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Resource Recycling Magazine: TRASH Act aims to stymie waste movement between states

Resource Recycling Magazine: TRASH Act aims to stymie waste movement between states

TRASH Act aims to stymie waste movement between states

By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling

August 11, 2015

States could effectively block the importation of municipal solid waste from other states, under a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate. Senator Casey

The Trash Reduction and Sensible Handling (TRASH) Act would also allow states to impose higher fees on out-of-state waste.

The bill, S.1953, was introduced by Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., on Aug. 5. It has been referred to the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee.

Pennsylvania is one of the nation's top trash-importing states.

"Pennsylvania shouldn’t be a dumping ground for trash from other states," Casey stated in a press release. "This legislation would give all 50 states more control over the solid waste coming into their states. The TRASH Act allows states to devise a policy that works for the needs of local communities."

The law wouldn't allow states to explicitly ban waste imports; instead, it would allow them to update their solid waste management plans to set standards so high a neighboring state couldn't meet them, according to the press release. For example, if a state requires certain recycling, composting or waste-reduction measures, it could restrict out-of-state waste unless the exporting state complies with the same or higher standards.

Regardless of compliance with waste handling and reduction standards, a state could also impose a higher fee on out-of-state waste, under the bill. The state could remit the fee to affected communities.

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Source: Resource Recycling
Resource Recycling Magazine: TRASH Act aims to stymie waste movement between states
TRASH Act aims to stymie waste movement between states By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling August 11, 2015 States could effectively block the importation of municipal solid waste from other states, under a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate. The Trash Reduction and Sensible Handling (TRASH) Act would also allow states to impose higher fees on out-of-state waste. The bill, S.1953, was introduced by Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., on Aug. 5. It has been referred to the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee. Pennsylvania is one of the nation's top trash-importing states. "Pennsylvania shouldn’t be a dumping ground for trash from other states," Casey stated in a press release. "This legislation would give all 50 states more control over the solid waste coming into their states. The TRASH Act allows states to devise a policy that works for the needs of local communities." The law wouldn't allow states to explicitly ban waste imports; instead, it would allow them to update their solid waste management plans to set standards so high a neighboring state couldn't meet them, according to the press release. For example, if a state requires certain recycling, composting or waste-reduction measures, it could restrict out-of-state waste unless the exporting…

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