Why have the requirements changed?

As part of  California’s efforts to combat climate change, the State requires organics waste collection to divert food waste and organic materials from entering landfills. When organic materials such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) in a landfill, they produce methane, which is one of the most potent climate pollutants in the atmosphere and a major contributor to climate change.