summary
Introduced
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 8 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to solid waste management, so as to require the recycling of solar panels; to prohibit the discarding or disposing of solar panels by any manner other than by delivery to a legitimate recycling facility that accepts solar panels for recycling; to require that the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources identify and compile a list of legitimate recycling facilities in this state; to require that the division publish certain information; to encourage the division to provide support to regional landfills, regional solid waste disposal facilities, and local jurisdictions; to provide for definitions; to provide for penalties; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new regulations for the recycling of solar panels in Georgia by creating definitions and requirements for solar panel disposal. The bill defines a "solar panel" as a device containing solar cells that can generate electricity when exposed to solar radiation, and a "legitimate recycling facility" as a processing center that can safely return recycled solar panel materials back into commercial use. The legislation prohibits owners and operators of solar power facilities from discarding solar panels in landfills or with other municipal waste, and instead mandates that they must deliver solar panels to a legitimate recycling facility. The Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources is required to identify and publish a list of legitimate recycling facilities on their website, and they are encouraged to provide technical support to regional landfills and local jurisdictions to facilitate solar panel recycling. Violations of the disposal restrictions will result in civil penalties of up to $20 per solar panel, with each improperly discarded panel considered a separate offense. The penalties can be recovered through civil action by the Attorney General or district attorneys, with the aim of promoting environmentally responsible disposal of solar energy equipment.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (6)
Beth Camp (R)*,
Chas Cannon (R)*,
Robert Dickey (R)*,
Trey Kelley (R)*,
Gabe Okoye (D)*,
Don Parsons (R)*,
Last Action
House Withdrawn, Recommitted (on 04/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70031 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/233152 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/231634 |
Loading...