This bill amends existing legislation to require large organic waste generators, defined as entities producing at least 52 tons of organic waste annually and located within 25 road miles of an authorized organic waste recycling facility, to source separate their organic waste from other solid waste and send it to an authorized facility for recycling. The bill broadens the definition of large organic waste generators to include not only commercial food wholesalers and restaurants but also golf courses, farms, and landscaping service providers. It replaces all references to "food waste" and "food waste recycling facilities" with "organic waste" and "organic waste recycling facilities," thereby extending the recycling requirements to a wider range of biodegradable materials, including yard trimmings and animal manure.

Additionally, the bill allows large organic waste generators to send their waste to solid waste facilities if they are not within the required distance of an authorized recycling facility or if the facility will not accept their waste. It also provides compliance options for generators, such as performing on-site composting or using alternative recycling methods. Furthermore, the bill permits generators to petition the Department of Environmental Protection for a waiver of the recycling requirement if the costs of recycling exceed those of disposal. The Department is tasked with updating relevant rules and regulations to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.122, 13:1E-99.124