Solid waste study advanced

Lawmakers advanced a bill from general file March 18 that would commission a study of the state’s recycling and solid waste management programs.

LB1101, introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, would authorize the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to conduct a study examining the status of solid waste management programs operated by the department.

Mello said a 2014 Omaha World-Herald article reported that Nebraskans currently are paying $34 million in landfill fees to dispose of recyclable material worth $87 million.

“We need to examine what can be done with existing policies, programs and funding streams that go to the department,” he said. “[LB1101] would allow the department to look at what can be done to drive more cost-effective programs and policies regarding solid waste management in the future.”

The DEQ would study the efficacy of current litter, waste reduction and recycling programs and conduct a needs assessment with regard to recycling and composting programs in the state. Potential funding sources, including public-private partnerships, also would be included in the study.

LB1101 also would authorize the DEQ to create an advisory committee comprising no more than nine people. The committee would provide a report of its findings to the Legislature by Dec. 15, 2017.

The bill advanced to select file on a 27-0 vote.