Bill > S3911

This bill expands the existing law about food waste management for schools by including colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions in the definition of "school." Under this legislation, these institutions can now send, receive, and process food waste through composting or anaerobic digestion without needing a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), provided they meet specific conditions. These conditions include using an on-site, enclosed composting or anaerobic digestion system, not exceeding the system's capacity, and notifying the DEP and local government of their intent to process food waste. The bill also ensures that these institutions won't be charged fees for obtaining permits for their composting or anaerobic digestion systems. To protect public health and the environment, the DEP is required to issue guidance on odor control, system siting, operational standards, and record-keeping for these food waste management systems. The bill defines technical terms like "compostable" and "anaerobic digestion system" and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3911