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 outlines provisions for large organic waste generators that are not within proximity to an authorized recycling facility, allowing them to dispose of their organic waste at solid waste facilities as per the approved district solid waste management plan. It also permits these generators to petition the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a waiver of the recycling requirement if the costs associated with recycling exceed those of solid waste disposal. The DEP is tasked with updating the necessary rules and regulations to implement these changes effectively.

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