Pennsylvania House Bill HB620

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/20/25

Caption

In recycling fee, further providing for recycling fee for municipal waste landfills and resource recovery facilities.

Impact

If enacted, HB620 would impact various stakeholders, including operators of municipal waste landfills and resource recovery facilities, as well as local governments responsible for waste management. By raising the recycling fee, the bill aims to generate additional revenue that could be utilized for improving recycling operations. This move could lead to enhanced waste management systems, increased resource recovery, and possibly improved environmental performance in handling municipal waste. However, it may also impose additional financial pressures on operators, which could lead to increased costs being passed on to consumers.

Summary

House Bill 620 seeks to amend the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act by increasing the recycling fee imposed on municipal waste landfills and resource recovery facilities from $2 to $5 per ton. This fee is applicable to all solid waste processed at resource recovery facilities as well as to most solid waste disposed of at municipal waste landfills, excluding specific wastes like process residue and nonprocessible waste. The intention behind the increase is to enhance funding for recycling initiatives and waste management programs across the state, thereby promoting more environmentally sustainable practices in waste disposal.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB620 appears mixed. Supporters of the bill, likely including environmental advocacy groups and some lawmakers, may view the increased fee as a necessary step towards better resource recovery and environmental stewardship. They argue that enhancing the financial provisions for recycling programs is essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals. Conversely, opponents, possibly including business owners and some legislators, may express concerns about the financial impacts of the fee increase, arguing that it may burden municipalities and consumers with higher waste management costs.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB620 involve the balance between supporting environmental initiatives and the fiscal implications for communities and businesses. Some lawmakers may push back against the increased recycling fee, citing the potential financial strain it could impose on waste management operators. This debate highlights a larger discussion on how best to fund environmental programs without overburdening taxpayers or small businesses, making it a point of significant legislative discourse as the bill progresses.