N🟁N

Maine Legislature advances bill to reduce food waste

The Maine Legislature has advanced a bill aimed at reducing food waste by requiring large grocery stores, college cafeterias, and other food institutions to donate surplus food and compost or recycle inedible waste. The legislation, supported by Governor Janet Mills, seeks to address the issue of the state's 200,000 tons of annual food waste, of which only 6% is currently diverted from landfills. The bill, which has passed the House and Senate, mandates that stores with annual gross sales over $2 million and institutions generating at least 2 tons of food waste weekly must participate in these waste reduction efforts. Proponents of the bill argue that it will help combat hunger, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable practices, while critics express concerns about the potential costs and logistical challenges for businesses. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature to become law.

Read the Full wgme Article at:
[ https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-legislature-advances-bill-to-reduce-food-waste-grocery-stores-college-cafeterias-food-institutions-compost-governor-janet-mills ]