SB 1383 and Ecoris Frequently Asked Questions

SB 1383 is a California law that requires businesses to sort their waste correctly, keep organics out of landfills, and recover edible food when possible. The goal is to reduce methane emissions and protect the environment.

SB 1383 applies to all California businesses, property managers, schools, hospitals, food facilities, and multifamily housing with five or more units.

Organic waste in landfills creates methane, which is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases. SB 1383 reduces methane by keeping food and paper out of the landfill and by improving food recovery programs.

Cities and counties can issue notices, corrective action plans, and fines. Enforcement is increasing each year and regulators are expecting clear proof of ongoing participation.

Organic waste includes food scraps, food soiled paper, uncoated cardboard, plant material, coffee grounds, paper towels, and napkins. These materials belong in your organics or green bin, not the landfill bin.

Clean paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, and approved plastics belong in the recycling bin. Items should be empty and free of heavy contamination before they are recycled.

The landfill bin is for non recyclable and non compostable items, such as certain plastics, contaminated packaging, and mixed materials that cannot be sorted into organics or recycling.

Yes. Every business must have organics collection service and make green bins available to staff and tenants wherever trash and recycling are provided.

Staff must receive training every year and when they are newly hired. Training should cover correct sorting, bin locations, and what SB 1383 expects from your site.

Tier one generators include large food distributors, wholesalers, grocery stores, and supermarket chains. Tier two generators include hospitals, hotels, schools, large venues, and many food service operations.

No. Only designated Tier one and Tier two edible food generators must have agreements with food recovery organizations. Other businesses are encouraged to donate when possible but are not required in the same way.

Ecoris does not perform food recovery or hauling. We help you connect with trusted food recovery partners and structure your donation program in a way that meets local requirements.

Food recovery documentation usually includes donation logs with pounds donated, pickup or delivery dates, and the name of the food recovery organization. Ecoris helps you track and store these records.

Jurisdictions typically look for proof of annual employee training, color coded bins with clear signage, contamination monitoring logs, food recovery records for Tier one and Tier two generators, proof of service with your hauler, and a clear record of your compliance actions.

The Ecoris software platform stores your reports, logs, photos, training records, and service information in one location. When inspectors ask for proof, your documentation is organized and ready to share.

Many jurisdictions require quarterly contamination checks and some require monthly checks for certain sites. Ecoris builds monitoring into your program and documents each review so you can show ongoing participation.

Many jurisdictions require an annual report or generator certification. Ecoris prepares this information for you in the correct format and keeps a copy stored in your account for future audits.

Pricing depends on your facility type, size, number of locations, and the level of food recovery and monitoring you need. We have plans for small offices, retail sites, multifamily properties, schools, hospitals, and large food service operations.

Ecoris is a yearly compliance service. SB 1383 requires ongoing training, monitoring, and reporting, so we support you throughout the year instead of a single one time visit.

Yes. All Ecoris plans include access to our compliance software so you can track training, photos, donation records, reports, and site visits in one secure portal.

When food and paper break down in a landfill without oxygen they create methane, a gas that warms the atmosphere much faster than carbon dioxide. Keeping organics out of landfills reduces methane and supports cleaner air for local communities.

Organic material is processed into compost, mulch, soil products, or renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. This turns waste into a resource instead of a source of climate pollution.

Yes. Daily sorting decisions at thousands of businesses add up to a major reduction in methane emissions. SB 1383 is designed to capture that impact across the entire state.