Bill > S3154

Introduced Session

This bill would exempt community gardens that operate an on-site composting system from any permits required by the Department of Environmental Protection under the "Solid Waste Management Act," P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.), the "New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act," P.L.1987, c.102 (C.13:1E-99.11 et al.), the "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)," P.L.1954, c.212 (C.26:2C-1 et seq.), or the "Water Pollution Control Act," P.L.1977, c.74 (C.58:10A-1 et seq.), or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. To be eligible for the exemption provided by the bill: (1) the property may only be used as a community garden; (2) the composting system may only use vegetative waste generated by the community garden; and (3) all compost generated from the composting system is required to be used on-site exclusively for the community garden. As defined in the bill, "community garden" means any publicly or privately owned piece of land maintained and cultivated as a garden by members of the surrounding community. Permitting processes can be lengthy and often result in expensive fees. By eliminating various permitting requirements, this bill would make operating an on-site composting system at a community garden more convenient and financially feasible. Community gardens provide numerous benefits, in addition to providing the neighborhood with fresh produce. Community gardens beautify urban areas, promote healthy lifestyles, enhance the environment, and provide educational opportunities for children to learn about where food comes from, gain a basic introduction to environmental issues, and develop work skills.

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Richard Codey (D)*,  Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading (on 11/03/2022)

Official Document