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A new California law is forcing cities to reduce their food waste and San Diego cities are struggling to meet the requirement, according to Voice of San Diego.
Cities are having to increase costs on residents and businesses to launch a new waste collection program.
The new law aims to cut down on the amount of methane gas that comes from rotting food sitting in landfills.
According to Voice of San Diego, was behind on meeting the January 1 deadline to provide organic waste collection to all homes and businesses.
Many cities have raised rates in anticipation of the new waste stream.
For example, Carlsbad has just signed a contract with Republic Services to take over waste collection services.
This summer, residents will have to pay an extra $3.82 per month. That's a 15 percent increase from $24.20 in 2021 to $28.02 in 2022.
Chula Vista, who also contracts with Republic Services, and Encinitas, who contract with EDCO, are also raising rates on homes.
Commercial businesses now must stop throwing food waste into the trash and instead throw it in with green waste and yard trimmings the city already collects.
According to a report by CalRecycle, the new recycling law will cost the state almost $21 billion through 2030.