This bill proposes to exempt community gardens that utilize on-site composting systems or other methods for managing organic waste from obtaining certain permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Specifically, the exemption applies to permits required under the "Solid Waste Management Act," the "New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act," the "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)," and the "Water Pollution Control Act." To qualify for this exemption, the composting system must accept no more than 200 gallons of source-separated food waste per week, with larger gardens (5,000 square feet or more) allowed to accept an amount proportional to their size. Additionally, all compost produced must be used on-site for the community garden, although it may also be given away or sold in compliance with DEP regulations.

The bill defines a community garden as any piece of land, whether publicly or privately owned, that is maintained and cultivated by local community members. The language in the bill clarifies the definitions of "food waste" and "source separated" as per existing law, ensuring consistency in terminology. This legislation aims to promote sustainable practices in community gardening while reducing regulatory burdens on small-scale organic waste management initiatives.