Bill > HB4086

This bill adds a new section to the Texas Health and Safety Code that allows certain counties to regulate composting facilities by prohibiting their operation within 3,281 feet (approximately 1 kilometer) of water sources that could potentially supply a municipality's drinking water. The bill specifically applies only to counties that do not already have municipal requirements for restaurants to divert food waste from landfills. The bill defines a "composting facility" as a location that processes source-separated organic materials including yard trimmings, wood, vegetative matter, paper, manure, meat, fish, animal carcasses, dairy products, and cooking oils and greases from municipal, commercial, or institutional sources. By providing counties with this regulatory authority, the bill aims to protect potential water supply sources from potential contamination or environmental risks associated with composting operations. The new law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving counties time to prepare for and implement the new regulatory framework.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4086