CT HB05577

Commercial food wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, processors, supermarkets, resorts, and conference centers must adopt written food donation policies requiring partnerships with at least two food relief organizations to donate excess edible food before it becomes compostable waste

By January 1, 2024, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection must require all municipalities to separate source-separated organic materials and ensure recycling at authorized composting facilities

By October 1, 2023, the Commissioner must add food scraps to the list of designated recyclable items and establish best practices for residential customers to separate food scraps from other solid waste

Municipalities may impose penalties of up to $500 per violation for commercial establishments and up to $50 per violation for residential property owners who fail to comply with recycling separation requirements

Existing organic waste composting requirements for commercial entities continue based on tonnage thresholds: 104+ tons/year (since 2014), 52+ tons/year (since 2020), and 26+ tons/year (since 2022) for facilities within 20 miles of authorized composting sites