Solid waste study approved

Lawmakers passed a bill April 1 authorizing a study of the state’s recycling and solid waste management programs.

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

The DEQ will 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 will be included in the study.

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

The bill passed on a 47-0 vote.