California Senate Bill 1383
makes organic waste collection part of normal operations for businesses and multifamily properties with five or more units, unless an approved waiver or other local exception applies. For E.J. Harrison & Sons customers, compliance starts with a collection system that employees, contractors, tenants and customers can understand and use.
Businesses generally must participate in their jurisdiction’s organics collection service or self-haul organic material to an approved recycling, composting or other permitted recovery operation. Multifamily property owners and managers also must provide organic waste collection access for employees and tenants. Local requirements determine the exact service arrangement, so customers should confirm details with E.J. Harrison & Sons or their jurisdiction.
Containers are a central part of the program.
Businesses must provide an adequate number, size and location of organics and recycling containers with the correct colors or labels. Except for restrooms, commercial customer collection areas generally need recycling and organics containers placed beside trash containers. This makes the correct choice visible at the moment material is discarded.
Education is equally important. Businesses must provide annual sorting information to employees, contractors, tenants and customers, and information must also be supplied to new tenants within 14 days of occupancy. Training should identify accepted materials, explain where containers are located and make clear that food waste and recyclables do not belong in the trash.
Participation alone is not the finish line.
The Fall 2026 Trash Flash also directs businesses to inspect trash, recycling and organic waste bins for contamination quarterly. When incorrect material is found, employees should be reminded of the sorting requirements. Keeping a simple record of inspections and training can help managers maintain a consistent program.
Waivers may be available for qualifying operations, including certain low-volume or space-constrained sites, but eligibility is not automatic. Businesses should have their specific situation reviewed before assuming they are exempt.
E.J. Harrison & Sons can help customers assess service needs, container placement and waiver eligibility.
Email Contract Compliance Field Supervisor Donald Sealund at donalds@ejharrison.com or Contract Compliance Manager Daniel Harrison at danielh@ejharrison.com.
Working with your Ventura County Trash Hauler can make correct sorting easier to maintain across the property.
For additional guidance, visit https://ejharrison.com/commercial-food-waste-guidelines/.
Photos by Brendan Daly with WhizCom Marketing.
Need Additional Capacity?
Businesses needing additional food waste container capacity should contact EJ Harrison to review service options.
