Bill > SB2852

This bill, titled "EPA-SOLID WASTE-FOOD WASTE," significantly amends Illinois law to promote the management and diversion of food waste. It introduces new definitions for "anaerobic digester" (a facility that treats waste using anaerobic digestion), "anaerobic digestion" (a process where microorganisms break down organic waste without oxygen to produce biogas and digestate), "digestate" (the material left after anaerobic digestion), and "food waste processing facility" (a facility that prepares food waste for composting or anaerobic digestion). The bill also updates the definition of "food waste" and replaces all references to "food scrap" with "food waste" throughout the relevant statutes. A key provision modifies regulations for pollution control facilities to exclude areas used exclusively for food waste processing, provided certain conditions are met, and allows for the commingling of food waste and landscape waste under specific circumstances. Furthermore, it enhances county waste management plans to include food waste collection programs, establishes a food and food waste management hierarchy prioritizing prevention and reuse, and mandates that "covered establishments" (defined by business type and size, with phased-in requirements) separate and manage their food waste according to this hierarchy, including reporting their efforts. The bill also creates procedures for diverting food safe for human consumption, requires certain state agencies and local governments to purchase and use compost and digestate, and establishes a food diversion grant program to support infrastructure development for food waste management. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=2852&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104