Recycling Services

Food Waste Diversion

What We Can Do For You!

Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division (SRCRD) develops and implements effective and cost-effective source reduction, recycling, and re-use programs and policies. SRCRD provides technical assistance to City Departments, private sector businesses, multi-family complexes, and the community. The office fosters public/private recycling partnerships and helps to promote new markets for recyclable materials.

These are the types of businesses we can assist:
Restaurants, Hotels, Food Processors, Caterers...

Food Re-use/Donations
Many Restaurants and other food service establishments are not aware that others can benefit from their left over food. Food can be donated to many different non-profit organizations. Thanks to the State's Good Samaritan Law, donors are released from any liability when donating food to a non-profit organization. See the "Food for Thought" guide for a partial listing of organizations near you.

SRCRD will send you information about food recycling. Ask for "Food for Thought," the free food donation and recycling guide, or "Eliminating Fats Oils and Grease From Our Sewers" for tips on food handling.

Restaurant Food Waste Recycling Program for City of Los Angeles
Effective May 1, 2010, The Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division is including commercial food waste in the waste hauler rebate program. All permitted waste haulers will now have the opportunity to participate in the City’s commercial food waste division program.

How does it Work?
Permitted waste haulers collecting food waste generated by food service establishment (FSE) customers, within the City, may be eligible for recycling rebates. All waste haulers must be current with their payments in order to be eligible for the food waste recycling rebate and must submit rebate request forms in a timely manner.

Who Can Participate?
All permitted waste haulers in the City.

What are the Food Waste Rebates?
$65/ ton from 5/1/2010 to 4/30/2011;
$55/ton from 5/1/2011 to 4/30/2012;
$45/ton from 5/1/2012 to 4/30/2013;
$35/ton from 5/1/2013 and on or until amended by the Board of Public Works.

Who are the Certified Food Waste Processors & What are their Recycling Rates?

Reporting Requirements
Haulers are required to list the names and addresses of the FSEs that generated the food waste materials in the rebate request form. Failure to do so will result in denial of the rebate.
See the list of restaurants participating in the program.
See the "Restaurant Food Waste Recycling" guide for additional information.
Download the “Permitted Hauler Rebate Program-Instructions” & “Permitted Hauler Recycling Rebate Request Form”

Please refer to the “Rebate Request Form” for complete instructions and conditions.

Who Can You Talk To?

To Contact the...
Department of Public Works,
Bureau of Sanitation,
Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division (SRCRD)

Address for Mail Inquiries:

Bureau of Sanitation
Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division (SRCRD)
1149 S. Broadway St., 5th Floor, Los Angeles 90015-2213

Phone Numbers and Titles of Contact Persons for Further Information:

Organics Section
(213) 485-2260, telephone
(213) 485-3671, fax
E-mail: SRCRD@lacity.org
Staff are available during business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.