Every year, New Jersey generates a staggering 1.3 million tons of food waste, some of which is still edible at the time of disposal. When put into perspective, food waste in statistics like this indicates a very serious problem.
Additionally, with new organic waste regulations now in place, large food waste generators in NJ face growing pressure to comply with stricter sustainability mandates.
For businesses, this means a pressing need to rethink how they manage waste. Luckily, with projects like Linden Renewable Energy, food waste can be minimized and even used as a renewable energy source.
This initiative is a partnership between Shapiro and RNG Energy, which is set to transform how food waste is managed in New Jersey, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
In this blog, we’ll explore all about the Linden Renewable Energy Project, including the opportunities it creates for businesses and communities alike.
Key Takeaways
- Skip Shapiro Enterprises and RNG Energy Solutions are leading the Linden Renewable Energy Project, set to be the nation’s largest food waste-to-renewable natural gas facility, launching in March 2026.
- The project provides businesses with a sustainable, cost-effective solution to meet New Jersey food waste laws.
- By partnering with the Linden Renewable Energy Project, businesses can reduce landfill waste, enhance their sustainability efforts, and support the production of renewable natural gas.
What Is the Linden Renewable Energy Project?
The Linden Renewable Energy LLC Project is an urban organic waste anaerobic digester that aims to tackle New Jersey’s growing food waste problem. Once completed, this $440 million project will be the nation’s largest food waste-to-biogas facility, managing 1,475 tons of organic waste material per day.
Located on the former American Cynamid-Warners plant site in Linden, NJ, the facility is strategically positioned to serve local businesses, providing an innovative outlet for managing food waste that is compliant with all strict food waste management regulations.
Set to become fully operational in March 2026, this project will have eight steel anaerobic digestion tanks, each 1,567,000 gallons. These systems will break down food waste in an oxygen-free environment. This will lead to:
- Generating biogas that can be used for electricity, heat, or even fuel for vehicles
- Producing nutrient-rich digestate, which can be utilized as a soil amendment
- Generating water as a byproduct, which will meet all Linden Roselle Sewerage Authority discharge requirements
Introducing RNG Energy Solutions
The Linden Renewable Energy Project is the brainchild of RNG Energy Solutions, a leading force in the renewable energy industry that specializes in the development, financing, and management of various energy infrastructure projects, including the:
- Platte River Project: As one of the world’s largest co-digestion anaerobic digesters, this project utilizes 500,000 gallons of manure feedstock daily to produce 14,500 dekatherms of pipeline-quality renewable natural gas. Now owned by regional dairy consortiums, the project provides a sustainable solution for manure management, converting waste into renewable natural biogas and producing clean water as a byproduct.
- PPL Brentwood Project: This 80 MW natural gas-fired facility uses two turbines with integrated high-temperature selective catalytic reduction systems for efficient NOx and VOC control. Completed with the development, financing, and construction expertise of RNG Energy Solutions’ subsidiary, Clearview, this is a $120 million clean energy solution for power generation.
- Pinelawn Power Project: This dual-fuel combined cycle facility operates on both natural gas and JP 40 fuel. Its dispatchable design and full supplemental firing capacity were game changers for Long Island’s energy infrastructure.
- FibroMinn Project: This is the world’s largest poultry litter combustion initiative that adopts groundbreaking advancements in emissions control and boiler technologies. Commissioned in 2007, this 65 MW facility processes 600 tons per day of poultry litter and wood waste to generate power.
Shapiro’s Role in the Collaboration
As the facility scales toward its full processing capacity, Shapiro is proud to be a part of a network of industry leaders contributing feedstock to the anaerobic digester.
We’ve been participating in the Linden Renewable Energy Project since its inception in May 2022, bringing years of expertise in organic waste management to the table.
This enables us to provide a consistent and sustainable supply of organic waste to the facility. Our contract currently allows us to supply up to 300 tons of organic waste per day, with the potential to expand this volume if additional feedstock becomes available.
For our existing clients, this collaboration offers increased processing capacity and access to one of the most advanced food waste recycling solutions in the nation.
Food and Organic Waste Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey has some of the nation’s most progressive food and organic waste laws, which aim to reduce food waste sent to landfills and cut methane emissions.
Under the NJ food waste law, any business or institution (think supermarkets, large restaurants, hospitals, and schools) that generates 52 tons or more of food waste annually must separate their food waste from regular trash and ensure it is sent to a recycling facility located within 25 miles. This helps divert food waste from landfills so it can be used for more sustainable purposes like composting or energy production.
Non-compliance with these US regulations on food waste comes with large fines and the risk of a damaged reputation. On the flip side, businesses that comply not only avoid penalties but also position themselves as environmentally conscious leaders in their industries.
How These Laws Affect Your Business?
New Jersey’s food waste law brings both challenges and opportunities for businesses across the state.
Challenges Businesses Face
One of the primary challenges is the need to implement waste separation processes. Businesses that generate lots of food waste must separate it from general trash, requiring training for staff and adjustments to daily workflows.
Additionally, finding suitable recycling partners within the 25-mile radius mandated by the law can be time-consuming, especially for businesses unfamiliar with the available options.
There’s also the financial aspect to consider. While compliance may lead to long-term savings, the upfront costs of setting up these systems—such as purchasing bins, establishing collection schedules, or partnering with recycling facilities—can be daunting for some businesses.
However, non-compliance isn’t an option, with penalties and reputational risks making adherence essential.
Opportunities Through Compliance
On the flip side, diverting food waste to recycling facilities like the Linden Renewable Energy Project is often less expensive than using traditional waste disposal. It also provides businesses with state-of-the-art technology to manage their waste.
Moreover, aligning with food waste laws can improve a company’s sustainability metrics, which is a growing priority for investors, partners, and customers alike.
Complying also strengthens a business’s reputation, as consumers favor companies that prioritize environmental responsibility.
What the Linden Project Offers Your Business
The Linden Renewable Energy Project provides businesses with lots of benefits like:
1. Efficient and Cost-Effective Waste Management
With the capacity to handle large volumes of organic waste, the Linden Project is equipped to meet the needs of supermarkets, restaurants, food processors, and other large-scale waste generators.
By diverting waste to this facility, you can reduce your reliance on traditional landfills, lower disposal costs, and easily comply with the state’s food waste management laws.
2. Supporting Renewable Energy Production
One of the standout benefits of the Linden Project is its ability to convert waste to energy. This biogas can be used for electricity, heat, or even as vehicle fuel, turning waste into a valuable energy resource.
Additionally, contributing to renewable energy production means your business is actively supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
3. Enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility
By recycling food waste and supporting renewable energy initiatives, you can enhance your corporate social responsibility profile, meeting growing consumer and stakeholder demands for environmental accountability. It’s a chance to turn waste management from a compliance obligation into a key part of your sustainability strategy.
I’m Interested – Where Do I Get Started?
Partnering with the Linden Renewable Energy Project through Skip Shapiro Enterprises is a simple yet impactful step toward sustainable waste management. If you’re ready to explore how this groundbreaking initiative can benefit your business, here’s how to get started.
Contact Skip Shapiro Enterprises for a consultation. Our team of experts will guide you through the process, helping you understand how the Linden Project can address your specific waste management needs and compliance requirements.
To prepare for the March 2026 launch, begin assessing your current waste management practices. Identify how much food waste your business generates annually and evaluate your existing processes for separating and disposing of organic waste. Planning ahead ensures you’re ready to meet New Jersey’s regulatory requirements while taking full advantage of the opportunities the Linden Project offers.
Reach out today to take the first step toward partnering with a leading food waste recycling company that prioritizes innovation and sustainability.
FAQs
The NJDEP food waste law requires large food waste generators—those producing 52 tons or more annually—to separate food waste from regular trash and recycle it at a facility within 25 miles. This aims to reduce landfill waste, lower methane emissions, and promote sustainable recycling practices.
The Linden Project significantly reduces landfill contributions and methane emissions by converting food waste into renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich digestate. It supports a circular economy by turning waste into valuable resources, helping businesses lower their environmental footprint.
The Linden Renewable Energy Project is set to become fully operational in March 2026, offering New Jersey businesses an advanced solution for sustainable food waste management.
Large-scale waste generators like supermarkets, restaurants, food processors, and municipal facilities can benefit the most. The project offers these businesses a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to manage their food waste while meeting regulatory requirements.
The Linden Project simplifies compliance by providing an efficient recycling facility that meets the NJDEP’s 25-mile radius requirement. Businesses can divert their waste to this facility, ensuring proper disposal while contributing to renewable energy production and reducing landfill costs.
Baily Ramsey, an accomplished marketing specialist, brings a unique blend of anthropological insight and marketing finesse to the digital landscape. Specializing in educational content creation, she creates content for various industries, with a particular interest in environmental initiatives.
