Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB131

Introduced

2/1/22

Refer

2/1/22

Caption

Solid waste recycling, advanced recycling defined, conversion of materials back to basis hydrocarbons, not waste disposal or incineration, Sec. 22-27-2 am'd.

Impact

The enactment of SB131 would change how solid waste is defined and managed in Alabama. By exempting advanced recycling processes from existing classifications of waste disposal, the bill facilitates a new avenue for waste conversion that supporters assert could boost recycling efforts and result in more sustainable waste management practices. This change is expected to encourage investment in advanced recycling facilities, potentially leading to job creation and economic growth within the state. On the other hand, this shift may raise concerns also regarding oversight and the environmental implications of such recycling processes, given that some technologies could release pollutants if not properly managed.

Summary

Bill SB131 proposes significant modifications to the existing Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Management Act in Alabama. It aims to introduce a new definition of 'advanced recycling', characterizing it as a manufacturing process that converts post-use materials, primarily plastics, into basic hydrocarbon raw materials. This novel method utilizes various technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification, which marks a substantial shift in waste management practices in the state. SB131 specifies that materials processed through these advanced recycling techniques would not be classified as solid waste disposal or incineration, altering how these processes are regulated under state law.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB131 include the adequacy of regulatory frameworks to monitor advanced recycling facilities. Critics are concerned that the exemption from classification as waste disposal could lead to insufficient environmental protections, allowing for practices that might harm public health or the environment. Additionally, opponents may argue that advanced recycling technologies, while innovative, still require robust oversight to ensure they do not contribute to pollution. The debate underscores the tension between encouraging new recycling technologies and maintaining rigorous environmental safeguards.

Latest SB131 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB402

Solid waste; to define the term mass balance attribution, further provide for recovered materials processing facilities

AL SB264

Solid waste; to define the terms mass balance attribution, mill scale and slag

AL SB143

Solid waste collection fees; veterans' benefits sole income households exempted

AL HB180

Solid waste collection fees; veterans' benefits sole income households exempted

AL HB381

Recycling; Department of Environmental Management required to issue credits; Department of Revenue required to accept credits in lieu of fees; civil penalties established

AL HB250

Tax credits, authorizes ADEM to issue tax credits to persons using certain recyclable materials, sale and trade of recycle tax credits, civil penalties for fraud.

AL SB168

Municipalities, commercial development authorities, project defined to include single commercial enterprises

AL SB231

Utilities; privately owned sewer and wastewater systems; systems under jurisdiction of Alabama Public Service Commission, further provided

AL SB293

Lee County; to further provide for solid waste collection fees

AL HB67

Contracts, competitive bidding, information technology contracts, further provided

Similar Bills

ND HB1511

Evaluation of economic development tax incentives, a sales and use tax exemption for materials used to construct or expand a coal processing facility that utilizes coal as a feedstock, and severance and sales and use tax exemptions for coal used in a coal processing facility that utilizes coal as a feedstock; and to provide an effective date.