Edible Food Recovery Program

Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) was signed into law in California in September 2016, establishing methane emissions reduction targets in a Statewide effort to combat climate change. A key part of the regulations involves reducing the volume of edible food disposed by businesses to our landfills. The goal is to divert the maximum amount of edible food to charitable organizations where it may be redistributed to those in need. All food donations must meet the food safety requirements of the California Retail Food Code.

SB 1383 requires certain food generating businesses to establish written agreements with charitable food organizations to donate surplus food. The law phases food donors in under two tiers based on business type and size. The first tier is required to donate starting in 2022. The second tier is required to donate starting in 2024. CalRecycle defines these tiers as follows: 

Mandated food donors can help their communities now by starting to work with local food banks, food pantries, and other food recovery organizations and services. Many organizations receive food from either the Placer Food Bank or Sierra Community House which serve as regional distribution centers.

Placer County Environmental Health staff will contact your business with specific information about your tier levels, compliance requirements and timelines.

Additional resources for businesses and model food donation agreements can be found on CalRecycle's Edible Food Recovery Website