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SB 47

FOOD RECOVERY & COMPOSTING ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Campos and 1 co-sponsor

New Mexico bill requiring food waste recovery and composting to divert organic waste from landfills while recovering edible surplus food for donation.

germane
#environment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 47

Legislative bill overview

SB 47 establishes requirements for food waste recovery and composting across New Mexico, likely mandating businesses and institutions to divert organic waste from landfills through donation programs or composting facilities. The bill addresses both the recovery of edible surplus food and the management of inedible food waste through composting infrastructure development.

Why is this important

Food waste represents a significant environmental and social problem—roughly one-third of food produced globally is wasted while millions face food insecurity. Diverting this waste reduces methane emissions from landfills, creates nutrient-rich compost for agriculture, and recovers nutritious food that could feed vulnerable populations, addressing climate, sustainability, and hunger concerns simultaneously.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Small businesses and institutions may face substantial expenses installing composting systems or participating in collection programs, raising concerns about regulatory burden on smaller operators
  • Infrastructure gaps: Rural areas of New Mexico may lack adequate composting facilities or food recovery logistics, making compliance difficult or impossible in some regions
  • Scope and exemptions: Disagreement likely over which entities are covered (restaurants, schools, households, farms), what size thresholds apply, and whether adequate exemptions exist for hardship cases
  • Food liability concerns: Businesses may worry about legal liability when donating recovered food, despite existing "Good Samaritan" protections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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