Bill > A11015

This bill mandates that all state agencies establish composting programs in buildings they own, occupy, or operate, defining "agency" as any department or public authority and "compostable" as materials that degrade through biological processes without leaving harmful residue. These programs must ensure that compostable waste, including food scraps, plant trimmings, and food-soiled paper, is separated into labeled containers, with clear signage and employee training to prevent mixing with regular garbage or recyclables. Agencies have the flexibility to arrange for compostable waste collection by private companies, transport it themselves, or process it on-site. Starting one year after program establishment and annually thereafter, agencies must report on the amount of compostable waste collected and associated costs. Exemptions are allowed for buildings where compliance is infeasible or unreasonably costly due to minimal waste generation, lack of local composting infrastructure, or challenging environmental conditions, though these exemptions must be reevaluated every five years. Buildings in municipalities with their own established composting programs are also exempt. Finally, by December 1, 2030, and annually thereafter, the state Department of Environmental Conservation will publish a report evaluating the effectiveness, costs, and collection rates of these agency composting programs, including information on granted exemptions.