FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
June 23, 2026
**PRESSRELEASE**
COUNCILMEMBER BLUMENFIELD ANNOUNCES A MAJOR INITIATIVE AIMED AT REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND RELIANCE ON FAR AWAY ORGANICS PROCESSING
LOS ANGELES, CA –Councilmember Bob Blumenfield introduced a motion to reduce the City of Los Angeles’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decrease reliance on distant organics processing facilities, and support compliance with California's SB 1383 organic waste reduction and recycling requirements. The initiative aims to strengthen local organics management infrastructure, improve environmental sustainability, and advance regional efforts to divert organic waste from landfills.
“My vision is simple: according to our own GHG inventory report, LA’s food and organic waste gives off as much CO2e (Carbon Dioxide equivalent) as burning 1.6 billion pounds of coal a year,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. “Once completed, the organics master plan will allow Los Angeles to process organics closer to home, eliminating fossil fuel spending for the over 2.2 million lane miles needed to move over hundreds of tons of organic material over a hundred miles outside of the City. Let’s do this work here with our own communities, and while we are at it, activate state funds while we save rate payer dollars, and eliminate GHG emissions.”
Blumenfield’s initiative directs the Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN) to develop a framework for a Modern Organics Processing and Composting Master Plan that significantly expands local composting capacity across Los Angeles. The plan would leverage new state laws and funding opportunities to reduce dependence on distant organics processing facilities, increase the use of locally produced compost and mulch, and support the City's climate, waste diversion, and healthy soils goals.
“Los Angeles doesn't have an organic waste problem; it has a misplaced resource problem,” said John Heywood, Executive Director, People, Food and Land Foundation. “By expanding local composting and activating SB 279, the City can turn material from the green bin into healthier soil, cooler neighborhoods, more resilient communities, providing a visible return on the public’s organics-diversion effort.”
The motion also seeks recommendations on funding, procurement, and partnerships to develop decentralized community composting infrastructure, create workforce opportunities in underserved communities, and evaluate the fiscal benefits of expanding local composting programs.
"Since introducing Cafeteria to Compost in 2018, Garden School Foundation has diverted over 137,260 pounds of food from landfills and generated 50,000 pounds of compost,” said Rachel Black, Executive Director of Garden School Foundation.“Now at over 12 schools, we are consistently seeing lunchtime waste reduction of over 80 percent, with edible food redirected back into the community and remaining organic material diverted to school-garden or municipal composting systems. This community driven work has grown and thrived with support from many strong local partnerships, and we hope this model can become part of a broader culture of sustainability across our city.”
Recently, Mayor Bass’ Climate Action Plan established Target 6B, which aims to use at least 50% of locally produced compost and mulch within Los Angeles by 2030 to enhance soil health and carbon storage, noting that currently only 25-30% of the City's material is re-applied locally. In addition to the steps needed to effectuate the Mayor’s targets, the “Master Plan” report should also further implement recommendations found within the LASAN “Healthy Soils” plan, which is a roadmap prioritizing the distribution of finished compost to local urban farms, community gardens, and city parks.
“Compost is a critical component of these natural-grass playing fields, and if we can generate it locally, we are further reducing emissions and getting closer to that closed loop system we are working toward,” said Lisa Hart, Executive Director Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance.
The motion is pending in the Energy and Environment Committee and once approved, will come before the entire City Council for a full vote.
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