Trenton Renewables highlights success in New Jersey food waste recycling initiative

New Jersey's Senate Environment and Energy Committee meeting on April 23, 2025, spotlighted the urgent need for enhanced food waste management strategies, with a focus on successful initiatives like Trenton Renewables.

During the session, Brian Blair, general manager of Trenton Renewables, shared insights into the company's operations, which convert food waste into renewable energy and compost. Despite the positive impact of their facility, Blair highlighted a troubling trend: only two food waste processing facilities currently operate in New Jersey, a stark contrast to the hundreds of potential sites that could be utilized.

Blair's testimony underscored the state's food waste legislation, enacted four years ago, which mandates that businesses generating over 52 tons of food waste annually must use a processing facility. However, the lack of compliance and the limited number of facilities have resulted in significant food waste going unprocessed.

The committee members expressed their support for Blair's efforts and acknowledged the need for more robust measures to promote food waste recycling. They emphasized the importance of expanding these initiatives to prevent food waste and enhance sustainability in New Jersey.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members committed to reviewing the testimony and exploring potential legislative actions to bolster food waste management in the state. The discussions signal a growing recognition of the need for effective solutions to address food waste, with Trenton Renewables serving as a model for future efforts.