New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2162

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.

Impact

The enactment of S2162 would have a noteworthy impact on state environmental laws, particularly those governing food waste management. By allowing food waste to be directed to landfills under specific conditions, the bill aims to enhance the utility of landfill operations by converting waste into energy. However, this could lead to increased discussions around environmental sustainability and the efficacy of recycling efforts. Proponents argue that the bill would help manage food waste effectively while contributing to renewable energy generation.

Summary

Senate Bill S2162 seeks to amend existing legislation concerning the disposal of food waste by large food waste generators in New Jersey. The bill authorizes these generators to send their food waste to sanitary landfill facilities specifically for the purpose of generating Class I renewable energy. This change represents a significant shift from previous regulations that mandated food waste to be sorted and sent to authorized recycling facilities. The bill's provisions apply as long as the food waste is being used to produce renewable energy through gas-to-energy processes.

Contention

Notably, S2162 introduces potential contention points with environmental advocacy groups and local governments. Critics may argue that diverting food waste back to landfills undermines the existing recycling framework and may lead to negative environmental impacts. Furthermore, there are concerns about whether the reliance on landfill gas production is truly sustainable in comparison to current food waste recycling practices. In addition to these environmental concerns, the bill also includes a provision allowing large food waste generators to petition for waivers from the recycling requirements, which could lead to further debate on compliance and enforcement issues.

Companion Bills

NJ A1475

Same As Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.

NJ S2371

Carry Over Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.

NJ A4097

Carry Over Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2371

Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.

NJ A4097

Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.

NJ A1475

Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.

NJ A4083

Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy or renewable natural gas.

NJ A3084

Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy or renewable natural gas.

NJ A5745

Requires large organic waste generators to separate and recycle organic waste.

NJ A4118

Establishes Statewide targets to reduce disposal of organic waste in landfills; requires DEP to adopt regulations to achieve targets.

NJ S3911

Authorizes institutions of higher education to send, receive, and compost or anaerobically digest food waste without DEP permit, under certain conditions.

NJ S255

Establishes conditions for net metering for authorized food waste recycling facilities.

NJ S3909

Establishes conditions for net metering for authorized food waste recycling facilities.

Similar Bills

CA AB1273

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CA AB2320

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NJ A1528

Requires DOH to establish uniform standards for retail food establishment health and sanitary evaluation placards.

NJ S1710

Requires DOH to establish uniform standards for retail food establishment health and sanitary evaluation placards.

NJ S2144

Requires DOH to establish uniform standards for retail food establishment health and sanitary evaluation placards.

NJ S997

Establishes grant program in DEP to provide financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure and other physical upgrades to certain municipally owned sanitary landfill facilities closed before June 1987; appropriates $10 million.

NJ A2041

Establishes grant program in DEP to provide financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure and other physical upgrades to certain municipally owned sanitary landfill facilities closed before June 1987; appropriates $10 million.

NJ S293

Establishes grant program in DEP to provide financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure and other physical upgrades to certain municipally owned sanitary landfill facilities closed before June 1987; appropriates $10 million.