City of Industry, Calif. – Athens Services customers will see changes to their trash and green waste collection services starting January 1, 2022.

Changes are due to SB 1383, a California organics law that requires residents and businesses to separate food waste and food-soiled paper from trash. These materials will no longer go into a waste container but into an organics (green waste) container, along with green or landscaping waste.

Rather than taking organics waste to a landfill, Athens Services will collect and recycle it into compost that can be used to grow plants and vegetables.

“As a leader in sustainability, Athens is one step ahead of the curve and has been preparing for SB 1383 for several years. Not only have we invested in the infrastructure and technology, but in our human capital as well. Our team is ready to support customers through this transition,” said Elizabeth Ramirez, Vice President of Government Affairs.

SB 1383 is part of a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants such as methane gas — one of the most potent greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

“Diverting organics from the landfill is a game-changer for the health of our air, soils, and the community. Reducing food waste and separating organics for composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect the environment,” said Jessica Aldridge, Athens Sustainability and Zero Waste Programs Director.

About 20 percent of the state’s methane emissions come from landfills as compostable materials like food scraps and paper products break down. The law aims to decrease these emissions by slashing organic waste by 75 percent and rescuing at least 20 percent of discarded edible food for human consumption by 2025.

For more information, go to AthensServices.com/SB-1383.

Headquartered in the City of Industry, Athens is L.A. County’s largest privately owned waste diversion and recycling company. Athens has 1,700 employees, a fleet of more than 1,000 trucks, and facilities stretching from the South Bay to the Inland Empire and the High Desert.

Athens Services, family-owned and operated since 1957, proudly serves more than 30 municipalities and county areas in southern California. The company focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting to divert valuable resources from landfills. Athens’ mission is to provide excellent service by hiring and developing great people while fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment, The Athens Way.