Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Commercial Food Waste Recycling Mandate
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 26 tons annually
- Distance trigger
- Within 20 miles
- Statute
- CGS § 22a-226e
- Enforcement
- DEEP civil penalties
- Coverage
- Commercial generators only
Summary
Connecticut requires large commercial food waste generators producing 26+ tons annually to separate organics for recycling at certified composting facilities under CGS § 22a-226e. The mandate is statewide and not subject to local override.
Sec. 22a-226e. Recycling of source-separated organic materials. Fees reporting requirement. Voluntary municipal pilot program. Food donated and recycled report. (a)(1) On and after January 1, 2014, each commercial food wholesaler or distributor, industrial food manufacturer or processor, supermarket, resort or conference center that is located not more than twenty miles from an authorized source-separated organic material composting facility and that generates an average projected volume of not less than one hundred four tons per year of source-separated organic materials shall: (A) Separate such source-separated organic materials from other solid waste; and (B) ensure that such source-separated organic materials are recycled at any authorized source-separated organic material composting facility that has available capacity and that will accept such source-separated organic material. (2) On and after January 1, 2020, each commercial food wholesaler or distributor, industrial food manufacturer or processor, supermarket, resort or conference center that is located not more than twenty miles from an authorized source-separated organic material composting facility and that generates an average projected volume of not less than fifty-two tons per year of source-separated organic materials shall: (A) Separate such source-separated organic materials from other solid waste;
Full Breakdown
Connecticut General Statutes § 22a-226e requires any commercial food wholesaler, distributor, industrial food manufacturer, supermarket, conference center, or institutional food service establishment generating 26 or more tons of source-separated organic material per year to recycle that material if located within twenty miles of an authorized composting facility. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection enforces the law and maintains a list of permitted facilities. Residential composting is voluntary, but municipalities cannot exempt covered generators. Penalties for non-compliance include civil enforcement under CGS § 22a-6.
Violations & Penalties
Covered generators failing to separate and recycle organics face DEEP enforcement orders and civil penalties under CGS § 22a-6, which can reach thousands of dollars per day of violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Connecticut require households to compost?
What facilities count for the 20-mile rule?
Sources
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