Organic Waste Diversion & Sustainable Food Packaging Guidelines

State law (SB 1383) requires the university to divert organic waste from landfill by providing compost bins and implementing food recovery programs. Entities that sell or distribute prepared food on campus are also required by law (SB 1335) to use only service-ware and packaging that can be composted or recycled at local processing facilities. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines from the state and additional charges from our waste hauler, which may be passed on to the generators of organic waste on campus.  

Learn more about why organic waste diversion is an important part of climate action and how this initiative ties into CSULB’s Waste Not program. 

The following groups and entities must comply with SB 1383 and SB 1335 by collecting organic waste for diversion and utilizing food packaging and service-ware that is reusable, compostable or recyclable.  

 

  • Permanent campus food operations (e.g. The Outpost, The Nugget, franchises in the USU, and residential dining halls) 

  • Concessionaires in the Pyramid 

  • Temporary/intermittent food operators (e.g. food trucks, caterers) 

  • Campus departments, student organizations, or third-party groups who host catered events for 50 or more people (see Organic Waste Diversion Guide for Campus Events) 

The material collected in the compost bins on campus is processed in an industrial scale composting facility. Therefore, some of the materials accepted in the campus’ compost bins are different than the items you would put in your home compost bin.  

 

Do Compost: 

 

  • All Food and liquids - Including meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, sauces, beverages 

  • Plates, bowls, cups and containers made from fiber-based material such as paper, bamboo, wood, bagasse, or sugar cane and do not have a plastic, bioplastic, or wax lining 

  • Utensils made from bamboo, wood, bagasse, or sugar cane 

  • Soiled cardboard, such as pizza boxes (clean cardboard should be recycled) 

  • Paper – napkins, paper towels, paper flyers (printed on regular printer paper)  

 

Do NOT Compost:  

 

  • Any item containing or made from plastic, metal, or glass 

  • Bioplastics, including those labeled “compostable” and “biodegradable”  

  • Plastic or wax-lined fiber materials such as hot drink cups, including those with PLA linings 

  • Cardboard or paper with glue, adhesive, or tape stuck to it 

  • Glossy paper (such as flyers or brochures)  

When serving food and beverages, reusable dishes and utensils are always the best option (see plastics alternative matrix). However, if this is not possible, the next best option is compostable food service-ware and containers made from materials that are accepted by the campus’ organic waste processing facility. 

Please ensure that the compostable items you use meet all of the following criteria: 

 

  • Fiber-based material such as paper, bamboo, bagasse, wood, or sugar cane 

  • Free of all plastic and bioplastic materials and linings (including those labeled “compostable” or “biodegradable”) 

  • Free of PLA  

Every effort should be made to utilize reusable or compostable items. Only in cases where a viable alternative does not exist (e.g. clear cups used for alcoholic beverages), should a recyclable plastic option be used as a last resort. In this case, you must ensure that it is made from #1 PETE, #2 HDPE, or #5 PP plastic and that clear, education signage is displayed near waste bins to ensure proper waste sorting. 

You can source your own items if they meet the criteria outlined above. For your convenience, we have also compiled the following list of items that have been vetted by our waste hauling company, which has confirmed that the items below are compostable at our local organic waste processing facility.  

For questions, contact sustainability@csulb.edu