NJ A1872

Exempts community gardens operating on-site composting systems from Department of Environmental Protection permits under the Solid Waste Management Act, Air Pollution Control Act, Water Pollution Control Act, and related statutes.

Limits exemption to systems accepting no more than 200 gallons per week of organic waste, with gardens on 5,000 square feet or larger allowed an additional 200 gallons per week for each 5,000 square feet of property.

Requires all generated compost to be used on-site for the community garden, though it may also be given away or sold in accordance with DEP Class C recyclable materials requirements.

Defines "community garden" as any publicly or privately owned land maintained and cultivated as a garden by surrounding community members.

Defines "organic waste" broadly to include food scraps, soiled paper, and plant trimmings that can become usable compost.