TN HB0600

Establishes the "Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act" creating a producer responsibility program requiring packaging manufacturers to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) by January 1, 2027, with producers prohibited from selling products in covered packaging after January 1, 2030 unless participating in an approved plan.

Requires PROs to conduct needs assessments every 5 years, submit responsibility plans covering recycling/composting infrastructure, and reimburse local service providers for collection and processing costs based on established rate methodologies.

Creates a 20-member advisory board appointed by the Commissioner of Environment and Conservation by July 1, 2026, including representatives from local governments, materials recovery facilities, environmental nonprofits, and packaging suppliers.

Mandates counties with populations over 200,000 to participate as service providers, while smaller counties and municipalities may opt in; "de minimis producers" (under 1 ton of materials or under $2 million gross revenue) are exempt.

Establishes civil penalties for violations ranging from $25,000/day for first offenses up to $100,000/day for third or subsequent violations, with the Department of Environment and Conservation responsible for enforcement and biennial reporting to the legislature.