SB 1555

Abstract

Creates the Packaging and Paper Products Stewardship Act. Provides that a producer responsibility organization shall be established to carry out the Act's provisions. Tasks the Environmental Protection Agency with providing administrative support under the Act. Establishes the Packaging and Paper Product Producer Responsibility Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations in the drafting, amendment, or approval of program plans and to oversee and provide recommendations for the implementation of program plans. Requires producers, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, to adopt and publish a list of minimum types of readily recyclable materials based on available collection and processing infrastructure and recycling markets for covered materials. Tasks the Prairie Research Institute with conducting a study and preparing a statewide needs assessment to assess recycling and covered materials management needs in the State. Provides that, no later than January 1, 2026, producers shall submit a producer responsibility program plan for the Agency's approval. Requires producers to establish waste prevention and reuse programs and composting infrastructure and education programs. Permits the development and operation of an alternative collection program to collect and manage a type or types of covered materials sold, offered for sale, distributed, or served to consumers in the State that are not on the minimum recyclable materials list. Requires producers to submit annual reports to the Agency. Allows postconsumer recycled content requirements in specific products to be waived by the Agency if specified requirements are met. Contains provisions concerning a plastics recycling technologies study, outreach and education, penalties for violations, severability, and other provisions. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds reference to: 415 ILCS 5/22.15 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Act. Creates the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency in the drafting, amendment, and finalization of the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment. Provides that on or before January 1, 2024, the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency shall appoint members to the Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations to the Agency in the drafting, amendment, and finalization of the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment. Provides that persons with data or information required to complete the statewide needs assessment shall provide the Agency with such data or information in a timely fashion to assist in completing the statewide needs assessment. Provides that the Agency shall issue a competitive solicitation to select a qualified consultant to conduct a statewide needs assessment to assess recycling needs in the State for packaging and paper products, including identifying current conditions and an evaluation of the capacity, costs, gaps, and needs associated with recycling and the diversion of packaging and paper products. Provides that on or before December 1, 2026, the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council shall prepare and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor, which shall include an opportunity for a minority report. Sets forth findings and purpose. Defines terms. Makes a corresponding change in the Environmental Protection Act. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill, and makes the following changes: Deletes the definitions of "recovery rate" and "restaurant". Adds additional members to the Advisory Council. Provides that upon completion of the duties of the Advisory Council, appointments to the Advisory Council shall be terminated and the Advisory Council shall be dissolved. Changes the requirements of the needs assessment. Effective immediately.