California Senate Bill 1383 mandates that businesses must begin to receive organic waste recycling service by October 1, while residents will begin participating starting January 1, 2022. Organic waste like food scraps make up half of what Californians dump in landfills, which emit short-lived climate pollutants. Reducing short-lived climate pollutants like organic waste will have the fastest impact on the climate crisis. California Senate Bill 1383 establishes the following statewide target to reduce the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills. The bill aims to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% and rescue at least 20% of edible food by 2025. Food scraps make up half of what Californians send to landfills, releasing methane and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Reducing those pollutants and encouraging edible food rescue and composting are considered some of the fastest ways to combat the climate crisis. Businesses and multifamily residential dwellings (five units or more) must start organic recycling or have an approved exemption waiver by October. Commercial edible food generators and grocery stores are required to participate in edible food recovery programs by 2022; restaurants greater than 5,000 square feet and events with more than 2,000 attendees per day must participate by 2024. Residents will automatically receive organic waste recycling service starting on January 1, 2022, and will be responsible for sorting organics in the appropriate cart. Malibu announced its effort to reduce the city’s carbon footprint in August. “This is a global crisis and threat to coastal communities like Malibu, as we face the danger of rising sea levels and wildfires,� said Malibu Mayor Paul Grisanti. “I hope that all homeowners and businesses will see the need for this move and join in the effort to protect the environment and our community.� (City News Service) TIPS & TOOLS Start planning and saving food right now: A practical item you may want for your next dinner party is the “Guest-imator,� that estimates how much food to buy for large holiday gatherings coming up soon. SaveThe food.com. For frequently asked questions: calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/slcp/faq/; For information about organic waste recycling and waiver applications: malibucity.org/organics.