Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB620

Introduced
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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA S0652

Adds advanced recycling as a definition for refuse disposal. Adds the advanced recycling facility that means a facility that receives, stores and converts post-use polymers and recovered feedstocks using advanced recycling.

PA H0295

Comprehensive Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan

PA S0200

Comprehensive Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan

PA A2406

Requires DEP to regulate scrap metal facilities as recycling facilities.

PA S621

To reduce solid waste, increase recycling and generate municipal cost savings

PA SF2238

Blue Earth County recycling, reuse, and waste recovery facility bond issuance and appropriation

PA SB606

To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Create The Tire Management And Recycling Act; To Repeal The Used Tire Recycling Fund; And To Create The Waste Tire Abatement Fund.

PA HB1982

To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Create The Tire Management And Recycling Act; To Repeal The Used Tire Recycling Fund; And To Create The Waste Tire Abatement Fund.

PA H6274

Allows the collection of solid waste and recycling between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) am and three o’clock (3:00) am seven days a week. It would also ban the use of mobile waste compaction technology for recycling.

PA S571

To reduce waste and recycling costs in the commonwealth

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.