This bill amends existing legislation to expand the definition of "school" to include colleges, community colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education. It authorizes these educational institutions to send, receive, and compost or anaerobically digest food waste without needing a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), provided they meet specific conditions. These conditions include the acceptance of food waste, the use of on-site composting or anaerobic digestion systems, and the requirement to notify the DEP and local government entities of their intent to accept food waste.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that schools engaging in composting or anaerobic digestion of food waste will not be subject to any fees for obtaining permits related to these systems under various environmental laws. The DEP is tasked with issuing guidance to ensure that these processes are conducted safely and without negative public health or environmental impacts. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.115