Bill > S2308

This bill mandates the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to establish performance standards for reducing municipal solid waste, aiming to meet goals outlined in the solid waste master plan and greenhouse gas reduction plan, while also protecting the environment and fostering green jobs. Specifically, the Department of Environmental Protection will set these standards based on pounds of solid waste disposed of per person, requiring a reduction to no more than 600 pounds per capita by July 1, 2018, and further to 450 pounds per capita by July 1, 2022. To support these efforts, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in consultation with relevant departments, must develop an action plan by December 1, 2017, to help municipalities achieve these targets, which may include recommendations for changes to existing plans and programs. Cities and towns will be required to report their solid waste disposal data annually, and those failing to meet the initial 2018 reduction standards must submit a report explaining their shortcomings and outlining a plan to meet the 2022 standards. The Department of Environmental Protection will then issue a report detailing per capita solid waste disposal statistics for all municipalities and file it with legislative officials, with the possibility of disaggregating waste tonnage to account for factors beyond a city or town's control, such as waste from natural disasters.