NWRA State Update: Arkansas Bill Looks to Create E-waste Recycling Program, Collective Recovery Plan
In Arkansas, Senate Bill 585 introduced by Sen. David Wallas (R-22) looks to create an “Electronic Waste Recycling Program and a Collective Recovery Plan.” Other key elements of the program include the following:
- Require effective and efficient criteria for the collection, transport, recycling, reuse or disposal of consumer electronic items, thus capturing this part of the waste stream and diverting the consumer electronic items from the state’s landfills.
- Sustain the electronic waste (e-waste) recycling program by encouraging public participation and by requiring participation by certain state-supported entities.
- Instill confidence in the operation of the electronic waste recycling program through proper management and accountability, including without limitation public contract administration and reporting to designated state regulators.
This bill was introduced on March 22 and passed the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee with an unanimous vote on April 1. It’s now referred to the House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee.
Additionally, in Arkansas, Senate Bill 517 was introduced by Sen. Bob Ballinger (R-5) on March 10. This relates to the transfer of oversight of certain duties of the regional solid waste districts from the Division of Environmental Quality to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. Ballinger also introduced Senate Bill 518 to amend the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Fund Act and to transfer administration of certain funds and duties from the Division of Environmental Quality to the Department of Finance and Administration. Both Senate Bill 517 and 518 were referred to the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee.
