Bill > LD1065

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for reducing and managing food waste in Maine, with several key provisions. The legislation introduces new definitions for terms like "food waste", "anaerobic digestion", "composting", and "excess edible food", and establishes a hierarchy for food waste management that prioritizes waste reduction, donation of edible food to rescue organizations, agricultural use, composting or anaerobic digestion, and lastly, disposal. Starting July 1, 2030, designated food waste generators (businesses producing significant amounts of food waste and located near recycling facilities) will be required to minimize their food waste, donate excess edible food, and divert remaining food waste to agricultural, composting, or anaerobic digestion uses instead of sending it to landfills or incinerators. These generators must also submit annual reports detailing their food waste donations and transfers. The bill provides a mechanism for temporary hardship waivers and allows the state department to adopt rules for implementation, with potential expansion of requirements to smaller food waste generators after 2035. The overall goal is to reduce municipal solid waste disposal rates and create more sustainable food waste management practices, reflecting a broader environmental and resource conservation strategy.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1065&snum=132