Bill > H3420

This bill establishes a universal system for managing solid waste, aiming to conserve energy and resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and repurpose discarded materials for their highest beneficial use, prioritizing reuse, recycling, and then energy recovery before landfilling. It mandates that every residence, business, and institution, referred to as a "generator," must separate recyclable materials from their solid waste, and all companies that collect and transport waste, known as "haulers," must provide convenient and affordable comprehensive waste management services. By August 1, 2016, all generators must participate in recycling services, and by January 1, 2017, designated local authorities or the Department of Environmental Protection (the "department") will distribute annual notices to generators detailing recycling requirements, banned materials, and diversion options, with the department holding the authority to enforce these provisions and impose fines on non-compliant generators (up to $2,000 per instance) and haulers (up to $500 per instance). Revenue generated from these penalties will be deposited into a Sustainable Materials Management Expendable Trust to fund the implementation and enforcement of the act, including administrative costs and educational outreach.