As of January 1, 2022, California state law (Senate Bill 1383) requires all jurisdictions to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses. All generators must subscribe to organic curbside collection to help reduce emissions generated from decomposing organic waste in landfills, which emits about 20% of California’s methane.

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea requires all generators such as single-family homes, multi-family complexes, and businesses to subscribe to and participate in collection services for recyclable materials, organic materials, and solid waste. Exemptions may be considered with the submission of a waiver or a self-haul certification.

For additional details on City solid waste regulations, please refer to the Solid Waste Materials Recovery Ordinance CMC 8.16.

To learn more about where to dispose of specific materials, visit WhatGoesWhere.info for details and resources.

About waivers

Commercial Business Premises and Multifamily Residential Dwellings may submit an application to the Public Works Department to waive their obligation to comply with some or all recyclable materials and/or organic waste requirements if the responsible party provides documentation that they meet one of the following criteria:

1. De Minimis

   • For commercial entities that generate a minimal amount of compostable/organic waste or recyclables based on the following thresholds:

     • Amount of total solid waste generated (trash, recyclables, and organic waste combined) is less than 2 cubic yards of total weekly service and generates no more than 10 gallons of organic materials and/or recyclable materials per week
     • Amount of total solid waste generated (trash, recyclables, and organic waste combined) is 2 or more cubic yards of total weekly service and generates no more than 20 gallons of organic materials and/or recyclable materials per week

2. Physical Space

   • For commercial entities that lack adequate space for recyclable materials containers and/or organic materials containers required for compliance. Evidence demonstrating lack of adequate space must be conducted by the garbage/recycling hauler, a licensed architect, or licensed engineer.

Apply for a waiver

Commercial entities that believe they qualify for a waiver may submit a completed application via: 

• Fill out an online application
• Email your completed to SB 1383 Waiver form (fillable) to environmentalprograms@ci.carmel.ca.us with the subject line “SB 1383 Waiver Application”
• Drop off your completed SB 1383 Waiver form (printable) in-person at the City Hall Administration Desk, located on east side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and 7th Avenues
   

Approval of waiver

• Approved waivers are valid for no more than five years.
• Waiver holders must notify the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea if circumstances change that impact waiver eligibility, in which case the waiver will be rescinded.
• Waiver holders are required to cooperate with the City for compliance inspections.

Organic Waste Self-Hauling Certification

Generators that self-haul landscape and/or construction and demolition (C&D) material must submit the Organic Waste Self-Hauling Certification form, as well as ensure they are self-hauling in compliance with CMC 8.16.170

• If self-hauling, organic waste must be removed on a weekly basis and cannot create a health and safety nuisance. Violating these requirements will result in no longer being permitted to self-haul.
• Approved self-haulers are required to maintain records of the amount of organic waste delivered to each facility that recovers it. Records are subject to inspection, and shall be provided at the frequency requested by the City.
• All self-haulers are required to submit a Organic Waste Self-Hauling Certification form.