DelawareSB 287153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SOLID WASTE RECYCLING.

Sponsored By: Kyra L. Hoffner (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Yearly recycling guidance for Delaware households

Waste collectors serving single-family homes must send customers recycling instructions each year. Collectors serving apartment and condo complexes must give managers yearly recycling guidance. Complex owners or operators must give residents instructions at least once each calendar year. These notices must explain how to participate and what materials can be recycled.

Collectors must keep recycling from trash

Single-stream recycling collectors cannot combine trash-container contents with recycling-container contents for disposal. This rule keeps materials collected for recycling separate from trash headed for disposal.

State recycling fund gains spending flexibility

The law removes the Delaware Recycling Fund's earlier list of allowed spending uses. The Secretary can use the fund only for activities designed to improve recycling and keep recyclables out of landfills. The law states no new funding amount.

Recycling project grants and loans end

The law ends the Recycling Grants and Low Interest Loan Program and its funding duties. Local governments, businesses, and nonprofits no longer have access to grants and low-interest loans through this program. The law names no replacement funding.

Recycling fines and appeal rules change

The law removes the recycling-specific first-conviction fine schedule of $100 to $500 per day of violation. It also removes fines of $500 to $1,500 per day for later convictions within 10 years. Violations remain enforceable through the Department's existing authority under Chapter 60, Section 6005. The law also removes the recycling-specific conciliation process and appeal route to the Environmental Appeals Board.

Businesses get service and recycling duties

By January 1, 2014, commercial entities must participate in recycling programs covering at least Delaware's single-stream recycling materials. Collectors must provide properly sized recycling containers and collect recyclables at least every other week. Businesses must also assess waste outside the Delaware Solid Waste Authority's program for commercially available recycling options. They must recycle that waste unless they determine recycling costs more than disposal. They must keep evaluation records for Department review.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Alonna Berry
Democratic • House
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

House vote • 6/30/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 41 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/16/2026