An act amending Act No. 8018 to authorize the disposal of green waste using controlled incineration technologies, including air curtain incinerators, and
Sponsored By: Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New policies for safer burning
Within 60 days, the Waste Management Authority must adopt air‑incinerator operating policies with the planning and natural resources department. Policies must cover worker safety, environmental protection, start‑up and shutdown steps, and a one‑week downtime per maker guidance or after ten weeks, whichever is less. The rules must require sorting out non‑vegetative debris, reduce burning where possible, include fire safety, promote recycling, composting, mulching, and reuse, and limit smoke and impacts on nearby homes.
Stronger air safety at incinerators
Air curtain incinerators must be run by certified operators and sited at least 300 feet from any home. Operations can start only after the planning and natural resources department inspects and approves permit compliance. Each site needs at least four perimeter monitors for PM10 and PM2.5 using FRM/FEM‑grade devices. The Waste Management Authority must publish the air data monthly. If readings exceed federal limits, the unit must shut down for at least 24 hours, and it must be inspected and tuned twice a year by qualified staff.
Permits needed to burn yard waste
You may burn vegetative waste from your own property only with a permit from the Fire Service or other designated authority. The fire must be at least 50 feet from any structure, or at least 15 feet if in an approved closed‑top waste burner. You must attend the fire during daylight, keep firefighting gear on site, and burn only vegetation from your property. Weather must limit smoke, and you must follow all fire and environmental rules.
Open burning banned; compost first
The law bans open pit burning of green waste. The Waste Management Authority and its landfill operators may burn only separated green waste using controlled incinerators, and must follow all environmental laws. The Authority may also compost, mulch, or shred green waste. Incineration is allowed only when shredding, mulching, composting, or reuse are not available.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
legislature
Cosponsors
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Franklin D. Johnson
legislature
Kenneth L. Gittens
legislature
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
6/9/2026legislatureTo Governor
6/3/2026legislatureFloor
5/28/2026legislatureRules
4/23/2026legislatureFloor
3/18/2026legislatureFloor
3/18/2026legislatureIntroduced
2/2/2026legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
6/9/2026
Amendment
5/28/2026
Bill Text
2/2/2026
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