Substitute House Bill No. 6917 seeks to enhance the management of solid waste in the state by revising the fee structure and regulations for solid waste processing facilities. The bill introduces a new quarterly fee of $1.50 per ton for solid waste processed at waste conversion facilities, transfer stations, and volume reduction plants, expanding the previous fee structure that only applied to resource recovery facilities. This change replaces the outdated fee structure that was applicable until September 30, 2003, and includes provisions for exemptions for municipal facilities and waste that is recycled or transferred to recovery facilities. Additionally, the bill establishes a Sustainable Materials Management Account to collect funds from these assessments, which will be used for environmental initiatives aimed at reducing solid waste generation. Moreover, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to report by January 15, 2027, on the feasibility of an extended producer responsibility program for consumer packaging, evaluating costs and benefits for residents and municipalities. The effective date for the solid waste fee provisions is set for July 1, 2025, while other sections will take effect upon passage. The bill introduces the term sustainable materials management account into current law, with no specific deletions noted. It has garnered favorable votes from both the Environment Committee and the Appropriations Committee, reflecting strong legislative support for its goals.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference:
APP Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 884: