HB1282

Poor people need to have good and sufficient food.

Re: HB 1282 Perhaps the Solid Waste Management Council could take on the issue of food waste. The Solid Waste Working Group is already carrying the WMC's water. The WMC has a statutory responsibility to advise the Director of the Waste Management Division on policy and programs. See: https://www.nhec.nh.gov/waste-management-council/about "Excerpt: RSA 21-O:9 establishes a Waste Management Council composed of 13 members representing business and industry, municipalities, public health, academia and conservation commissions. Members are appointed by the governor and council and serve a four-year term. Duties of the Waste Management Council To consult with and advise the Director of the Waste Management Division with respect to policy, programs, goals and operations of the Waste Management Division, regarding its solid and hazardous waste management functions and responsibilities, with particular emphasis on long-range planning and public education." Give the WMC some direction (and something to do.) The Council cancels many of its meetings and is, essentially, moribund, particularly now that the General Court has assigned most of the responsibility for appeals to the NH DOJ. John Tuthill / Acworth, NH

Diversion of Organic and Food Waste is an important way to decrease the rising CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. This bill will initiate a commission of multiple potential shareholders to discuss and develop better ways for NH to divert Organic and Food Waste from landfills. Outcomes could be important to reduce further climate change. I strongly support this bill.

NH Solid Waste Management's RSA 149-M:2 sets this goal: "Cut waste 25% by 2030." Diversion of food waste will move us significantly toward that goal. According to the EPA, "In the U.S., food is the single most common material sent to landfills, comprising 24.1 percent of municipal solid waste. When yard trimmings, wood and paper/paperboard are added to food, these organic materials comprise 51.4 percent of municipal solid waste in landfills." U.S. EPA, Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2018 Fact Sheet (pdf)(4.9 MB). As a member of Durham's Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, I know that we would be grateful for assistance in maximizing composting by our residents. HB1282 would help DES give this kind of support to municipalities. Please SUPPORT HB1282.

I support this bill that would establish the Organic and Food Waste Diversion Commission within the Department of Environmental Services to assist in the development and implementation of an organic and food waste diversion program. In order to reduce green house gas emission, it's important to divert food wastes away from our landfills where the breakdown of these food items creates methane, a very potent GHG.

Food waste costs society dearly. Diverting food to a secondary use stream in place of trash would reduce overall food costs. Also, finding a way to divert organic matter into composting facilities would benefit agriculture and could replace the use of PFAS contaminated waste. The state should take the lead in reducing the waste and in finding alternative use streams for what is now waste. The long term benefit will help consumers and growers.

I support HB 1282 because food-waste diversion reduces landfill use, lowers municipal disposal costs, and cuts greenhouse-gas emissions. A commission advising DES will help New Hampshire develop practical, community-focused strategies to reduce waste and strengthen environmental stewardship

I strongly urge you to support HB 1282. With existing solid waste facilities nearing capacity and the challenges of developing new ones, it makes sense to look at how organic and food waste be effectively diverted from the waste stream. Thank you for your consideration, John Walsh

Composting is the natural, managed decomposition of organic waste—like food scraps and yard trimmings—into nutrient-rich soil amendment. It reduces landfill waste, mitigates methane emissions, and boosts soil health by fostering microbial life. Reduces costs for towns and saves valuable landfill space. Let's plan ahead.

I support HB1282. Organic and food waste increase municipal disposal costs due to water content weight. It's a win-win when removed from the landfill stream: landfills last longer and this type of waste can be recycled/repurposed instead of lost forever. Bringing experts in the field and key stakeholders together in a commission will accelerate moving the state in a good direction.

These measures are too important NOT to undertake. It is ridiculous that we throw out organic material.. It is imperative that the body takes this to its logical conclusion.. My trash never includes organic matter and bc of that I hardly have any trash.

Please stop creating legislation that could possibly discourage gender affirming care.