SB 191 Summary

• Repeals voluntary food scrap pilot program and replaces it with mandatory reporting requirement by March 1, 2025 for wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, supermarkets, resorts, and institutions to report edible food donations and source-separated organic materials recycled to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

• Requires entities generating 26+ tons per year of source-separated organic material to adopt written food donation policies by January 1, 2025 that include partnering with at least two food relief organizations and providing employee education on food waste reduction.

• Designates residentially generated food scraps as required recyclable items by July 1, 2025, and mandates municipalities establish food scrap separation programs by January 1, 2028.

• Prohibits tendering out-of-state or previously redeemed beverage containers for refunds effective upon passage and requires dealers and redemption centers to post warning signs in at least one-inch font about the prohibition.

• Classifies violations of out-of-state beverage container redemption restrictions as unfair trade practices subject to state enforcement action and fines.