Athens Services changes services to align with SB 1383

Athens Services, City of Industry, California, will implement changes to its trash and green waste collection services starting Jan. 1, 2022. According to an announcement by the company, the changes are in light of SB 1383, the California law that requires residents and businesses to separate food waste and food-soiled paper from the waste stream.

Going forward, Athens Services will begin collecting and recycling food waste into compost.

“As a leader in sustainability, Athens is one step ahead of the curve and has been preparing for SB 1383 for several years. Not only have we invested in the infrastructure and technology, but in our human capital as well. Our team is ready to support customers through this transition,” says Elizabeth Ramirez, vice president of government affairs for Athens Services.

SB 1383 is part of a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants such as methane gas—one of the most potent greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The law establishes a target of 50 percent by 2020 and 75 percent by 2025 in the reduction of statewide disposal of organics waste.

It also requires that 20 percent of currently disposed of edible food be recovered for human consumption by 2025. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane in California, with organic waste emitting nearly 20 percent of the state’s total methane emissions.

“Diverting organics from the landfill is a game-changer for the health of our air, soils, and the community. Reducing food waste and separating organics for composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect the environment,” says Jessica Aldridge, Athens’ sustainability and zero waste programs director.