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 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 accepting food waste, using on-site composting or anaerobic digestion systems, not exceeding system capacity, and notifying the DEP and local government entities of their intent to accept food waste.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that schools engaging in on-site composting or anaerobic digestion will not be subject to permit fees under various environmental laws. The DEP is tasked with issuing guidance on best practices for composting and anaerobic digestion to mitigate public health and environmental impacts. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.115