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Capitola advances mandatory organic waste procurement ordinance in first reading
Summary
On Nov. 13 the council held first reading of a municipal code amendment to codify a procurement policy aimed at meeting California SB 1383 organic waste diversion targets by prioritizing mulch and compost purchases for city projects and public spaces.
The Capitola City Council on Nov. 13 advanced a municipal code amendment on first reading designed to codify the city’s procurement approach for meeting California’s organic waste diversion requirements under SB 1383.
Environmental staff explained the statewide law requires jurisdictions to reduce organic waste to combat climate change and that the city meets procurement targets by purchasing mulch and compost for parks, medians and public works projects. The proposed municipal code change adds the procurement policy to Chapter 8.04 to align the city’s regulations with the amended environmental policy.
Staff said most compliance options available to larger jurisdictions — such as biomass to energy or large‑scale renewable energy projects — are not feasible for Capitola’s size, and mulch procurement remains the primary practical pathway to meet CalRecycle targets. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about per‑capita targets and whether the city ever has a surplus of mulch; staff said the county landfill runs periodic giveaways but the city has not had a surplus problem.
The ordinance passed first reading. Staff will return with implementing language and next steps; subsequent readings or adoption steps are required to finalize the code change.
