NY S02179

Requires state and local government food service establishments generating over specified thresholds of food waste (2,000+ lbs/week in 2025-2026, decreasing to 500+ lbs/week by 2029) to minimize waste and divert excess food

Establishes a priority hierarchy for food waste management: first donate edible food to food assistance programs, then provide scraps for animal feed, then compost or process for agricultural/manufacturing use

Allows covered establishments to request a waiver from the Department of Environmental Conservation if compliance costs exceed 15% more than landfill/incineration disposal costs, valid for up to 24 months

Requires covered food service establishments to provide educational resources, training, and signage to workforce and public on proper sorting procedures for organics recycling

Authorizes municipalities and local agencies to adopt regulations more stringent than state requirements and mandates that local solid waste management plans include descriptions of organic waste diversion efforts