HB-5798 Summary

• Defines "diverted waste" to include hazardous waste, liquid waste, pharmaceuticals, electronics, batteries, light bulbs, pesticides, mercury-containing devices, and other department-approved wastes that are separated from solid waste and can be lawfully disposed of at licensed sanitary landfills or incinerators.

• Excludes diverted waste from the definition of "solid waste" when managed through a waste diversion center, allowing these materials to bypass traditional solid waste disposal requirements.

• Establishes "waste diversion centers" as facilities in non-residential zones that collect diverted wastes, requiring at least 90% of collected material to be diverted waste and prohibiting overnight storage except in secure, contained facilities.

• Requires waste diversion center operators to transport collected diverted waste within 1 year to appropriate recycling or disposal facilities, maintain detailed records for 3 years, and only process waste minimally for safe transportation.

• Mandates that waste diversion center operators employ knowledgeable personnel and manage diverted waste to prevent environmental release, with violations subject to enforcement by the department.