Pennsylvania cracks down on food waste dumping in farms

Friday, February 23, 2024

Pennsylvania is taking action against the influx of food processing waste being dumped on its farms, citing concerns about pollution and nuisance. Lawmakers and regulators are collaborating on a bill following complaints of groundwater contamination and unpleasant odors across the state.

"Our manure regulations are stricter than those for food processing waste," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, highlighting the issue's urgency. "This needs to change."

Food processing waste includes peels, meat scraps, and wastewater generated from food production facilities. The state has seen a surge in this waste being spread on farmland, likely due to bans in neighboring states.

Redding pointed out that waste from Virginia, unable to be disposed of locally, is now being trucked to southern Pennsylvania. Rep. Joe Webster echoed this concern, stating, "Our farms are becoming dumping grounds for other states' waste."

While the existing Department of Environmental Protection manual outlines options for land application, composting, and animal feeding, concerns remain regarding potential downsides like odor and excessive nutrient buildup in soil. Additionally, the outdated 1994 manual doesn't reflect the current situation.

"People are experiencing the negative impacts firsthand," said Redding, emphasizing the need for an update. "The manual simply doesn't address these issues."

To address these concerns, the Department of Agriculture is collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Department of Environmental Protection, Penn State, conservation districts, and lawmakers, to revamp the regulations.

A bipartisan group led by Rep. Paul Friel recently outlined the framework for a new bill. Key provisions include:

Requiring documentation of the composition and nutrient content of food processing waste before land application.
Establishing separate regulations for meat and plant waste, similar to existing practices in other states. Animal products would require processing through methane digesters or other methods before farm application.

This new approach aims to ensure responsible management of food processing waste in Pennsylvania, protecting both the environment and the well-being of its residents and farmers.

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