Tennessee Senate Bill SB2552

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 62, Chapter 9 and Title 68, relative to the Tennessee Secondary Aluminum Waste Management Act.

Summary

Senate Bill 2552 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the management of secondary aluminum waste. Specifically, it introduces provisions that dictate how secondary aluminum waste and municipal solid waste should be handled in landfills. Under this bill, solid waste landfills are prohibited from commingling municipal solid waste with secondary aluminum waste, establishing dedicated units for the disposal of such materials. This includes the creation of monofills and monocells that meet specific permit requirements under the law. The legislation emphasizes the need to ensure that secondary aluminum waste is managed safely and is not disposed of in a manner that risks contaminating other waste types. The Department of Environment and Conservation is tasked with formulating rules to govern the permitting of these dedicated landfill units. These rules will include performance standards that ensure the protection of human health and the environment, demonstrating the state's commitment to safe waste management practices. A significant aspect of SB2552 is that it places strict criteria on how secondary aluminum waste can be disposed of, facilitating operational and enforcement protocols for managing landfill activities. This includes rules that will cover elements such as liner design, leachate control, and monitoring procedures meant to protect groundwater resources. Debate surrounding SB2552 may involve varying opinions on its impact. Proponents may argue that it creates necessary safeguards for waste management practices, thereby supporting public health and environmental standards. Critics could argue that the regulations could impose undue burdens on waste management operators or become restrictive in terms of expanding landfill operations. The bill's implementation timeline, with certain provisions taking effect immediately while others are set for July 1, 2026, indicates a phased approach to its enforcement, allowing time for the development of adequate regulatory frameworks.