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SB287 sunsets advisory panel for recycling program; haulers warn of contamination risk
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Summary
SB287 would clean up Delaware's universal recycling statute, sunset an appointed advisory committee whose grant-era duties are complete, and preserve annual reporting on recycling performance. Industry witnesses welcomed modernization but urged careful language to avoid increased contamination and cost to consumers.
Senate Bill 287, presented as a cleanup to the universal recycling law, would sunset an appointed advisory committee whose principal grant‑administration duties are complete and preserve an annual reporting requirement on diversion and contamination. Presenters said that grant and loan accounts have been satisfied and that routine reporting will continue through the solid waste authority and the division that manages hazardous substances.
Representatives of the regulated community attended and offered a mix of support and caution. Lincoln Willis of the Delaware Haulers Association thanked sponsors for outreach but warned that codifying annual notifications and certain statutory sections could increase contamination at MRFs and drive up costs for consumers unless language is clarified. "We think we can work out some clarifying language," Willis said, urging continued discussions among stakeholders.
Kim Gomes, speaking for Waste Management, said the 2010 universal recycling law was a useful start and supported opening the statute to modernize it. Mike Stang, a longtime hauler, cautioned that certain operational changes could lead to contaminated loads arriving at recycling facilities and urged careful drafting to avoid unintended collection and processing impacts.
Committee members and presenters said they would continue stakeholder conversations and potential language adjustments after the bill is released from committee. No formal vote on SB287 was recorded during this hearing.
