Bill > A09493

This bill amends the environmental conservation law to create a new title that provides for the recovery, reuse, and recycling of hardcover books. It prohibits the disposal of hardcover books as solid waste or through incineration. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to inventory existing municipal programs for hardcover book recovery and share this information with municipalities, as well as promote these programs on its website. Municipalities are encouraged to establish their own programs to collect, redistribute, reuse, and recycle hardcover books, either individually or through joint programs or contracts with third-party organizations. Municipalities must report their program details and book collection data to the department. The bill also requires hardcover book recyclers to annually provide the department with documentation on the tonnage of books received from each municipality and where the recycled books are sent.