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Solid Waste Authority adopts exemption to allow grocery pre‑consumer food diverted to animal feed
Summary
The authority adopted Resolution 2025‑01 to exempt pre‑consumer grocery food waste destined for animal feed from permitting and the Authority's flow-control rules, with reporting and notification requirements; the motion passed 6‑0.
The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County on Wednesday adopted Resolution 2025‑01 to authorize a food‑to‑food recycling program that permits pre‑consumer grocery and retail food (unsalable fruits, vegetables, dairy and bread products) to be diverted from the county waste stream for conversion into animal feed without requiring an SWA permit.
The resolution creates criteria and an exemption from permitting for pre‑consumer food waste diverted expressly for animal feed production, requires notice and reporting so the authority can track diversion quantities, and preserves prohibitions and safeguards in the authority’s rules.
Board action
Commissioner Sachs moved adoption of Resolution 2025‑01; Commissioner Weiss seconded. The chair called for the vote and the motion carried 6‑0.
Why it matters
Under current flow control, material generated in Palm Beach County generally must enter the authority’s system. The new exemption allows qualified pre‑consumer food to leave the system where it is documented to be used as animal feed, reducing the volume sent to processing or disposal and allowing the authority to count diversion in recycling metrics.
Items in the resolution
The resolution includes definitions, authorization criteria and procedures, limitations and prohibitions, and an appeals process. Staff said the exemption requires notification and reporting from participants so the authority can include diverted tonnage in its recycled‑material accounting.
Board discussion and safeguards
Board members and staff emphasized safeguards to reduce abuse. Staff said the exemption is limited to pre‑consumer food intended for animal feed and will require reporting; the authority retains enforcement and reporting oversight. Commissioner comments focused on ensuring the program would not create unpermitted stockpiling or unmanaged wastes.
Quote
"Food waste is a solid waste and is subject to the Authority's exclusive flow control powers," staff said when introducing the resolution, adding the exemption is narrow and tied to documented use as animal feed.
Ending
Resolution 2025‑01 takes effect immediately under the authority’s procedures; staff will collect notification and reporting data from program participants and include diversion totals in SWA reporting.
