SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1443        FILED ON: 2/17/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 578

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Jason M. Lewis, (BY REQUEST)

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to consider adoption of aspects of the German Green Dot Waste Reduction Standards.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1443        FILED ON: 2/17/2021

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 578

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Second General Court
(2021-2022)

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An Act to consider adoption of aspects of the German Green Dot Waste Reduction Standards.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. The Massachusetts General Laws are hereby amended by inserting the following new chapter:

PURPOSE – It is significant to the general, and specific, public health of the residents, businesses, and other enterprises that live, and operate in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that there are various problems arising from, the creation of various forms of waste, and distinct constraints on the disposal of waste, and trash of various kinds. This is especially true in congested, urban areas, but also has known, and unknown, effects on the general environment, watersheds, air, wetlands, and useful lands of all kinds. In recent years, this situation has become more severe, and these are a series of problems that can be addressed in various ways.

1.) In dealing with various forms of waste processing, demand side reduction can, and must be, an important part of overall waste management policies.

2.) What is known as the “German Green Dot Program” was established in the 1990s in the Federal Republic of Germany, and has contributed in significant ways to improvement of waste management processes. While recycling is valuable, the reduction of packaging waste, by improved packaging design, and direct conceptual design elements, by manufacturers, and delivery services, can be effective, as part of a broader set of policies.

3.) The provisions of this statute, are adopted, for the purposes of consistency, of manufacturing, retail, and other commercial activities, and transactions, across the Commonwealth. They recognize that while local ordinances have value, that there should be a degree of consistency, actions, and improved recommendations, therefore, for environmentally friendly policies, across the entire Commonwealth.

4a.) By this statute, a Massachusetts Climate Action Advisory Council (MCAAC) is established, to be made up of 21 members, drawn from a suitable cross-section of Massachusetts residents, environmentally concerned active organizations, scientific experts, and others to consider these standards, and other similar, and appropriate matters. This body shall also liaison, and intersect, with local municipal, and regional climate action advisory groups.

4b.) The Massachusetts Climate Advisory Council (MCAAC) shall operate under the Department of Conservation Services (DCS); and shall draw membership, from the following segments: Three (3) scientific experts in waste management, and packaging reduction engineering; three (3) scientific experts in waste management, and disposal; three (3) members drawn from environmental education and advocacy groups; three (3) members of the House of Representatives; three (3) members of the State Senate; three (3) members from the business sector; and three (3) members from the field of education.

5.) Various provisions of this statute, and additional proposed regulations, may be utilized, at the discretion of local legislative, and/or executive authorities.