Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.
Impact
The bill introduces significant changes to the management of food waste by providing large generators with an alternative disposal method. By allowing food waste to be sent to landfills, it aims to reduce the costs and logistical challenges associated with compliance to food recycling mandates. The amendment would enable continued energy generation from methane gas, thus supporting the state's renewable energy goals while potentially alleviating some operational burdens for businesses that produce large quantities of food waste.
Summary
Senate Bill S2371 authorizes large food waste generators in New Jersey to send their food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for the purpose of generating Class I renewable energy. This bill amends existing regulations from P.L.2020, c.24, which required large food waste generators to source separate their waste and deliver it to authorized recycling facilities. Instead, S2371 allows these generators to send their waste to landfills equipped to convert landfill gas into renewable energy, aligning waste management with renewable energy initiatives.
Contention
There may be concerns regarding the environmental impact of diverting food waste to landfills rather than promoting direct recycling or composting practices. Critics may argue that this approach can undermine efforts to promote sustainability and cut down on landfill use. The potential for increased landfill emissions and reduced incentives for food waste recycling could spark debate among environmental advocates, businesses, and policymakers regarding the trade-offs of energy production against waste management responsibilities.
Same As
Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy.
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.
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.
Authorizes institutions of higher education to send, receive, and compost or anaerobically digest food waste without DEP permit, under certain conditions.
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.
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.
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.