Food Waste Law for Businesses & Institutions

NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law for Orange County Food Waste Generators and Haulers

Effective January 1, 2022, the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law (ECL Chap. 43-B, Article 27) requires businesses and institutions that generate an annual average of two tons or more of wasted food per week to do the following:

       1. Donate excess edible food, and

       2. Recycle all remaining food scraps if they are within 25 miles of a composting facility or anaerobic digester. 

For more information on the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling law, visit the law’s page at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) website. 

Who is exempt?

New York State law currently exempts the following generators: hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities and K-12 schools.

For generators who are required under the law to divert food waste but would like to request a one-year waiver from DEC, please read the directions on this form.

Where to start

 DEC developed guidance for businesses, institutions and haulers required to comply with the NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. The guidance outlines regulations, best practices and resources when developing food waste reduction, food donation and food scraps recycling programs.  For further information and resources for technical assistance, view the below guides.

 For free assistance in setting up a donation program and/or finding a local food rescue program, call FeedingNYS at (518) 930-7000.

The Orange County DPW Division of Environmental Facilities & Services has partnered with the Center EcoTechnology which provides free technical assistance. Call (888) 813-8552 or email wastedfood@cetonline.org.

Food Donation Assistance Program now accepting calls!

FeedingNYS is providing donation technical assistance to any businesses and institutions that need help with the following tasks:

  • Setting up a donation program
  • Finding a food bank or local food rescue organization to partner with
  • Understanding food safety practices when donating

Call FeedingNYS at (518) 930-7000 for assistance.

Transport and Recycling of Food Scraps

Orange County Transfer Stations currently do not accept Source Separated Food Scraps, but we are planning to in the future. Here are links to local haulers and organics recycling facilities that can assist in compliance with these new requirements.

 

Quick List of Local Compost Facilities

Community Compost/Arrowhead Farm
 5941 Route 209
 Kerhonkson, NY 12446
 845-787-DIRT
https://www.communitycompostco.com

Greenway Environmental/Hurds Farm Compost
 205 Hurds Road
 Clintondale, NY 12515
 845-656-6071
www.greenwayny.com

McEnroe Organic Farm
 194 Coleman Station Road
 Millerton, NY 12546
www.mcenroeorganicfarm.com

Sustainable Materials Management Inc.
 2 Bayview Road
 Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
 914-265-6067
www.smmcompost.com

Ulster County Resource Recovery Facility
 999 Flatbush Road
 Kingston, NY 12401
www.ucrra.org

 

If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please feel free to email or call.

Email: recycling@orangecountygov.com 

Phone Number: 845-291-3246

No responsibility is accepted by Orange County Government for any loss or damage arising in any way from receiving this communication.