New York Expands Food Donation and Recycling Program to Reduce Waste and Address Climate Concerns
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law expanding New York’s food donation and recycling program on Wednesday, making more businesses donate their excess edible food and recycle their food scraps.
Expanded Law Includes Large Food Generators
The law now includes large food generators like grocery stores, colleges, and food manufacturers within 50 miles of a facility that recycles organic waste. It mandates both recycling food waste through composting or anaerobic digestion and donating any edible surplus.
Phased Implementation
The law phases in the stricter requirements over several years. By 2028, businesses generating half a ton of food waste each week will have to follow the new regulations. The previous threshold was bigger—two tons per week—while the recycling radius under the old version was smaller—just 25 miles from a facility that recycles organics.
Concerns from Republicans
Sen. Jake Ashby was among 10 Republicans who voted against expanding the law. “I was reflecting the concerns of people in food service who didn’t think the 50 mile radius was workable. Particularly after the pandemic, I’ve tried to be very sensitive to the fact that the entire industry has faced a perilous recovery,” he said on Friday. “Obviously the program’s goals are admirable and important, and I’m hopeful that it succeeds.”
Benefits of the Law
Gradual implementation gives those businesses that generate waste, like supermarkets, the time to partner with food banks and recyclers. A single donation from a big business like that can represent many meals at the food bank. And even on the small scale, New Yorkers can waste less food at home by composting and donating locally.
Environmental Impact
“Perfectly edible food ending up in landfills is not only one of New York’s largest sources of methane—a climate super pollutant—but also is a missed opportunity for the 12.8% of New Yorkers who are food insecure,” said Ashley Ingram from Earthjustice in a written statement. “This law will increase food donations and food scrap recycling by nearly 500,000 tons per year.”
Progress Made So Far
Launched in 2022, New York’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law has already diverted over 32 million pounds of food from landfills, according to the governor’s office. Feeding New York State, a network of 10 food banks that manages the program, already collects about two million pounds of donated food per month.
Conclusion
The expanded law is a crucial step in reducing food waste and addressing climate concerns in New York. By mandating food donation and recycling, the state can divert waste from landfills, reduce methane emissions, and feed those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of the expanded law?
A: The goal is to reduce food waste and increase food donations and recycling in New York.
Q: What businesses are affected by the law?
A: Large food generators like grocery stores, colleges, and food manufacturers within 50 miles of a facility that recycles organic waste are affected by the law.
Q: How will the law be implemented?
A: The law will be phased in over several years, with businesses generating half a ton of food waste each week required to follow the new regulations by 2028.
Q: What are the benefits of the law?
A: The law will increase food donations and recycling, reduce methane emissions, and feed those in need.
