New Jersey Food Waste Recycling Rules
Official: N.J.A.C. 7:26K, Food Waste Recycling
Reading: The rule adoption establishes new mandatory food waste recycling standards that expand New Jersey's organic waste diversion and emissions reduction requirements.
The goal is to reduce methane emissions from landfills and support composting and other recovery programs.
In clear language
New Jersey has adopted official rules requiring the separation and recycling of food waste to keep it out of landfills. These rules set standards for how food waste must be collected, sorted, and processed across the state. The goal is to reduce methane emissions from landfills and support composting and other recovery programs.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Households and residents who generate food waste
- Businesses, restaurants, and food service facilities
- Waste collection companies and recycling facilities
- Local governments responsible for enforcing waste management
What can you do?
- Separate your food waste from regular trash and place it in designated food waste collection containers if your municipality provides them
- Check with your local government or waste hauler to learn whether food waste recycling is required or available in your area
- Compost food scraps at home if collection services are not available in your community
Timeline
- 2025-09-02
In the press
One article addresses a bill awaiting Governor Murphy's approval that relates to how food waste recycling is counted in New Jersey, specifically regarding whether food waste disposed through burning or disposal methods qualifies as recycling.
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- DEPOct 23, 2026State approves $88 million for open space, parks, and flood-prone home buyouts
New Jersey's Garden State Preservation Trust has approved more than $88 million for projects that protect open land, improve state parks and forests, and buy homes in flood-prone areas through the voluntary Blue Acres program. The money will help preserve water supplies, connect wildlife habitats, and make outdoor spaces easier to reach. The funding also supports flood protection by moving people out of areas that flood repeatedly.
- DEPOct 19, 2026New Jersey Adds All-Terrain Wheelchairs to State Parks
New Jersey is placing five new all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks and historic sites to make outdoor spaces more accessible to people with disabilities. This effort builds on the state's commitment to ensure all residents can enjoy public natural areas. The wheelchairs will be available for use at participating state parks.
- DEPSep 22, 2026New Jersey Plants 1,000th Tree and Awards $9.4 Million for Climate Projects
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating Climate Week by planting its 1,000th tree in Trenton as part of a community tree-planting program. The state is also awarding $9.4 million in grants to support various climate solutions across the state. These funds come from the Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program, which helps communities reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
- DEPSep 21, 2026New Jersey expands program helping regions prepare for flooding and climate change
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is expanding its Resilient NJ program to three new regions, helping communities work together to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding and climate impacts. The program brings together municipalities, community groups, and consultants to plan and invest in climate resilience. This expansion was announced during Climate Week 2026.