SACRAMENTO — CalRecycle (the CA Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery) celebrates progress in composting and food recovery that cuts pollution, feeds communities, and strengthens California’s Economy during International Compost Awareness Week 2026. This year, California is highlighting local progress in turning food and yard waste into climate solutions.
According to CalRecycle, “Across the state, communities and businesses are keeping organic waste out of landfills, cutting methane pollution, and putting valuable resources back to work. Local reporting shows 97% of required communities and 75% of required businesses are now recycling food, yard, and other organic materials into new products like compost.”
COMPOSTING BENEFITS:
* Nourish crops
* Improve soil health
* retain water
* Store carbon
* Reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides
California’s Organics Recycling and Food Recovery law (SB 1383, 2016) sets statewide targets to cut organic waste disposal by 75% and increase edible food recovery by 20%, helping redirect unsold food to the 1 in 5 Californians facing food insecurity.
“California is turning a major source of climate pollution into a powerful climate solution,” said CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller. “Every green bin, every rescued meal, and every composting program helps cut pollution, support communities, and build a more sustainable future.”
Learn more: https://recyclingreimaginedca.com/curb-your-food-scraps/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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This original article first appeared on CaliforniaNewswire.com and is © 2026 Christopher Simmons. Splash image courtesy of CalRecycle.
