HB474 Summary

• Authorize the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to issue transferable recycle credits to persons using recyclable materials to produce new products or energy sources, with one credit issued per ton of recyclable materials used.

• Allow recycle credits to be sold, traded, or transferred on an open market, and permit credit owners to use credits as payment to public or private landfills to offset solid waste disposal fees.

• Cap annual issuance of recycle credits at 50 million per calendar year, with credits expiring three years after issuance or when transferred to a landfill operator, whichever occurs first.

• Require transfer registration with the department within 30 days of each transaction for validity, and impose civil penalties up to $1,000 for falsifying certificates or fraudulently transferring credits.

• Distribute monthly revenue from registration fees and civil penalties as follows: 40% to Solid Waste Program, 40% to Recycle Credits Program, and 20% to Recycling Fund.

• Effective January 1, 2023.