§6983 Coordination, Collection, and Dissemination of Information

Summary

Require the Administrator to gather, check, and share information about solid waste and ways to recover materials or energy from it. This includes data on collection methods and costs; how waste is managed and maintained; how much energy or materials can be recovered; ways to cut down on waste; new and existing recovery technologies and their costs and risks; hazardous waste, its dangers and proper disposal; ways to pay for recovery or landfill facilities; markets for recovered materials or energy; and related research projects. Keep a central reference library of these materials and of real-world performance and cost records, model accounting systems and codes, and other useful EPA information (unless confidential). Make the library’s info organized, checked, published, and available to state and local governments and others, with reasonable timing and fees if needed. Create a model cost-and-revenue accounting system for local waste services that follows generally accepted accounting principles and update it at least once every five years. Work with states to recommend model codes, run fast information-sharing and public education programs, coordinate with state and local authorities, and, on request, explain all feasible options fairly—but EPA staff must not officially lobby for resource recovery or conservation laws.