SB 1383 Compliance Checklist for Property Managers

California’s SB 1383 organics diversion law affects most multifamily properties. Here is a practical checklist to work through, not a legal opinion.

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What SB 1383 Requires, in Plain Terms

Senate Bill 1383 is California’s statewide organic waste reduction law, aimed at diverting food waste and other organic material away from landfills. It builds on the state’s existing AB 341 mandatory recycling framework and extends specific obligations around organics collection to most businesses and multifamily properties, phased in over recent years. Requirements and enforcement specifics vary by jurisdiction and property characteristics — this checklist is a starting point, not a substitute for guidance from your local waste authority or counsel.

Checklist Item 1: Confirm Your Property’s Applicability

Requirements can vary based on property size, unit count, and local jurisdiction implementation. Your local waste authority (often the city or county) is the authoritative source for whether and how SB 1383 applies to your specific property.

Checklist Item 2: Verify Organics Collection Access

If applicable, confirm residents have some form of access to organics collection — whether through your local municipal hauler or a private provider. Some jurisdictions provide this through standard municipal service; others require the property to arrange it.

Checklist Item 3: Confirm Recycling Program Status

SB 1383 builds on existing AB 341 recycling requirements. If your property does not currently have a documented recycling program, that is a foundational gap to close before addressing organics specifically — see our recycling programs guide.

Checklist Item 4: Establish Resident Education Materials

Compliance generally expects some form of resident education about what belongs in which stream. Door hangers, move-in materials, and posted signage at collection points are standard components.

Checklist Item 5: Set Up Documentation

Whatever your program looks like, documentation of collection activity, participation, and diversion supports your compliance file if it is ever questioned. This is one of the more commonly overlooked pieces — a program can be functionally compliant but undocumented, which creates unnecessary risk.

Checklist Item 6: Review Annually

Requirements and local implementation continue to evolve. An annual review of your program against current requirements, rather than a one-time setup, keeps a property from drifting out of compliance as rules phase in further.

Where to Get Authoritative Information

This checklist is a practical starting point, not legal advice. For authoritative program details, consult CalRecycle, your local jurisdiction’s waste authority, or retained counsel familiar with your property’s specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SB 1383 apply to every apartment property in California?

Applicability varies by jurisdiction and property characteristics — confirm with your local waste authority for your specific property.

What happens if a property is not compliant?

Enforcement mechanisms and penalties vary by jurisdiction; check with your local waste authority for specifics that apply to your property.

Can a waste provider help with SB 1383 compliance?

Yes — a provider that documents collection, participation, and diversion activity as standard practice makes compliance significantly easier to demonstrate.

Is this checklist a substitute for legal advice?

No — this is a practical starting point; consult your local waste authority or counsel for guidance specific to your property.

Related reading: Waste Compliance · Recycling Best Practices · Waste Audits