On August 10, after a unanimous vote by the City Council, Mayor Gloria signed the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) update into law. This new CAP will guide many aspects of City policy and operations toward meeting an ambitious goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035. Achieving net-zero emissions will help us build a better future by improving the air we breathe, the communities we live in, and our overall quality of life. 

San Diego relies both on policies and people to be a nationwide climate action leader. The City has made significant strides in reducing the flow of waste to the landfill and will continue that work under the new Climate Action Plan. The CAP update calls for a 90% waste diversion rate and 90% landfill gas capture (which will be about 277,305 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent gasses). Organic waste – like food scraps and yard trimmings – accounts for a significant portion of California’s waste stream. Left to decompose in landfills, the organic waste releases methane, a gas that traps the sun’s heat, warms the atmosphere, and contributes to climate change. Organic waste in landfills also emits air pollutants that can contribute to health conditions like asthma. 

The City is currently planning how to expand its efforts to increase composting and prevent food waste in response to California State Senate Bill 1383, which requires the reduction of organic waste disposed of in landfills. Policy makers and City employees are developing collection operations, modifying agreements with haulers, enacting building requirements, preparing enforcement responsibilities, strategizing public education and outreach efforts, and have amended the City’s municipal code. Participation in this new organic waste recycling program is vital to San Diego's future.  To learn more and to see how you can participate in the City’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions go to the SB1383 site.