SB1383 and Methane Gas
“How forcing you to sort trash can help counter climate change.“
BACKGROUND:
SB1383- California
State Bill
Passed September, 19 2016
Frank owns a cafe in California that only has one bin for customers to throw out their trash. To comply with SB1383, Frank adds two more bins for recycling and compost respectively. This allows Frank to sort his waste, which means his business now helps to reduce methane emissions and stop climate change!
WHY THIS POLICY?
Organic waste in landfills emits 20% of the state’s methane, a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. This heavily contributes to climate change which has contributed to wildfires, droughts, and rising sea levels. In 2016, Governor Brown set methane emissions reduction targets for California. To meet these goals, Senate Bill 1383 was proposed to reduce the amount of organic waste in landfills by having residents sort their waste. Combined with concerns about rising food insecurity, SB1383 kills two birds with one stone: calling for proper composting and food recovery to keep organics out of the landfill and on people’s plates and eventually in their compost bin.
In summary, SB1383 has two major targets:
-Reduce organic waste disposal in landfills 75% by 2025
-Rescue for people to eat at least 20% of currently disposed surplus food by 2025
PARTY PERSPECTIVES
Democrats highly support this policy; 43 democrats voted for the bill, and only 4 voted against it. On the other hand, Republicans tended not to support this policy with 1 vote for and 19 against the passing of SB1383. Democrats highly supported this policy, praising its efforts in addressing Governor Brown's previous goals to establish ambitious climate change policies. Republicans on the other hand had reservations about the need for funding for infrastructure for organic recycling and a food recovery.
OUTCOME
In September of 2016, the bill was passed and signed by Governor Brown with regulations taking effect on January 1, 2022. This means businesses, apartment complexes, and schools will be mandated to have 3 waste bins and they will be fined for non compliance. The initiative will also lead to more education pertaining to environmental policy and waste sorting.
SIGNIFICANCE
This bill has the ability to dramatically impact the environment, as it regulates and promotes the sorting of waste which counters rising methane levels. Residents of California face firsthand the impacts of climate change seen in rampant wildfires, air pollution, and droughts. SB1383 attempts to stop the effects of the climate crisis by reducing the amount of climate pollutants produced by our waste system. Business owners will be affected most by the mandates, as they are most easily supervised, while residents will not see much change. Additionally with more food recovery, Californians in need of food will get the help they need and decrease food insecurity statewide. This bill signifies a new effort by legislators to fight climate change and could possibly lead to the passing of much more environmental legislation in the future as the climate crisis continues to progress around us.
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