Local composters ask Arcata to preserve market access as Recology begins SB 1383 collection

Owners of two small, Arcata‑based composting businesses spoke during public comment to urge the city to preserve local composters’ ability to collect food‑waste once Recology implements SB 1383 curbside service beginning in July.

Isaac West (Full Cycle Compost) and co‑owners asked the council — during the early public comment period — to negotiate with Recology so residents who choose a local hauler are not also charged Recology’s collection fee. They requested the city clearly list local composting options on the city website and asked staff to advise which city office or future meeting would consider contract or franchise‑related concerns.

West said local composters currently work with schools, farms and do neighborhood pickup by bike and that an overlay of Recology fees on customers who opt for a local service could threaten their businesses. His co‑worker (Olivia) cited prior city actions (including Arcata Ordinance 1560 in December 2022) that explicitly allowed community composters to operate under state SB 1383 implementation, and asked for refund or rebate mechanisms or explicit website language to preserve customer choice.

Council members thanked the speakers and encouraged dialogue between small composters and the city/Recology negotiators; no immediate action was taken at the meeting.

The council did not take a formal vote related to the request; staff and council suggested the composters follow up with the appropriate staff contact for procurement/contracting and participate in upcoming meetings where Recology contract terms and implementation details will be discussed.