The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update definitions and requirements related to solid waste management in Michigan. A significant change is the revised definition of "solid waste," which now explicitly excludes materials such as human body waste, medical waste, and certain agricultural by-products, while introducing new categories like digestate from anaerobic digesters. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of owners and operators of materials utilization facilities, emphasizing the need for cleanliness, accurate record-keeping of material types and quantities, and adherence to proper management practices to prevent nuisances or hazards.

Additionally, the bill establishes new regulations for composting facilities and anaerobic digesters, requiring operators of medium class 1 composting facilities to register with the department and pay a $750 fee for a five-year registration term. It mandates that owners or operators of anaerobic digesters notify the department upon initial operation and report the amount of compostable material managed annually. The bill also outlines exemptions for certain anaerobic digesters based on feedstock management criteria and includes provisions for the approval process of general permits for innovative technology facilities, aiming to enhance environmental protection and operational accountability in solid waste management practices.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.11506, 324.11568