HB779 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Baldwin County to use only county-owned solid waste landfills for disposal of garbage, household waste, industrial solid waste, and solid waste as defined in Alabama Code Section 22-27-1 et seq.

• Exempts existing contracts in effect as of December 1, 2009, on-site or privately owned industrial landfills, and municipal disposal of disaster debris and construction materials from the county-owned landfill requirement.

• Caps county landfill disposal rates at the established gate rates charged by public and private landfill operators in Mobile, Escambia, Washington, Monroe, Clarke, Conecuh counties and Escambia County, Florida that process similar daily volumes.

• Requires the Baldwin County governing body to establish the Baldwin County Solid Waste Management Authority with five members (including at least two municipal mayors) to recommend operational methods, rates, recycling programs, and revenue sharing.

• Establishes misdemeanor penalties of $50-$200 per violation for non-compliance, with each day of continuing violation treated as a separate offense; amendments may be implemented and administered through local legislation.