Capital Briefs: New Recycling Goals Proposed in N.C.
New recycling goals proposed in N.C.
North Carolina: Assembly Bill 487 would alter regulations that currently establish minimum standards for recycling with a goal of recycling at least 25% of total MSW generated within the community. The new bill would up that goal to 40% and would require each county to submit a report by Nov. 1, 2014, concerning the efforts made to meet the goal and give progress on the development of single-stream recycling. Introduced March 25.
10-cent fee sought for plastic bags in Maine
Maine: House Bill 919 would require a retailer to assess a surcharge of 10 cents for a plastic bag designed for one-time use distributed to a customer at the point of retail sale. The bill allows the retailer to retain a portion of that fee and other funds to be sent to the state's Plastics Recycling Fund. Introduced March 28 and sent to a committee on the environment and natural resources.
New recycling goals proposed in N.C.
North Carolina: Assembly Bill 487 would alter regulations that currently establish minimum standards for recycling with a goal of recycling at least 25% of total MSW generated within the community. The new bill would up that goal to 40% and would require each county to submit a report by Nov. 1, 2014, concerning the efforts made to meet the goal and give progress on the development of single-stream recycling. Introduced March 25.
Bill would set time to take out trash
New York: Senate Bill 4411 would require residents to delay putting out the trash in New York City until 5 p.m. the day before a scheduled pickup. The bill would also require the city to notify property owners in writing of the law. The first offense is a fine and additional consideration is allowed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities. Introduced March 26.
Crews sought for roadside cleanups
North Carolina: Senate Bill 517 would establish "Hero Crews" to combat an increase in roadside litter and debris throughout the state. Introduced April 1.
Partnerships sought for remediation
North Carolina: Senate Bill 580 would establish a pilot public-private partnership for the remediation of pre-1983 landfills. Sent to a committee on agriculture, environment and natural resources.
Recycled content wanted in containers
California: Assembly Bill 1001 would require a distributor of regulated beverage containers to plan for a takeback and recycling system, and to demonstrate that not less than 80% of the containers are recycled. The containers must contain no less than 35% post-consumer recycled product as well. The bill would authorize implementing a fee in lieu of a system. Read a second time and sent to a committee on natural resources.
Iowa proposal expands bottle bill to water
Iowa: Senate Bill 1247 expands the list of beverages whose containers are regulated under the bottle bill to include juice, water and other noncarbonated beverages. It would also require distributors to pay an additional amount for each collected beverage container that is made of plastics. Introduced March 26 and sent to a committee on appropriation.
Mattress recycling bill proposed in California
California: Senate Bill 245 would require a qualified industry association to establish a mattress recycling organization, with each manufacturer and retailer registering with the organization. The bill would require the development of a recycling plan and provides for a recycling charge on the purchase of mattresses. Re-referred to a committee on environmental quality on April 3.
Bill would extend sunset date on fees
Georgia: House Bill 276 changes certain procedures regarding appropriations to the Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Authority. The bill also extends the sunset date of certain hazardous waste fees along with certain solid waste disposal surcharges. Sent to the governor for signature on March 28.
Plastic bag tax proposed in Louisiana
Louisiana: House Bill 529 proposes a state constitutional amendment to impose a 5-cent tax on single-use plastic bags for consumers. Prefiled March 29 and sent to a committee on ways and means.
Drop off restrictions proposed in bill
Louisiana: House Bill 577 would outlaw solid waste disposal facilities from accepting waste from a garbage truck or other commercial vehicle unless the vehicle is covered in a manner that prevents waste from falling or blowing from the vehicle. Prefiled March 29.
Paint stewardship program proposed
Maine: Senate Bill 451 would establish a product stewardship program for architectural paints sold in the state. Under the program, consumers would be able to return their unused architectural paint to designated locations throughout the state for recycling and proper disposal. Introduced April 2.
Landfill prevented near water reservoir
Pennsylvania: House Bill 1058 would prohibit a new municipal solid waste landfill or construction and demolition debris landfill from being located within one mile of a reservoir that serves as a water source for a community water system. Introduced March 25.
Bill backs cleanup claims in Alaska
Alaska: House Joint Resolution 15 would support the introduction and enactment of federal legislation acknowledging that the federal government is financially responsible under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act for the remediation of contaminated land subject to conveyance under the act. Introduced March 27 and sent to a committee on resources.
Rules established for fracturing fluid
Texas: A regulation order from the Railroad Commission, Oil and Gas Division would establish rules concerning the requirements for stationary commercial recycling of produced water and/or hydraulic fracturing flowback fluid. Effective April 15.
Pilot food waste program established
Washington D.C.: The Department of Public Works has proposed the establishment of a fee-setting formula and actual fee for recyclable food waste disposed at the district's transfer station. The Department of Public Works is implementing a pilot program to provide food waste transfer services at one of the district's transfer stations to encourage commercial solid waste haulers who collect food waste from businesses to compost the food waste. Adopted March 25.
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