As Long Beach works to roll out a state-mandated organic recycling program by the end of next year, it wants to hear resident feedback on how the new program that will collect household food and yard waste can be made more efficient.

The city launched a survey for residents to provide input on the program that is expected to be launched by the end of 2023. It will require a third collection bin for each household where food scraps and yard waste like lawn clippings, plant debris and even paper products will need to be placed.

Senate Bill 1383 requires every city in the state to divert these types of products from landfills in order to help reduce the state’s production of methane, which is created when organic material decomposes in landfills.

The short survey asks people to identify what they think might qualify as organic waste as well as what kind of reminders might be helpful when the program goes into effect. Do you want a postcard, a kitchen magnet or a text? What about a pail to collect your organic material until trash day?

You can answer those questions, and more, in the survey. Survey responses will be accepted through July 8 and is available in English, Khmer, Spanish and Tagalog.

Long Beach has already created a pilot program for restaurants to divert their organic waste, and the program is slated to expand to all commercial properties starting early next year.

There is no current estimate on what the new program will cost the city, but some of the costs—which include purchasing new bins and trucks and paying to haul away and process the organic material—will be passed along to ratepayers.

Cities have until the end of 2023 to be fully compliant with SB-1383 or face fines and other penalties. Part of the program will require enforcement by cities to ensure that residential and commercial accounts are property separating out their waste.

Here’s what a new statewide organic recycling law that goes into effect in 2022 means for Long Beach