Trenton Biogas manager advocates for 50-mile food waste transport radius expansion

The New Jersey Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding food waste management and transportation logistics. A key proposal emerged during the meeting advocating for the expansion of the current food transportation radius from 25 miles to 50 miles. Proponents argue that this change would enhance the economic viability and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food.

The discussion highlighted a significant concern regarding food waste generated in strip malls and shopping centers. It was noted that current laws may exempt these locations from responsibility for food waste disposal, leading to unnecessary waste being sent to landfills. The speaker emphasized that mall owners should be held accountable for the food waste produced by their tenants, suggesting that they should implement systems to collect and manage this waste effectively.

Additionally, the meeting explored various methods for handling food waste, including anaerobic digestion and localized composting. The integration of digestate from anaerobic digestion with compost materials was presented as a promising approach to enhance compost quality and promote sustainable practices.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of addressing food waste management comprehensively, with a focus on accountability and innovative solutions. As the meeting concluded, there was a call for further collaboration and support from the state to implement these strategies effectively.