Bill > S570

This bill establishes a comprehensive Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment in Massachusetts to evaluate the state's current waste management systems, infrastructure, and future needs. The bill creates a Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Committee comprising representatives from various sectors including material recovery facilities, haulers, composting facilities, waste managers from different community types, environmental organizations, and others. The committee will provide guidance on the assessment's scope and review its findings. The Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a detailed study examining multiple aspects of waste management, including the quantity and types of covered materials (packaging and paper products), current collection and processing systems, recycling and reuse rates, infrastructure capacity, costs, environmental justice impacts, and potential greenhouse gas emissions. The assessment will also explore strategies for source reduction, reuse, and a potential producer responsibility program. The study must be completed within 12 months of awarding a contract to a qualified consultant, with the findings to be submitted to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The ultimate goal is to inform future legislation and improve Massachusetts' waste management and recycling systems, with a focus on achieving the state's waste reduction goals by 2030 and 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S570