NY S04692

Establishes the "State and Local Government Food Waste Prevention and Diversion Act" requiring covered food service establishments operated by state agencies, municipalities, and local education agencies to minimize food waste generation and excess food disposal.

Defines covered food service establishments as those generating over 2,000 pounds of weekly food waste in 2023-2024, over 1,000 pounds in 2025-2026, and over 500 pounds in 2027 and thereafter, including restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, and delicatessens but excluding retail stores and vending units.

Requires covered establishments to prioritize food waste management by donating excess wholesome food to food assistance programs, feeding animals, or composting/anaerobic digestion, with mandatory source separation and recycling service subscriptions for organic waste.

Permits covered establishments to request a waiver from the commissioner if compliance costs exceed 15 percent of landfill or incineration disposal costs, valid for up to 24 months with documented compliance efforts.

Authorizes municipalities and agencies to adopt more stringent food waste management regulations and requires solid waste management plans to include descriptions of excess food, food scrap, and organic waste management programs and available processing entities.