ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law expanding New York’s food donation and recycling program on Wednesday. The legislation—( S5331A / A5906A )—makes more businesses donate their excess edible food and recycle their food scraps, cutting back on food waste to address climate concerns while feeding the hungry.
The expanded law now includes large food generators like grocery stores, colleges, and food manufacturers within 50 miles of a facility that recycles organic waste. It mandates both recycling food waste through composting or anaerobic digestion and donating any edible surplus. Besides compost, some organics recyclers can turn the waste into renewable energy source.
The law phases in the stricter requirements over several years. By 2028, businesses generating half a ton of food waste each week will have to follow it. The previous threshold was bigger—two tons per week—while the recycling radius under the old version was smaller—just 25 miles from a facility that recycles organics.