CalRecycle has adopted regulations consistent with the mandates associated with Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383). The mandates are designed to achieve the organic waste reduction goals established in Section 39730.6 of the Health and Safety Code through a 50 percent reduction in the level of statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020; and a 75 percent reduction in the level of statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025. This is an unfunded State mandate.
The City is required to comply with these regulations to assist the State in achieving the organic waste reduction levels outlined above. The main requirements resulting from the regulations include the adoption of an enforcement ordinance, implementation of mandatory weekly residential and commercial food waste collection, and education and outreach. Jurisdictions were required to implement SB 1383 by January 1, 2022. At the February 16, 2022 Council meeting, Council adopted a Notice of Intent to Comply. By filing the Notice, CalRecycle is authorized to waive civil penalties until January 1, 2023, if a jurisdiction intends to comply with the SB 1383 requirements. On March 2, 2022, Council introduced an ordinance amending the Lodi Municipal Code Title 13 “Public Health Services,” which allows the City to enforce SB 1383 requirements on residents and businesses beginning January 1, 2024.
The City worked tirelessly with its franchise solid waste hauler, Waste Management, to negotiate rates and services that were beneficial to both the City and its residents and customers. At the August 16, 2023, Council meeting, a public hearing was held to consider adopting a proposed solid waste rate schedule that would allow the City to be compliant with SB 1383 regulations. The proposed rate structure for waste carts included increases to the 35-gallon and 64-gallon carts, with a reduction to the 96-gallon cart, while eliminating the 20-gallon cart. Council heard public comment and tallied protests per Proposition 218 requirements. The new rate structure was adopted by a 4-0 Council vote.
Additionally, at the same Council meeting, Council adopted an amended agreement with Waste Management that included additional SB 1383 required services, including new color-compliant carts for all residents, weekly organics service, and two additional trucks to service the additional routes.
New rates and the amended agreement are effective September 1, 2023, with additional services being implemented beginning 2024.
What does this mean for City of Lodi solid waste customers? Most customers can expect to see a $5.00 increase to your monthly solid waste rate, with some seeing a significant reduction, beginning on your September 2023 bill. Customers that currently have a 20-gallon waste cart can expect to begin seeing new color-compliant 35-gallon waste carts delivered just after the first of the new year, along with new color-compliant recycling (64-gallon) and organic (96-gallon) carts. Residents with 35, 64, or 96-gallon carts can expect new carts to be delivered beginning on or before March 1, 2024. Weekly service for organics carts is expected to begin early 2024 for all residents.
For more information regarding SB 1383, solid waste rates for specific cart sizes, and Frequently Asked Questions related to new the new rates and service, please visit the City’s Solid Waste and Recycling page. https://www.lodi.gov/463/Solid-Waste-Recycling