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AB 70

Solid waste: organic waste: diversion: biomethane.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

AB 70 boosts California's organic waste diversion, targeting a 40% methane reduction by 2030 and creating jobs while improving public health and air quality.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 678, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 70

Summary of AB 70: Solid Waste: Organic Waste: Diversion: Biomethane

Overview

Bill Number: AB 70
Introduced: February 24, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 678, Statutes of 2025
Primary Sponsor: Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry
Subject Areas: Solid Waste, Biomethane, Organic Waste Diversion

AB 70 aims to enhance California's efforts in managing organic waste and reducing methane emissions through the diversion of organic waste to beneficial uses, including the production of biomethane.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of AB 70 is to:
- Accelerate the diversion of organic waste from landfills to reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Support the development of policies that maximize environmental, public health, and economic benefits from organic waste diversion.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Pyrolysis:

    • The bill defines "pyrolysis" as the thermal decomposition of material at elevated temperatures in the absence or near absence of oxygen. This definition is crucial for clarifying the processes that can be included in waste management plans.

  2. Amendments to Regulations:

    • The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is mandated to amend existing regulations by January 1, 2027, to include pipeline biomethane converted exclusively from organic waste as a recovered organic waste product. This inclusion will count towards local jurisdictions' procurement targets.

  3. Organic Waste Diversion Goals:

    • The bill reinforces existing state law requiring a 40% reduction in methane emissions by 2030 and the diversion of 75% of organic landfill waste. It emphasizes the need for local jurisdictions to recover at least 20% of edible food currently disposed of for human consumption by 2025.

  4. Compliance and Penalties:

    • Local jurisdictions may be required to impose penalties on generators for noncompliance with organic waste diversion requirements. The bill outlines a phased schedule for jurisdictions to meet procurement targets, with specific percentages to be achieved by set dates (30% by January 1, 2023; 65% by January 1, 2024; and 100% by January 1, 2025).

Impact

  • Environmental Benefits: By promoting the diversion of organic waste, AB 70 aims to significantly reduce methane emissions from landfills, which are a major contributor to climate change.
  • Economic Development: The bill is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth through investments in organic waste diversion projects, which are recognized as cost-effective climate solutions.
  • Public Health: Reducing methane and other harmful pollutants will have immediate benefits for public health and air quality.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced in February 2025 and passed through various committees before being approved by the Governor on October 13, 2025. It is now part of California law and will be implemented according to the specified timelines.

Conclusion

AB 70 represents a significant step in California's ongoing efforts to manage organic waste effectively, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable practices. By defining key processes and setting clear targets, the bill aims to enhance the state's environmental policies and support local jurisdictions in achieving their waste management goals.

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

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