Commerce, CA
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Business Waste Reduction
Business waste covers the commercial and industrial waste types which accounts for nearly three fourths of the solid waste in California. Preventing waste conserves resources, prevents pollution, and saves money. It's just good business sense.
Find a variety of environmental resources for your business by reviewing the Green Business Resource Guide brochure.
Local Ordinances and State Laws
Commercial Recycling Program (AB 341)
Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 341 on October 6, 2011 enforcing a Statewide Commercial Recycling Program effective July 1, 2012. The purpose of the law is to reduce GHG emissions by diverting commercial solid waste to recycling efforts and to expand the opportunity for additional recycling services and recycling manufacturing facilities in California.
To comply with the regulations of the legislation, the City of Commerce adopted Local Ordinance 643 on July 1, 2012.
Business Requirements
A business that generates four cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week or is a multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more shall arrange for recycling services.
Businesses will work with their respective City approved commercial hauler to obtain recycling services. A waste assessment will be conducted to right-size the business' solid waste service needs in the process.
Commercial Organics Recycling Program (AB 1826)
In October 2014 Governor Brown signed into law AB 1826 enforcing a Statewide Commercial and Organics Recycling Program effective April 1, 2016. Mandatory recycling of organic waste is the next step toward achieving California’s aggressive recycling and greenhouse gas emission goals. Organic waste means food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste.
To comply with the regulations of the legislation, the City of Commerce adopted Local Ordinance 677 on April 19, 2016.
Business Requirements
A business that generates two cubic yards of commercial solid waste generation per week or is a multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more shall arrange for organic waste recycling services.
Businesses will work with their respective City approved commercial hauler to obtain organic waste recycling services. A waste assessment will be conducted to right-size the business' solid waste service needs in the process.
Commercial and Organic Waste Recycling Bins (AB 827)
On October 2, 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 827, also known as "The Green Restaurants Bill", requiring the food service industry (restaurants, malls, and other food related establishments) to provide bins for customers to properly sort out waste and work towards meeting the states organic waste reduction objective.
Business Requirements
AB 827 mandates that businesses already required to subscribe to recycling services under AB 341 or composting services under AB 1826 provide customers with a recycling bin or container for that waste stream that is visible, easily accessible, and and adjacent to each bin or container for trash, except in restrooms, and is clearly marked with educational signage that indicates what is acceptable in each container.
Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383)
In September 2016, Governor Brown signed into law SB 1383 enforcing a Statewide methane emission reduction targets strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, effective January 1, 2022. This requires Californians to achieve a 75% emissions reduction, and a 20% increase in edible food recovery by 2025.
To comply with the regulations of the legislation, the City of Commerce adopted Local Ordinance 781 on December 7, 2021.
Business Requirements
Businesses are required to subscribe to and participate in their jurisdiction's organics curbside collection service or self-haul organic waste to a specified composting facility, community composting program, or other collection activity or program.
Businesses will work with their respective City approved commercial hauler to conduct waste assessments and possible waiver exemptions to right-size their solid waste services.
Segregating & Recycling Inedible Animal Byproducts
As the City works to put in place plans to meet SB 1383 requirements, it is essential that organic waste generators of designated rendered products properly handle the recycling of this commodity within the appropriate waste stream. Raw and unprocessed animal byproducts must go to a Renderer, Transporter, or Collector which has been licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
By following the City's guide to proper segregation and recycling of inedible byproducts, you will ensure the protection of human health, animal health and the environment.
Waivers & Exemptions
An SB 1383 waiver may be available for businesses that meet certain criteria noted in the law. Please contact your respective City approved hauler to assist with the completion of a waiver application.
A hauler representative will conduct a waste assessment to determine if the location is indeed eligible for a waiver. Finalized applications including accompanying photographic support will be submitted to the City by the hauler on behalf of the business or property owner/manager. The City will make a determination upon review of the application, and will inform the applicant of the approval status.