We can help you take the next step!
The Center for EcoTechnology (CET) helps people and businesses save energy and reduce waste. In Connecticut, CET has helped reduce wasted food at a number of K-12 schools and universities by implementing technology solutions, facilitated food donation from supermarkets such as Fresh Market, and launched a composting program at the Sheraton at Bradley Airport. CET’s no-cost technical assistance includes an overview of all appropriate solutions for reducing wasted food, and guidance to implement the solutions that make the most sense for your business.
CET has helped dozens of businesses and institutions in Connecticut learn more about food recovery and wasted food diversion opportunities. For no-cost help at your business or institution, or for your customers or association members, contact CET today at 888-813-8552 or e-mail wastedfood@cetonline.org.
Helpful Connecticut Wasted Food Resources
- Wasted food reduction and recovery in Connecticut
- Connecticut DEEP’s resources on how to recover food and reduce wasted food.
- How to comply with the Connecticut organics recycling law
- The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) provides information on how to comply with the Connecticut commercial organics recycling law.
- Map of Food Waste in Connecticut
- Connecticut DEEP’s map for identifying, quantifying, and mapping wasted food from Connecticut businesses and institutions.
- Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Facilities in Connecticut
- Connecticut DEEP’s website includes facilities that accept certain types of wasted food.
- Food Donation by Connecticut Schools Guidelines and Resources
- CET, in collaboration with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Department of Public Health, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, and others, developed a guidance document for Connecticut schools on opportunities to donate food internally through share tables as well as externally to food banks and charitable organizations. The document consolidates federal and state regulations, including information on liability protection, health codes, and more.
- Food Scraps Diversion Guide for West Hartford Public Schools
- CET provides guidance on how to implement a district-wide food scraps diversion program.
- How to donate food to the Connecticut Food Bank
- The Connecticut Food Bank provides guidance on how to donate food (in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties).
- How to donate food to Connecticut Foodshare
- Connecticut Foodshare provides both pick-up and drop-off services for food donation (Hartford and Tolland counties).
- Helpful fact sheets on food donation laws from the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic
- Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act
- The Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (Public Law 104-210) protects donors from liability when donating to nonprofit organizations and protects donors from civil and criminal liability should the product, donated in good faith, later cause harm to the needy recipient.
- Case Study: Wilton School District
- In 2016, a class project at Middlebrook Middle School inspired their cafeteria’s food waste diversion program and transformed the Wilton School District.
Connecticut Legal/Regulatory Requirements
- The Connecticut Commercial Organics Recycling Law (Public Act 11-217), in effect as of January 2017, states that commercial food wholesalers or distributors, industrial food manufacturers or processors, supermarkets, resorts, or conference centers that 1) produce 52 or more tons per year (1 ton per week) of organic waste and 2) are located within 20 miles of a permitted recycling facility, must recycle organic material. Compliance options under the law include on-site composting, or installation of permitted on-site organics treatment equipment. The threshold was reduced from 104 tons per year to 52 tons per year on January 1, 2020.
Toolbox
For more information regarding food waste estimates, source separation guidance, and how to start a food donation program, open CET’s Toolbox.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP, CONTACT US!
Contact CET to learn more about food recovery and waste diversion opportunities for your business, institution, customers, or association members: