An Act Regarding the Reduction and Recycling of Food Waste
Sponsored By: Stacy F. Brenner (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Reuse food waste before disposal
The law sets a clear order to handle extra food and food waste. First reduce waste. Then donate edible food for people. Next use it on farms, including animal feed. Then compost or use anaerobic digestion with energy recovery and soil application. After that, anaerobic digestion without soil application. Last, send it to a landfill or incinerator. The law also lets the state use more methods to meet its disposal-reduction goal, like using fewer resources and reusing materials.
New rules for large food waste generators
From July 1, 2030 to June 30, 2032, you are a designated food waste generator if one site averages 2+ tons per week and is within 20 miles of a recycler with capacity. Starting July 1, 2032, the threshold is 1+ ton per week and within 25 miles. Beginning July 1, 2030, designated generators may not send food waste to landfills or incinerators. You must try to make less waste, donate excess edible food, and keep food waste separate and send it to an organics recycler in the order the law lists. You may mix wastes only if the recycler can handle them. Starting March 1, 2031, you must file a yearly report with tons donated and tons sent to recyclers. You may ask the department for a temporary hardship waiver; any waiver can last up to 3 years.
Key terms for food waste rules
The law defines terms like composting, anaerobic digestion, food waste, excess edible food, food rescue organization, organics recycler, point of generation, and soil application. It explains what counts as one location and lists items that are not covered, like some medical wastes and product recalls. Agencies and businesses must use these definitions when they follow and enforce the law.
Public list of recyclers and donors
By July 1, 2029, the department posts and keeps updated a public list of organics recyclers that accept food waste and food rescue groups that accept edible food. The department runs this program and writes technical rules, including how to decide who is a designated generator and how waivers work. Not earlier than July 1, 2035, the department may write rules to cover smaller generators or those farther than 25 miles, and may exempt those smaller generators from reporting.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stacy F. Brenner
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Ambureen Rana
Democratic • House
Denise Tepler
Democratic • Senate
Laurie Osher
Democratic • House
Richard A. Bennett
Independent • Senate
Russell J. Black
Republican • Senate
William Pluecker
Independent • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 419
6/24/2025On motion by Senator STEWART of Aroostook Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending PASSAGE TO BE ENACTED in concurrence. Taken from the table by the President Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
6/10/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/9/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-279).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/9/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-279) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-279).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
6/5/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/18/2025HouseCommittee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
3/18/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-279), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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