ME LD1065

Large food waste generators (2+ tons/week within 20 miles of an organics recycler) are prohibited from sending food waste to landfills or incinerators beginning July 1, 2030, with the threshold dropping to 1+ ton/week within 25 miles starting July 1, 2032

Designated food waste generators must reduce waste at the source, donate excess edible food to food rescue organizations, and transfer remaining food waste to organics recyclers for agricultural use, composting, or anaerobic digestion

Annual reporting to the Department of Environmental Protection is required starting March 1, 2031, documenting tons of edible food donated and food waste transferred to recyclers

Temporary hardship waivers of up to 3 years are available for generators who demonstrate compliance would cause undue hardship

The department must publish and maintain a list of authorized organics recyclers and food rescue organizations on its website by July 1, 2029