Bill > SB537

This bill establishes a comprehensive plan to reduce organic waste in Hawaii by creating a phased approach to diverting organic waste from landfills. The bill defines organic waste as compostable or biodegradable materials from plants or animals, including food waste, green waste, and untreated wood waste. It sets progressive benchmarks for different types of businesses and organizations to divert organic waste, starting with large food vendors and distributors in 2027, expanding to restaurants and educational institutions in 2032, and including multi-family complexes by 2036. The ultimate goal is to completely ban organic waste from landfills and co-generation plants by 2037. The bill updates the state's existing waste reduction goals, increasing the target from 25% to 40% waste reduction by 2027 and from 50% to 70% by 2032. To support implementation, the bill requires each county to incorporate these new organic waste diversion requirements into their solid waste management plans and appropriates funds to help counties revise their plans. This legislation is part of Hawaii's efforts to meet United Nations Sustainable Development goals and the Aloha+ Challenge, which aims to significantly reduce the state's solid waste stream through various waste reduction and diversion strategies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=537&year=2026