Report Title:

Counties; Mandatory Recycling

Description:

Requires all counties to have a comprehensive recycling program January 1, 2007. Makes appropriation.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

39

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO COUNTIES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that removing certain materials from the municipal solid waste stream will decrease the flow of solid waste into landfill facilities, aid in conservation and recovery of valuable resources, conserve energy, and increase the supply of reusable raw materials. Recycling of reusable waste materials will reduce substantially the required capacity of landfills.

The legislature further finds that it is in the public interest to mandate curbside recycling of segregated recyclable materials so that these materials may be returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products rather than being disposed at landfills. The legislature further finds that recycling demonstrates the State's commitment to proper waste management, conservation of non-renewable natural resources, conservation of energy, extended landfill life, reduced long-term landfill liability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and promotion of a conservation ethic.

The purpose of this Act is to require the counties to adopt a comprehensive recycling program, including collection of recyclable items.

SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46-   Comprehensive recycling program; collection of recyclable items. (a) No later than January 1, 2007, each county shall establish, implement, and administer a program of mandatory comprehensive recycling in its respective county. The program shall include collection of recyclable items and conversion of those items into energy or recycled products.

(b) For purposes of subsection (a):

(1) Recyclable items include paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, plastic bottles, plastics, metal, rubber, glass, wood, aluminum cans, beverage containers, and other appropriate items but not including yard trimmings (green waste);

(2) Collection shall include direct collection of segregated recyclable items at residential, commercial, and government buildings, to the extent practicable, or in lieu thereof, provide for collection sites;

(3) Recycling processes shall include the use of hydrogen power to convert the recyclable items into electricity and the conversion of recyclable items into usable recycled goods for sale;

(4) A county may sell collected recyclable items for the purpose of recycling those items;

(5) Each county may contract, in accordance with law, for services including contracting with another county or a private entity;

(6) Each county may assess and collect a garbage fee to cover the operating costs of a comprehensive recycling program; and

(7) No state moneys shall be used to subsidize the costs after the initial start-up costs."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the following sums:

$           to the City and County of Honolulu;

$           to Maui County;

$           to Kaui County; and

$           to Hawaii County;

or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for start-up costs of a comprehensive recycling program in accordance with this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by each county for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2005.

INTRODUCED BY:

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