like Redondo Beach.

Tips for Long Beach & South Bay Residents

  1. Know Your Rollout Phase: Check your schedule via the City’s MapIt tool to start using your green cart.

  2. Join Workshops: Attend local composting or “learn-to-compost” events—ideal for mastering separation techniques.

  3. Use the Right Bin: Per EDCO, place food scraps, yard trimmings, and food-soiled paper loose, no plastic bags—paper ok.

  4. Reduce Odors: Freeze scraps or use paper lining for bins; also helps prevent pests.

  5. Buy Compost Bins: If you want to compost at home, Long Beach offers discounted bins and classes.Long Beach

  6. Get Involved: Businesses, schools, and multifamily complexes must comply too—ensure labeled bins and training are provided.CalRecycle Home PageSanitation Services

California’s compost future is unfolding now. From Long Beach’s cart exchanges to EDCO’s streamlined containers, and Thor’s high-tech composting in Chula Vista, the shift toward sustainable, circular waste management is underway. For communities like Long Beach, South Bay, and Redondo Beach, it's both an environmental imperative and a chance to lead the state in transforming waste into opportunity.

Let me know if you’d like help with workshop listings, outreach templates, or how residents can get involved!