Relating To Statewide Composting.
The bill mandates the Department of Health to develop and implement a multi-tiered registration and permitting system for composting operations by 2023. Notably, this system aims to simplify the permitting process, especially for small to midsize composting operations that face stringent barriers under current law. The removal of these barriers is expected to increase participation in composting and diversion of organic materials from landfills, thus aiding in the state's broader sustainability goals, such as the Aloha+ Challenge and the Hawaii 2050 sustainability plan.
SB587, relating to statewide composting, aims to address the growing issue of food waste in Hawaii, which constitutes a significant part of the state's landfill contributions. The bill emphasizes the importance of composting for environmental sustainability by proposing structural changes to the current regulations surrounding composting operations. With landfills nearing capacity, the legislative intent is to alleviate the burden on waste management systems while promoting better land and air quality through compost production and use.
The general sentiment around SB587 is supportive, particularly among environmental advocates and sustainability proponents who see the potential for significant environmental benefits. However, there may be some concerns from local farmers and compost operators about the feasibility of new regulations and whether they can accommodate diverse agricultural practices without overly stringent guidelines. Discussions point towards a balance being needed between regulatory oversight and practical application for diverse operations.
While the bill is intended to streamline composting efforts across Hawaii, there are notable points of contention regarding its implementation. The existing regulations have not been updated for over 20 years, raising questions on how effectively the new multi-tiered system will work in practice. Additionally, opponents may argue about the expanded powers of the Department of Health in enforcing these regulations, fearing possible constraints on local agricultural practices that could arise from broad definitions of composting materials and processes.