Albany, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law an important expansion to the Food Waste Recycling and Donation Program (S5331/A5906A), that further supports New York State’s commitment to reductions in landfill waste, methane emissions and food insecurity. This landmark legislation will strengthen efforts to reduce food waste, support those in need, and advance New York’s leadership in combating climate change.
The new law expands food donation requirements and organic recycling mandates for large food generators, including supermarkets, universities, and food manufacturers. In New York State, approximately 3.9 million tons of wasted New York food ends up in landfills, making wasted food a major contributor to methane gas production. For every 1,000 tons of food waste that ends up in landfills, an estimated 34 metric tons of fugitive methane emissions are released into the atmosphere.
Niamh Moore, Director, Healthy Communities at Environmental Advocates NY said, “New York State is at a critical point in ensuring we meet our climate commitments. We must take a holistic approach in reducing greenhouse gases, which includes the methane emissions caused by food waste. Waste from food scraps accounts for approximately 17% of municipal solid waste. By expanding food scraps recycling, we could see food waste recycling increase by 180% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 222,000 – 332,000 MTCO2e each year, assuming recycling capacity expands to meet increased demand. EANY applauds Governor Hochul, Senator Harckham, and Assemblymember Shimsky for taking the next logical step in waste reduction for New York State.”
Ashley Ingram, Associate Attorney, Sustainable Food and Farming Program at Earthjustice said, “Signing this bill into law is a major win to put food in households instead of rotting in landfills and contributing to the climate crisis. 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 percent of New Yorkers who are food insecure. When fully implemented, this law will increase food donations and food scrap recycling by nearly 500,000 tons per year. We applaud Senator Harckham and Assemblywoman Shimsky for taking the lead and sponsoring this bill through the legislature and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”
“There are significant environmental impacts caused by the continued increase of food waste ending up in landfills. In fact, methane emissions from landfilled food waste increased steadily by 295% between 1990 and 2020. The future of New York’s climate depends on taking tangible steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rich Schrader, Director, New York Government Affairs at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Governor Hochul, Senator Harckham, and Assemblymember Shimsky are showing great leadership by tackling the issue of food waste head-on.”
