The County is responsible for residents and businesses in the unincorporated area in meeting State requirements for reducing the amount of solid waste disposal at landfills, ensuring public health and safety, and minimizing environmental impacts. The County coordinates with the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) who is responsible for solid waste compliance for the seven incorporated cities and twelve special districts with solid waste powers that are members of the IWMA.
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is the state agency overseeing the County's compliance with meeting goals and implementing programs for source reduction, recycling, organic (food and yard) waste diversion and transformation, edible food recovery, capacity planning, and community education and outreach. The County Public Works Department coordinates with local and state agencies including cities, community services districts and sanitary districts, regional partners, commercial edible food generators, food recovery organizations and services, community partners and stakeholders countywide on solid waste management efforts.