Solid Waste Authority adopts food‑to‑food recycling exemption for pre‑consumer food waste

The Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority on a 6‑0 vote adopted Resolution 2025‑01 to create an exemption from permitting for pre‑consumer food destined for animal feed production.

Marybeth, a Solid Waste Authority staff member presenting the item, said the program seeks to allow grocery stores and other generators to divert unsalable but edible food (expired fruit, vegetables, dairy and bread) to animal‑feed producers without requiring a separate Solid Waste Authority permit. “The intent of this resolution is to establish specific criteria and an exemption from permitting for food to food recycling of the pre consumer food waste for the sole purpose of producing animal feed for livestock and domesticated animals,” she said.

The resolution establishes definitions, authorization criteria and procedures, limits and prohibitions, and an appeals process. Staff said the exemption requires upfront notification and periodic reporting so the authority can count diverted food in recycling totals and check compliance.

During public comment and board discussion some commissioners and residents asked about possible misuse or stockpiling of diverted material; staff said the exemption is limited to pre‑consumer food sent directly for animal feed and that the reporting and eligibility criteria are intended to prevent abuse.

Action: Commissioner Sachs moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑01 and Commissioner Weiss seconded. The motion carried 6‑0.

Ending: Staff will implement the notification and reporting procedure described in the resolution and incorporate program counts into the authority’s diversion metrics.