Bill would up landfill costs
By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
A bill before the state legislature will take more money out of the city’s coffers.
Rep. Frank McDaniel, D-Dekalb and Marshall, is sponsoring a bill that will add a $1 fee per ton for items brought to a landfill. Landfill operators would add the surcharge and remit the money to the state. The state would split the money between the general fund, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and a grant program that will encourage recycling.
Hartselle will also have to pay the fee for items deposited at its own city landfill.
According to Mayor Dwight Tankersley, the city takes about 85 tons per week to the county’s landfill. An additional 50 tons a week are taken to the city’s landfill.
Under the bill, ADEM would use the money to clean up unauthorized dumps and landfills throughout the state. ADEM would receive some $3.4 million out of the revenue. The Alabama Recycling Fund and Solid Waste Fund would each receive about $1.9 million. Both of these funds would be under ADEM’s control and would fund grants to enhance recycling and reuse programs.
The bill has passed the House of Representatives and now awaits Senate approval.
