Bill > A02273

This bill enacts the State and Local Government Food Waste Prevention and Diversion Act, which establishes comprehensive requirements for food service establishments operated by state agencies, municipalities, and local education agencies to reduce food waste. The bill defines covered food service establishments as those generating significant amounts of food waste (ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds per week, depending on the year), and requires them to minimize excess food generation and prioritize food waste management through a hierarchical approach: first, distributing excess food to people in need; second, feeding excess food to animals; and third, composting or processing food waste for agricultural or other uses. Establishments must implement source separation of organic waste, provide educational resources to their workforce and the public about proper waste sorting, and may be required to subscribe to organic waste recycling services. The bill allows for a waiver if compliance costs exceed 15% of disposal costs and enables municipalities to create more stringent local regulations regarding food waste management. Additionally, the bill requires solid waste management plans to include detailed descriptions of food waste reduction efforts, such as tracking donations, animal feed usage, and organic waste processing. The act will take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving covered establishments time to prepare for the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2273