This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) ability to certify recycled content in products through a third-party certification system. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "mass balance attribution," "recycled material," "recycled plastics," "renewable biomass," and "renewable chemical." The bill mandates that the DEP identify third-party certification systems to facilitate waste reduction programs that utilize mass balance attribution, promoting the use of recycled materials in the production of new products. Key insertions include the definition of "mass balance attribution" as a methodology for tracking the chain of custody of recycled materials, as well as clarifications on what constitutes "recycled material" and "recycled plastics."

Additionally, the bill amends existing legislation regarding solid waste management and the powers of the director overseeing solid waste facilities. It introduces new definitions such as "solid waste disposal," "solid waste facility," and "solvolysis," while clarifying the director's roles and responsibilities in regulating these facilities. The bill empowers the director to establish rules for permit application fees and to consider factors like environmental impact and public safety when issuing permits. It also requires applicants for solid waste facility permits to provide detailed ownership and compliance history, ensuring transparency and accountability, and emphasizes the importance of public input and environmental protection in the operation of solid waste facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-15-2, 22-15-5
Committee Substitute: 22-15-2, 22-15-5
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 22-15-2, 22-15-5