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Bill Summary · SB 279

Summary of SB 279: Solid Waste: Compostable Materials

Bill Number: SB 279
Introduced: February 5, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 651, Statutes of 2025.
Author: McNerney
Subject: Solid Waste, Compostable Materials

Purpose and Intent

SB 279 aims to enhance the management of compostable materials in California by expanding the exemptions for composting activities from regulatory requirements. The bill seeks to facilitate composting operations, particularly for agricultural materials, thereby promoting sustainable waste management practices and reducing landfill contributions.

Key Provisions

  1. Expansion of Exemptions:

    • The bill eliminates the maximum square-foot condition for compostable materials handling, allowing a total of up to 200 cubic yards of feedstock and compost onsite at any one time.
    • For composting activities owned by public agencies, the limit is increased to 500 cubic yards.
    • The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (DRRR) is authorized to further increase these limits through regulation.

  2. Large-Scale Biomass Management:

    • Composting of agricultural materials and residues from large-scale biomass management events (e.g., removal of orchards or vineyards) at agricultural facilities that do not operate as solid waste facilities is designated as an excluded activity.

  3. Increased Compost Distribution:

    • The bill allows composting operations to give away or sell up to 5,000 cubic yards of compost product annually, significantly increasing the previous limit of 1,000 cubic yards.
    • The DRRR may also increase this amount through regulation when the composting involves agricultural materials from large-scale biomass management events.

  4. Record Keeping:

    • Entities acquiring agricultural materials for composting must maintain records of the origin of these materials for a minimum of five years and present them to enforcement agencies upon request.

  5. Permitting Requirements:

    • While the bill expands exemptions, it maintains that persons handling compostable materials must still obtain necessary permits, licenses, or clearances from other regulatory agencies, including local health entities and land use authorities.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • This legislation primarily impacts agricultural facilities, composting operations, and public agencies involved in composting activities.
    • It aims to benefit farmers and agricultural businesses by providing more flexibility in composting practices and increasing the volume of compost they can distribute.

  • Environmental Benefits:

    • By facilitating composting, the bill supports waste reduction efforts, enhances soil health through the use of compost, and contributes to California's sustainability goals.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was approved by the Governor on October 11, 2025, and has been chaptered into law.
  • It underwent several amendments and discussions in various committees, reflecting a collaborative approach to refining the legislation.

In summary, SB 279 represents a significant step towards improving composting regulations in California, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and enhancing the state's waste management strategies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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