News

The Environmental Law Institute and Natural Resources Defense Council have developed a model Executive Order on Municipal Leadership on Food Waste Reduction to help cities lead by example in efforts to reduce the amount of food waste disposed of in landfills.

The Vermont Legislature adjourned without holding a concurrence vote on amendments to a bill updating the State’s 1972 Bottle Bill.

Household hazardous waste (HHW) requires special handling to protect human health and the environment. Special drop-off locations and local HHW collection days are typical strategies for keeping hazardous substances such as pesticides and lead paint out of landfills. The Vermont legislature recently passed a bill that will require manufacturers of hazardous household products to participate in planning for the management of their hazardous products.

After rising costs triggered closure of more than 15% of Maine’s bottle bill redemption centers in less than three years, Governor Janet Mills recently signed emergency legislation to increase handling fees.

The World Wildlife Fund has released companion technical reports that identify plastic products most damaging to the environment and propose global control measures for these items.

Ramping up conversions to renewable energy systems is critical to curbing climate change, but what is to be done with old solar panels, wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries? Learn about evolving efforts to keep these materials out of landfills.

Informative webinar recordings available for viewing from the Northeast Recycling Council.

Interested in what other state legislatures are considering in the current session to address solid waste? Waste Dive provides recent updates.

Landfill legislation – If we’re going to kick the can down the road, let’s at least do it right. By Eliot Wessler, reprinted from the Concord Monitor, April 21, 2023.

Circular Economy Commentary by Ann Podlipny – great savings in a circular economy…

Extended Producer Responsibility effort moves forward in Maryland. Recently signed legislation requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to approve a producer responsibility organization by October 1, 2003 and authorizes an independent needs assessment to be completed by the end of July 2024.

The Environmental Protection Agency has released its 2021 report on air pollution emissions.

Bottle bills and Extended Producer Responsibility programs can be complementary approaches to waste diversion.

The New Hampshire Senate voted down House Bill 56. This bill would have prohibited siting any part of a landfill over a significant sand and gravel aquifer and established a formula for determining the distance required between a new landfill and a perennial river, lake, or coastal water.

Will New Hampshire take steps to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfills?

The NH Senate’s Energy and Environment Committee has voted (3-2) “Inexpedient to Legislate” on a bill that would establish a formula for landfill setbacks from surface waters.