AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 68, Chapter 211, relative to solid waste.

Tennessee regions must plan future waste disposal

Effective upon becoming law, the law sets state policy to plan enough landfill space for waste not recovered or recycled. Tennessee regions must explain where waste will be managed and disposed of over the next 10 years. Their plans must meet state planning standards and explain how they will meet the state's waste reduction and recycling goal. Regions must submit new or revised plans to the Department of Environment and Conservation by July 1, 2028. They must update and resubmit plans at least every 10 years. The Underground Storage Tanks and Solid Waste Disposal Control Board must set review rules by December 31, 2027. The department must say within 30 days whether a submitted plan is complete and identify missing information. Regions have 60 days after notice to supply missing information. The department must approve or reject a plan within 120 days after receiving a complete plan, explaining any rejection. After receiving a rejection letter, regions must resubmit corrected plans within 60 days or file an appeal within 30 days. These rules govern regional authorities and state agencies, not household payments or duties.