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Bill

Bill

S 4021

Requires certain businesses to submit excess food reduction plan to DEP; provides CBT credit to eligible businesses that reduce excess food by 25 percent.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Vitale

New Jersey requires select businesses to file food waste reduction plans with DEP, offering tax credits for achieving 25% waste reduction goals.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4021

Legislative bill overview

S 4021 mandates that certain businesses develop and submit excess food reduction plans to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill incentivizes participation by offering Community Benefit Tax (CBT) credits to eligible businesses that achieve a 25 percent reduction in excess food waste.

Why is this important

Food waste is a significant environmental and economic problem, accounting for substantial landfill contributions and wasted resources. By combining regulatory requirements with tax incentives, the bill attempts to address waste reduction while supporting businesses financially, potentially creating a model for broader sustainability initiatives.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance burden: Smaller businesses may find the administrative cost of developing, submitting, and tracking food reduction plans disproportionately expensive compared to the tax credit benefit
  • Ambiguity in definitions: The bill doesn't specify which businesses are "certain businesses"—unclear eligibility thresholds could create uncertainty and potential inequities
  • Measurement and verification: Determining whether a business has achieved 25 percent reduction requires reliable baseline data and tracking mechanisms that may be costly or subject to dispute
  • Tax credit sustainability: The fiscal impact on the state is unclear; widespread participation could create significant foregone tax revenue without clear ROI on environmental outcomes

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

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