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Senate committees advance statewide organic-waste goals, ask counties to plan for diversion
Summary
SB 2101 would set state goals for solid-waste reduction and require counties to update waste plans to divert organic waste from landfills, starting with large generators. Supporters cited Vermont’s phased ban model; agencies urged careful scoping and infrastructure planning.
The Senate committees advanced SB 2101, a bill establishing statewide goals for solid-waste reduction and requiring counties to revise integrated solid-waste-management plans to divert organic waste. The bill emphasizes phased implementation beginning with large generators.
Hunter Hefflin of the Hawaii Farmers Union said benchmarks and phased targets are necessary to build composting infrastructure and ensure a supply of locally produced compost for agriculture. "Vermont had an organic-waste approach that began with large waste generators and ramped infrastructure over time," Hefflin said.
The Department of Health supported the bill’s intent but raised implementation concerns in written testimony. Officials and testifiers emphasized that diverting organics could extend landfill life (one member recalled organics as about 40% of landfill volume) but that success depends on county planning, incentives, and available processing capacity.
Committee members asked for continued county coordination and noted the need for infrastructure funding and specific distance and siting guidance so rural communities would not face unreasonable transport burdens. The committee adopted amendments per Department of Health suggestions and passed the measure with the chair’s recommendation.
