California’s SB 1383 is one of the state’s most significant climate laws, and whether you’re a homeowner, landscape contractor, or property manager, it’s likely going to affect how you plan and execute outdoor projects. In this article, we break down who needs to comply, what makes a product SB 1383-eligible, and which Lyngso products meet the standard, so you can move forward with confidence on your next project.
Not all mulch is SB 1383-compliant: Products made from chipped virgin lumber or decorative bark do not meet the SB 1383 standard because they are not derived from recovered organic waste such as processed yard trimmings or untreated wood waste.
SB 1383 touches more people than most assume. Here’s a breakdown of who needs to pay attention and why:
Homeowners: If you’re simply gardening at home, you are not personally required to purchase SB 1383 compliant products. However, in some Bay Area jurisdictions, compliance may become relevant once your project involves a permit.
Landscape contractors: Whether you’re working on residential or commercial projects in the Bay Area, locally adopted conditions of approval for permitted work may specify the use of recovered organic waste products such as compost or mulch.
Commercial properties: In some Bay Area jurisdictions, local ordinances may require on-site organic material management or participation in programs that support recovered organic waste product use in landscaping or site improvements.
Cities and municipalities: Jurisdictions must procure a minimum quantity of recovered organic waste products such as compost or mulch each year based on population.
Not all compost and mulch products are created equal under SB 1383. To count toward compliance, a product must meet specific requirements:
Compost or mulch must be derived from organic waste that has been diverted from landfill and processed for beneficial use at an authorized facility. Many Bay Area jurisdictions require documentation verifying that compost or mulch originates from recovered organic waste streams in order for its use to count toward local procurement targets.
Materials that are not derived from recovered organic waste generally do not meet this standard. However, mulch produced from activities such as land clearing, right-of-way maintenance, or agricultural operations may qualify if the material would otherwise have been disposed of and is processed for beneficial use.
Compost products used toward SB 1383 procurement targets must meet applicable state standards for pathogens and metal concentrations. Not all mulch sold as “organic” or “natural” will qualify as a recovered organic waste product, as eligibility depends on whether the material was derived from diverted organic waste and processed for beneficial use.
Lyngso’s Organic Green Waste Garden Compost is a rich amendment that complies with SB 1383 requirements. It is especially good for improving soils that are too sandy and drain too fast, as well as an amendment for clay soil. Furthermore, it is produced from composted green waste diverted from landfill, manufactured at a fully permitted composting facility, and regulated under Title 14 CCR composting operations.
Organic green waste garden compost is well suited for a wide range of applications, including:
This product also meets post-construction stormwater soil amendment specifications and can be used by cities, contractors, and developers, to satisfy SB 1383 procurement mandates.
Lyngso’s Composted Mulch is an SB 1383-eligible ground cover that greatly enhances the aesthetic appearance of landscapes while helping retain moisture, control weeds, and prevent erosion. It is derived from organic material diverted from landfill and processed at a fully permitted composting facility, meeting both the pathogen and metals limits required for SB 1383 qualification.
Lyngso’s Composted Mulch is OMRI listed for organic use, and has also been shown to be less combustible and less likely to float than traditional wood mulches, making it particularly well suited for bioretention areas, large-scale landscape projects, municipal sites, and HOA common areas.
Lyngso’s Composted Black Chip is an SB 1383-compliant ground cover derived from composted wood that has been sourced from a green waste composting facility. Furthermore, it’s enhanced with a natural and non-toxic UV-protectant colorant. With a particle size ranging from 2” to 6”, this mulch provides an attractive, uniform appearance while helping retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce erosion in landscaped areas.
Composted Black Chip is a recycled product suitable for a variety of landscape applications and is available for both pickup and delivery in bagged or bulk quantities. As with many recycled organic materials, it may occasionally contain small inert debris such as plastic or glass.
Lyngso’s Premium Composted Mulch is an SB 1383-compliant ground cover that combines sustainability with a refined appearance. Made from recycled organic materials at a fully permitted composting facility, it supports organic waste diversion while enhancing landscape performance.
With a finer, more uniform texture than standard composted mulch, it delivers a clean, polished look for high-visibility areas. It also helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce erosion.
Premium Composted Mulch is ideal for:
It can also be used by contractors and municipalities to meet SB 1383 procurement requirements.
Meeting SB 1383 compliance doesn’t have to be complicated, and choosing SB 1383-eligible materials from a trusted supplier can help support compliance with locally adopted requirements while contributing to California’s broader climate and soil health goals.
At Lyngso, we provide a range of products that meet SB 1383 requirements, whether you’re tackling a renovation, commercial landscape project, or a municipal procurement mandate. Visit our showroom and landscaping yard in San Carlos to learn more about our qualifying products, and contact us today to learn about delivery options for your SF Bay Area project site.
