In the United States, food waste adds up to approximately 133 billion pounds a year, making it the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills.
With undeniable environmental, economic, and social consequences, the U.S. has set the goal to cut food loss and waste in half by the year 2030. While there are some federal laws that support this goal, regulations surrounding food waste are typically implemented on a state-by-state basis.
This causes many to wonder: How is New Jersey contributing to waste reduction efforts?
This comprehensive guide explores food waste recycling in NJ, the role of the Linden Renewable Energy Project in supporting sustainability efforts, and the benefits businesses can gain from effective food waste management.
Key Takeaways
- The Food Waste Recycling and Food Waste-to-Energy Production Law requires large food waste generators producing 52 tons or more annually within 25 miles of an authorized facility to separate and recycle their food waste.
- Donating food, which is one of the top preferred methods in the food waste management hierarchy, reduces food insecurity, diverts waste from landfills, offers potential tax deductions, and can be improved through local initiatives or partnerships with food rescue organizations.
- Composting wasted food reduces landfill reliance while producing a nutrient-rich soil amendment, offering a mutually beneficial solution; businesses can explore food waste composting sites in NJ or partner with Shapiro for tailored and reliable services across the state.
- The Linden Renewable Energy Project is a great example of innovation in waste management, as it’s set to become the nation’s largest food waste-to-biogas facility by March 2026, processing 1,475 tons of organic waste daily to produce biogas and nutrient-rich digestate.
Understanding Food Waste in New Jersey
So what should we know about New Jersey food waste?
To start, New Jersey residents on average throw away about 325 pounds of food per person each year. The impact of these numbers goes beyond financial losses, contributing to environmental issues such as pollution, resource depletion, and methane emissions.
In fact, 22% of solid waste in New Jersey consists of food waste. To reduce this percentage, high-waste industries like restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers must focus on two main strategies: preventing waste at the source and getting involved in New Jersey food waste recycling initiatives.
In addition, food waste also represents a missed opportunity to provide food to those in need. While New Jersey is considered one of the wealthiest states in the country, nearly 11% of the population is food insecure, of which 15% are children. By improving donation initiatives, New Jersey can reduce food insecurity while diverting food from landfills—a valuable approach in sustainability efforts.
As we’ll see below, food waste laws and regulations have played a crucial role in addressing food waste in NJ, with initiatives like the Food Waste Recycling and Food Waste-to-Energy Production Law contributing to the state’s overall sustainability efforts.
New Jersey’s Food Waste Laws and Regulations
Since every state has its own policies, we must explore the unique solutions being implemented in New Jersey to better understand how this state contributes to sustainability.
Let’s start by discussing the law that’s making the biggest impact today: the Food Waste Recycling and Food Waste-to-Energy Production Law. This law requires large food waste generators (establishments that generate an average of 52 tons of food waste or more a year) located within 25 miles of an authorized food waste recycling facility to source, separate, and recycle their food waste.
Under this law, eligible companies in New Jersey can choose between recycling their food waste at an authorized facility or creating their own on-site program, which may include composting, aerobic or anaerobic digestion, or an approved alternative method.
While this law helps divert food waste from landfills, it is not sufficient on its own to fully address the food waste crisis in New Jersey.
Here’s an overview of other New Jersey food waste bills:
- New Jersey Date Labeling Regulations: New Jersey’s date labeling regulations are limited, with date labels only required for dairy and shellfish. That said, New Jersey could benefit from implementing stricter laws, with food labeling laws in California serving as a great example.
- New Jersey Animal Feed Regulations: New Jersey has various animal feed regulations, including a requirement that animal-derived and vegetable waste fed to swine be properly heat-treated. Milk must also be pasteurized prior to feeding farm animals.

Commercial Food Waste Recycling Solutions in New Jersey
Businesses can explore various solutions to address New Jersey food waste, including:
- Donating: Donating food is among the top preferred methods in the food waste management hierarchy due to its array of benefits. In addition to helping reduce food insecurity, it also diverts food from waste streams and provides companies with potential food waste tax deductions. There are various ways your company can improve its donation efforts, such as getting involved in local initiatives or partnering with a food rescue organization.
- Composting: Composting wasted food helps companies reduce landfill reliance while producing a nutrient-rich soil amendment, making it a mutually beneficial solution. To get involved, your business should look up food waste composting sites in NJ to see what’s available near you. Companies like Shapiro also provide tailored composting solutions, meaning whether you’re in Newark NJ, Elizabeth NJ, or elsewhere in the state, you have access to reliable composting services designed to fit your schedule.
- Anaerobic Digestion: Anaerobic digestion of food waste is another valuable waste management approach. This solution creates energy from food waste, which can be used directly as biofuel or converted into electricity. Anaerobic digestion technology also produces digestate, a nutrient-rich material that can be used as fertilizer.
- Recycling: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to food waste recycling in New Jersey. For some businesses, recycling food waste may involve composting and repurposing ingredients, while for others it may mean turning food waste into animal feed. Regardless of the approach, what matters most is that companies in New Jersey are committed to diverting food from landfills and supporting the nation’s waste reduction goals.
The Linden Renewable Energy Project in New Jersey
Now that we know the different waste management solutions available, let’s take a look at one of the leading projects that support food waste recycling in NJ: the Linden Renewable Energy Project.
The Linden Renewable Energy Project is an urban organic waste anaerobic digester that, once completed, is set to become the nation’s largest food waste-to-biogas facility. Expected to be fully operational by March 2026, this food waste facility in NJ will process 1,475 tons of organic waste material per day, generating biogas, nutrient-rich digestate, and water as a byproduct.
At Shapiro, we’re excited to announce that we’re part of a network of industry leaders contributing feedstock to the Linden Renewable Energy Project, where we’ll supply up to 300 tons of organic waste per day.
If you’re interested in learning more about this project, contact us today and we’ll explain how this initiative can help your company address New Jersey food waste—all while staying compliant.
Reducing Food Waste at the Source
While proper waste management is essential, businesses should also prioritize preventing waste at the source, which can be done by:
- Optimizing inventory management: Advanced inventory management—which includes regular stock counts, technology-driven tracking, and proper storage conditions—helps companies optimize stock levels and reduce waste. One of the most effective ways to enhance inventory management is by using technology to improve demand forecasting. This helps you match inventory levels with demand, therefore minimizing financial losses associated with waste.
- Adopting advanced technologies: The benefits of using AI to prevent food waste are becoming increasingly evident. Why? Because AI helps improve demand forecasting, track food usage patterns, monitor temperature and humidity levels in real time, and optimize transportation routes—all things that help reduce waste. Overall, new technologies, such as AI-powered inventory systems and food waste apps, offer innovative solutions for the collection, treatment, and prevention of food waste.
- Training employees: Comprehensive employee training is a key component of food waste reduction. Since every company has different processes, training may vary between companies. That said, employee training typically covers proper food handling and preparation practices, waste reduction methods, and the use of new food waste technology.

Benefits of Food Waste Management for NJ Food Industry Professionals
There are multiple benefits associated with food waste recycling in New Jersey, including:
- Financial: Companies that divert food from landfills can reduce disposal fees and potentially receive tax incentives for donations. So, while there may be initial expenses required to implement new strategies, they can ultimately lead to long-term cost savings.
- Environmental: Recycling and composting offer various environmental benefits, including decreased landfill usage, reduced pollution, lower methane emissions, and resource conservation.
- Regulatory: To stay compliant with state laws and avoid fines, companies must prioritize proper food waste management. Since food waste laws vary depending on the state, businesses can partner with an experienced waste management company to effectively navigate the legal landscape.
- Reputational: Companies that implement innovative waste management solutions can enhance their brand image, attract eco-conscious consumers, and stand out as leaders in sustainability.
Conclusion
Whether you’re focused on preventing waste at the source, donating surplus food, or getting involved in food waste recycling in NJ, there are environmental, economic, and social benefits to reducing waste.
That said, all companies must hold themselves accountable for reducing New Jersey food waste. To support your efforts and ensure you stay compliant with state regulations, we recommend partnering with a food waste recycling company like Shapiro.
At Shapiro, we’ll work closely with you to craft a tailored strategy that fits the unique needs of your business.
Contact us today to learn more about our organic waste management services.
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.