According to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste accounts for a significant portion of California’s waste stream. Left to decompose in landfills, the organic waste releases methane and contributes to climate change. Organic waste in landfills also emits air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), contributing to health conditions like asthma. To address this issue, Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was signed into law and targets the reduction of pollutants, including methane. Cities throughout California must meet the new reduction limits through organic waste reduction and recycling.

Term descriptions:

• Climate Change: Refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. However, since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. 
• Climate Change Mitigation: Measures to reduce the severity of climate change impacts. For example, recycling organic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon in compost is stored in the soil.
• Resilience & Adaptation: Ways we adapt to current conditions already here due to climate change, such as rising temperatures, drought and more frequent and intense wildfires.

The Soil Amendment Climate Change Connection

Instead of being turned into methane in landfills, organic waste can be processed into a climate-change-fighting soil amendment. 

The infographic above from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The infographic above by the Community Environmental Council

Compost is most beneficial when used consistently over time – create a calendar or reminder to apply compost at least twice a year (such as in spring and fall).

• Raised Beds & Pots: Mix 1 part compost with 4 parts soil media (such as sand, perlite and potting mix).
• Top Dress: bushes and trees* with 1 to 2 inches of compost and water it in.
• Turf Top Dress: Apply up to ¼ inch of compost over grass and water it.
• Seedings and Propagation: Mix 1 part compost with 6 parts soil media (such as sand, perlite and potting mix).

*Do not apply compost or mulch directly to the base or trunk of trees or plants.

Read our helpful guide to learn how to make your own compost. A compost bin can be made from materials found around the house or purchased from a local supplier.

• Guide - Compost It Yourself
• Backyard Composting Supplies in San Diego

Compost bins and piles are high in nutrients that can cause bacteria to grow in our stormwater system. To prevent contaminated water from reaching the storm drain system and local waterways, protect compost piles and bins from runoff with berms or other preventive measures.