Organic wastes are recyclable through composting and mulching, and through anaerobic digestion, which can produce renewable energy. In an effort to achieve California's recycling and greenhouse gas emission goals, the State has enacted Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling regulations.

Organic waste includes the following material: green waste (landscape and pruning waste), food waste (including fats, oils, grease, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste), and nonhazardous wood waste. 

Green waste refers to waste resulting from maintenance or removal of vegetation, including but not limited to: grass, brush, branches, leaves, flowers, shrubs and small trees.

Wood waste refers to nonhazardous wood waste such as untreated and non-laminated lumber.

Food waste for business purposes includes food products which are off-specification, outdated, or recalled commercial products, including food, beverages, and food products in original individual consumer packaging. These items may include canned foods, beer, wine, soft drinks, fruit juices, milk, yogurt, ice cream, etc. Food waste also includes food-soiled paper that are typically mixed in with food waste include uncoated products such as napkins, towels, and tissues, paper plates, paper cups, fast food wrappers, egg cartons, used pizza boxes, wax-coated cardboard, and other similar paper or compostable packaging.