Effective January 1, 2022, California Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires all commercial businesses to arrange for organic waste recycling service (i.e., for food waste, green waste such as landscape and pruning waste and food-soiled paper products). As required by the State of California, these regulations were codified in the Carlsbad Municipal Code 6.08.020 to allow for local enforcement by the city.

Eligible commercial businesses and multi-family complexes may apply for a De Minimis Waiver from mandatory organics waste recycling service if they generate an amount of organic waste below a certain threshold, as described below:

• Type 1: The applicant’s total solid waste collection service is equal to or greater than 2 cubic yards per week, and the property generates less than 20 gallons of organic waste per week; OR
• Type 2: The applicant’s total solid waste collection service is less than 2 cubic yards per week, and the property generates less than 10 gallons of organic waste per week.

Download the application

Commercial businesses and multifamily complexes with five or more units that believe they qualify for a waiver can follow these steps to apply:

1. Download the application.
2. Fill out the application.
3. Submit the completed application via email, mail or in person:

Email:
SustainableMaterialsManagement@CarlsbadCA.gov

Mail or in-person:
City of Carlsbad
Attn: Sustainable Materials Management Division
1635 Faraday Ave.
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Applicants are subject to an on-site inspection to verify their eligibility for the waiver. Approved waivers are valid for no more than three years. If there are any changes in circumstances that impact waiver eligibility, the waiver holders must notify the city, and the waiver may be rescinded. Waiver holders are also required to cooperate with the city for compliance inspections.

Download the De Minimis Waiver application.

If you have any questions, please contact the Sustainable Materials Management Division by phone at 442-339-2646 or via email at SustainableMaterialsManagement@carlsbadca.gov.