The proposed bill aims to enhance waste management practices in New Mexico by imposing a "regenerative waste management surcharge" on solid waste disposal. This surcharge will be set at $2.00 per ton of solid waste accepted at landfills, with a reduced rate of $1.50 per ton for landfills that operate on-site composting facilities or divert organic waste to composting. The revenue generated from this surcharge will be allocated to the Recycling and Illegal Dumping Fund, which supports grants for various initiatives under the Recycling, Circular Economy, and Illegal Dumping Act, including food recovery, composting, and organic waste reduction efforts.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that food recovery, composting, and organic waste reduction initiatives are eligible for grants under the existing act. It also introduces new definitions related to composting facilities and solid waste, while removing outdated language. The bill emphasizes the importance of abating illegal dumpsites and recycling scrap tires as priorities for funding. The effective date for the provisions of this act is set for July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 7-1-2, 74-13-3, 74-13-17