Solid waste and recycling waivers for SB 1383

Commercial businesses in the City of Lakewood, including multi-unit residential dwellings, must comply with State of California recycling and organic waste recycling requirements.

Certain businesses may qualify for waivers from some of these requirements. Only businesses that request and receive a waiver from the City may be exempt from required participation in franchise-hauler recycling and organic waste programs. Individual residents are not eligible for these waivers.

Businesses granted a waiver are exempt from that specific requirement for five years. A separate request must be made for each waiver type that applies. State law requires written verification of continued eligibility every five years. Businesses must also notify the City if circumstances change, including changes that affect waste generation or eligibility.

Looking for self-haul forms? Businesses seeking to self-haul recyclable or organic materials should review the self-haul permit information and forms on the Organic waste recycling for businesses page.

De Minimis Waiver

The City may waive some or all recycling and organic waste requirements under SB 1383 if a business demonstrates that it generates only a limited amount of organic waste.

  • If the business’s total solid waste collection service is two cubic yards or more per week, organic waste subject to recycling or organic waste collection must be less than 20 gallons per week per applicable container.
  • If the business’s total solid waste collection service is less than two cubic yards per week, organic waste subject to recycling or organic waste collection must be less than 10 gallons per week per applicable container.

The City’s determination is final. If a waiver is not approved, the business must subscribe to the required service immediately.

Space Constraint Waiver

If a site does not have adequate space for the required recycling and organics containers, a business or property owner may request a space-constraint waiver.

To qualify, the business or property owner must demonstrate that the space constraint cannot be resolved through downsized containers, split containers or other feasible solutions. Businesses or property owners must first work with the City to evaluate all reasonable options.

State regulations allow the City to waive some or all recyclable materials and organic waste collection requirements only if the City confirms, through evidence from City staff, a hauler, a licensed architect or a licensed engineer, that the premises lacks adequate space for the required containers.

The City’s determination is final. If a waiver is not approved, the business or property must subscribe to the required service immediately.

Third-Party Recycling or Internal Program Waiver

A commercial business may opt out of recycling and organic waste collection services provided by a franchise hauler only if it demonstrates that an internal recycling program or a program provided by another service provider complies with state recycling laws.

Businesses requesting this waiver must provide ongoing verification, on a quarterly or annual basis as determined by the City, showing that the program remains in place and compliant.

Verification may include:

  • The name of the service provider
  • The name and location of the facility, operation, activity or property receiving the materials for recovery or processing
  • Records showing the quantity of recyclables and/or organic waste transported, such as delivery receipts and weight tickets
  • Records made available to the City for inspection upon request

Businesses approved to self-haul may also be required to submit quarterly weight ticket reports to verify continued compliance.

If a business’s third-party recycling or internal program does not meet state requirements, or if accurate records are not provided, the waiver will be rescinded and required franchise-hauler services must begin.

The City’s determination is final. If a waiver is not approved, the business or property must subscribe to the required service immediately.

Request assistance

To request information or assistance with a waiver request, contact Public Works at GreenTeam@lakewoodca.gov or call 562-866-9771, ext. 2500.

Staff will assist you through the process, including completing and submitting your request.

More information

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation, email kvivanti@lakewoodca.gov or call 562-866-9771, ext. 2507.

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