New Hampshire House Bill HB1122

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/16/21
• Refer: 11/16/21
• Report Pass: 3/3/22
• Engrossed: 3/15/22
• Refer: 3/15/22
• Report DNP: 4/6/22

Caption

Authorizing municipalities to collect and resell construction and demolition debris.

Impact

The proposed changes will amend existing state law, specifically RSA 149-M:17, to grant towns the authority to oversee the collection and resale of construction debris. This could have a significant impact on local waste management systems and create a more sustainable approach to handling construction materials. It allows towns to repurpose valuable resources, which may reduce the overall waste that needs to be sent to landfills, thus encouraging recycling and environmental sustainability.

Summary

House Bill 1122 aims to authorize municipalities in New Hampshire to collect and resell construction and demolition debris. This legislation seeks to empower local governments to manage waste more effectively and create new revenue streams from materials that would otherwise be discarded. By enabling towns to add reselling activities to their transfer station operations, the bill anticipates not only better waste management practices but also potential economic benefits for municipalities, which can now capitalize on construction waste materials.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1122 appears to be generally positive, with supporters highlighting the bill as a step towards more strategic and beneficial waste management practices at the local level. Advocates emphasize the financial incentive for towns and the environmental implications of better managing construction waste. However, there may be concerns about the capacity of local governments to effectively manage these additional responsibilities and potential financial implications in the initial stages of implementation.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise around the practicalities of the bill's implementation. Potential disputes may include concerns about the adequacy of facilities to handle construction debris and the processes put in place for resale. Opponents might argue that this could lead to mismanagement or that towns may lack the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of handling and selling construction materials. Additionally, there may be discussions about the need for oversight to ensure environmental compliance and community safety.