Section 1 – Expanding Organics Diversion
Strengthens Connecticut’s commercial organics recycling law so more large food generators divert food scraps from the waste stream and send them to composting or recycling instead.
Section 2 – Polystyrene Reduction
Phases out expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware used by restaurants, caterers, dining facilities, schools and other entities engaged in the sale or service of prepared food. The bill includes reasonable exemptions and compliance options, including allowing school districts to participate in approved recycling programs.
Section 3 – “Skip the Stuff” Standard
Requires restaurants and food service establishments to provide single-use items like utensils, napkins, condiment packets and straws only upon customer request. The bill also prohibits single-use drinking straws that contain intentionally added PFAS.
Section 4 – Food Donation Priority
Requires large food-waste generators covered by the organics law to prioritize donating surplus edible food for human consumption before recycling or disposal.
Section 5 – Materials Management Infrastructure
Clarifies that existing state materials-management grants can support equipment and infrastructure needed for waste reduction, food recovery, reuse programs and organics diversion, including but not limited to cold storage to preserve donated food, dishwashing equipment and reusable food service systems for schools, and other collection and storage infrastructure.
The Environment Committee will hold a public hearing on this bill Friday, March 13 at 11:00 AM.
Residents and organizations may participate in the hearing either in person at the Capitol or remotely via Zoom.
Submit Written Testimony:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/aspx/CGATestimonySub/CGAtestimonysubmission.aspx?comm_code=env
Sign up to testify (in person or via Zoom):
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-Bua3PIoQMCXZcIwPmk8Gw
View the hearing agenda:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/envdata/pha/pdf/2026PHA00313-R001100ENV-PHA.PDF
Public participation is an important part of the legislative process, and I encourage anyone interested in recycling, waste reduction, food recovery and environmental protection to share their perspective.
If you have questions, or ever need any help, please don't hesitate to reach out by phone, (800) 842-8267 or email, Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
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