Substitute Bill No. 5524 seeks to strengthen the state's materials management system by implementing stricter regulations for the recycling of source-separated organic materials. Effective July 1, 2027, the bill requires entities such as commercial food wholesalers, supermarkets, and educational institutions that generate an average of twenty-six tons of source-separated organic materials annually to separate and recycle these materials. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on the amount of food donated and food scraps recycled, expanding this requirement to all relevant entities by March 1, 2027. The bill also prohibits food service establishments from using expanded polystyrene food service ware starting July 1, 2028, while allowing local boards of education to participate in recycling programs.

The bill further addresses the reduction of polystyrene and single-use food service items, exempting certain polystyrene packaging products and clarifying that the provisions do not apply to patient care units in hospitals or rehabilitation facilities. Beginning January 1, 2028, food service establishments will be prohibited from providing single-use items unless requested by customers, and any single-use drinking straws must be free of intentionally added PFAS. Additionally, entities subject to commercial organics diversion requirements must prioritize the donation of surplus edible food and maintain a written policy for safe food handling and transfer for donation. The act will be implemented in stages, with various provisions becoming effective between July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2028.