State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the adoption of final regulations to implement New York’s Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. The law and implementing regulations are a critical step in addressing contributors to climate change and assisting those in need by supporting the donation of quality food. The regulations require large generators of food scraps to donate wholesome food to the maximum extent practicable, helping New Yorkers struggling with food insecurity by increasing the amount and variety of food available through relief organizations across the State.
“Americans currently waste about a quarter of all the food purchased, which directly leads to the creation of methane and other greenhouse gases and negative environmental impacts,” Commissioner Seggos said. “These wasted food resources can now be used to help people in need instead of contributing to climate change. The regulations released today are a perfect example of a common-sense approach to promoting food recycling while also helping the hungry and reducing waste to build healthier, environmentally sustainable communities.”
Wasted food has significant environmental, social, and economic impacts. Removing organics from landfills is a key recommendation under the Climate Action Council’s Waste Panel to help achieve New York’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s goals to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and put the State on a path to carbon neutrality economy-wide by 2050.