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State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
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Food Waste Recycling and Food Waste-to-Energy Production Law (P.L. 2020 c.24)

P.L. 2020, c.24 (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.122) requires large food waste generators who generate an average projected volume of 52 tons of food waste or more per year to source separate and recycle their food waste. Large food waste generators must comply with the Law if they are located within 25 road miles of an authorized food waste recycling facility, generates a projected average of 52 tons or more of food waste per year, and fit into one of the following categories: commercial food wholesaler, distributor, industrial food processor, supermarket, resort, conference center, banquet hall, restaurant, educational or religious institution, military installation, prison, hospital, medical facility, or casino.

Food waste is defined as: Food processing vegetative waste, food processing residue generated from processing and packaging operations, overripe produce, trimmings from food, food product over-runs from food processing, soiled and unrecyclable paper generated from food processing, and used cooking fats, oil, and grease. Plate waste and food donated by the establishment is not considered food waste and shall not be included when estimating or measuring the amount of food waste generated.

This website has information on how to measure and/or estimate food waste; information on methods to reduce food waste as well as location and contact information of current authorized food waste recycling facilities in New Jersey.

If you would like to receive updates from the Department, or be included as a stakeholder during the rulemaking process, please reach out to reducefoodwaste@dep.nj.gov.

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Last Updated: February 1, 2024