Bill > S498

This bill aims to reduce solid waste, increase recycling, and generate municipal cost savings. It has several key provisions: 1. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will establish annual performance target goals for municipal solid waste reduction based on total pounds of solid waste disposed per resident. 2. Municipalities must report their annual solid waste disposal data to the DEP. 3. Solid waste management facilities must remove and divert from disposal all waste ban materials to the greatest extent possible, with enforcement actions for non-compliance. 4. The DEP and host municipalities will conduct frequent load inspections and fine haulers for exceeding allowable amounts of waste ban materials. 5. The fines collected will be used to fund municipal and other recycling, composting, and zero waste programs. 6. The DEP will collect a $1.50 per ton surcharge on all waste disposed at solid waste disposal facilities, with the funds also going towards these programs. 7. All solid waste haulers must register with the DEP and provide comprehensive and convenient collection services to recover recyclable materials. 8. Haulers must provide annual instructions to customers on the proper use of the waste management service. 9. The DEP has the authority to enforce the provisions on generators, haulers, and disposal facilities. 10. The DEP will issue an annual report on the state's solid waste management results.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S498