South Pasadena City Council approves transition to three-stream waste collection system

On May 27, 2025, the South Pasadena Natural Resources & Environmental Commission convened to discuss significant updates regarding the implementation of Senate Bill 1383, a state mandate aimed at enhancing organic waste management and recycling services across California. This legislation requires cities to provide organic collection services to all residents and businesses, establish edible food recovery programs, and ensure compliance monitoring.

The city has been collaborating with Athens Services, its waste hauler, to update their agreement to comply with SB 1383. This updated agreement, effective January 1, 2025, includes a transition from a two-stream waste collection system to a three-stream system, which will allow for better separation of recyclables, organics, and solid waste. The city council approved this amendment on May 21, 2025, and set a public hearing for July 16, 2025, to finalize the changes.

One of the key components of the new system is the introduction of a blue recycling stream, which will enable residents to separate recyclables at home rather than relying on a mixed waste stream. This change is expected to enhance recycling efforts and reduce landfill waste. The city will provide standardized containers for waste collection, eliminating the use of personal trash cans, which aligns with the requirements of SB 1383.

Financially, the agreement includes a rate freeze for residents until July 1, 2027, meaning there will be no rate increases during this period despite the transition to the new system. The rate adjustment formula has also been modified to reflect industry standards, using a trash-specific Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%.

The implementation of the three-stream system will require additional vehicles for waste collection, and Athens Services will procure new trucks to accommodate the increased service demands. The city plans to conduct extensive outreach and education to ensure residents understand the new system and how to properly separate their waste.

In addition to the changes in waste collection, the city has introduced a new bulky item pickup service. Residents will now be able to schedule curbside pickups for large items, such as furniture, at no charge, once every quarter. This initiative aims to reduce illegal dumping and improve community cleanliness.

As the city moves forward with these changes, the upcoming public hearing will be crucial for gathering community feedback and ensuring a smooth transition to the new waste management system. The successful implementation of SB 1383 in South Pasadena is expected to significantly enhance the city’s sustainability efforts and promote responsible waste management practices among residents and businesses alike.