Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits in-state waste disposal of waste generated out-of-state.

Highlights:

• Requires solid waste processing facilities to recycle or convert into combustible fuel at least 50% of all residue generated at the facility that is in need of disposal (Sec. 2, pg. 1).

• Establishes requirements for facilities in operation during 2018 to reuse and recycle certain amounts of their waste per year instead of placing it in a solid waste landfill, with the amounts increasing to 50% by 2026 (Sec. 2, Pg. 2).

• Specifies that the above provision only applies to facilities that exclusively accept construction and demolition debris (Sec. 2, Pg. 1).

• Amends existing law to indicate that the expansion and construction of certain waste processing facilities are inconsistent with environmental justice and the right to live in a healthy environment (Sec. 5, Pg. 2).

• Requires the Bureau of General Services within the Department of Administrative and Financial services to review agreements governing the operation of state-owned solid waste landfills to ensure that such spaces are prioritized for waste generated within the State (Sec. 6, Pg. 3).

• Establishes that any waste disposed of at a landfill by an incineration, recycling, or solid waste processing facility that is in excess of the waste generated by that facility shall not be treated as waste generated within the State beginning February 1, 2023 (Sec. 1, Pg. 1).

• Appropriates $156,250 away from the Department of Environmental Protection for the purposes of managing and remediating state landfills (Sec. 7, Pg. 3).

Full Bill Text