The New Jersey Senate passed the latest version of a long-fought organics diversion bill (A2371) on Thursday. If signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, it would require establishments generating one ton or more of food waste per week to arrange for separate recycling if an authorized processing facility is within 25 road miles. Additionally, the bill would designate food waste recycling facilities as “Class I renewable energy” and establish a Food Waste Recycling Market Development Council. It would also direct state agencies to use compost and soil products in transportation projects when feasible….
“Governor Murphy must sign this bill quickly. As we move toward getting to zero carbon, we need to move towards getting to zero food waste,” said New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel in a statement that also questioned classifying biogas from digesters as renewable. Patrick Serfass, executive director of the American Biogas Council, pushed back on that notion, telling Waste Dive that “organic material is renewable and will be perpetually produced,” while also noting the potential for expanded infrastructure to help avert emissions from farming and agricultural sources. More >>