Redlands Enhances Sustainability Programs with $194K CalRecycle Grant

The City of Redlands has reinforced its dedication to environmental sustainability by accepting a $194,451 grant from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). This funding is designated to support the implementation of Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), a statewide mandate aimed at reducing short-lived climate pollutants through comprehensive organic waste management.

Understanding SB 1383

Enacted in September 2016, SB 1383 mandates a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal by 2025, relative to 2014 levels, and requires the recovery of at least 20% of currently disposed edible food for human consumption by the same year. The legislation addresses the significant impact of methane emissions from landfilled organic waste, recognizing methane as a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential substantially higher than that of carbon dioxide. To achieve these objectives, SB 1383 requires jurisdictions to:

• Provide Organic Waste Collection Services: Ensure that all residents and businesses have access to organic waste recycling services.
• Conduct Education and Outreach: Inform the community, including residents, businesses, and institutions, about proper organic waste recycling practices and the importance of edible food recovery.
• Establish Edible Food Recovery Programs: Collaborate with local food banks and recovery organizations to divert surplus edible food to those in need.
• Procure Recycled Organic Products: Purchase and utilize products such as compost and renewable energy derived from recycled organic materials.
• Monitor Compliance and Enforcement: Regularly inspect and ensure adherence to organic waste recycling regulations within the jurisdiction.

Redlands' Initiatives with CalRecycle Grant

The grant awarded to Redlands will be allocated to the Solid Waste Division Fund, offsetting expenses associated with SB 1383 implementation. In the previous year, the city utilized similar funds to:

• Distribute Over 900 Free Kitchen Compost Pails: Encouraging residents to separate food waste efficiently.
• Mail Over 20,000 Informational Notices: Educating the community about new organic waste regulations and recycling practices.
• Engage with Educational Institutions: Visiting every school within the Redlands Unified School District to present information related to organic waste management.
• Collaborate with Community Organizations: Conducting presentations to various local groups to raise awareness and promote participation in organic waste recycling.

With the new grant, Redlands plans to continue and expand these efforts, focusing on sustained education, outreach, and providing incentives for residents to comply with organic waste separation requirements. As of April, the city mandates that all residents recycle food waste using municipal green yard bins, prohibiting the disposal of food waste in regular trash bins.

The Importance of Organic Waste Recycling

Organic waste, including food scraps and yard trimmings, constitutes a significant portion of California's waste stream. When disposed of in landfills, this waste decomposes anaerobically, producing methane—a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.

Residents are encouraged to visit the city's official website for more detailed information on Redlands' solid waste and recycling services.