San Francisco develops regulations for edible food generators and expands compost distribution

The City of San Francisco held a meeting on August 25, 2025, focusing on advancements in waste management and food recovery initiatives. The agenda included discussions on procurement strategies, regulations for edible food generators, and partnerships for compost distribution.

The meeting began with an update on the city's procurement factor, which has been successfully reduced by half. Officials emphasized ongoing efforts to meet lower procurement targets, primarily through contracts with Recology for municipal services and citywide waste collection. These contracts are expected to facilitate the redistribution of compost back to residents and businesses.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on developing regulations for edible food generators. City representatives noted that despite extensive outreach over the past three years, many generators have not yet established compliant programs. To address this, the city plans to hold a public meeting to discuss the new regulations.

Additionally, the city is actively seeking additional funding sources to support food recovery partners. There is a recognized need for workforce development to hire local residents for redistribution efforts and for energy-efficient equipment to store food on-site. Collaboration with food recovery partners is a priority to enhance these initiatives.

Lastly, the meeting highlighted the expansion of compost distribution through partnerships with Rec Park. This initiative aims to connect with school districts and urban gardens, ensuring proper use of compost and stewardship of city lands.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored San Francisco's commitment to improving waste management practices and enhancing food recovery efforts, with plans for public engagement and continued collaboration with community partners.