State Buildings and State Highways - Collection and Disposal of Yard Waste
Summary
HB338 creates a new subtitle in the State Finance and Procurement Article governing how yard waste is collected and disposed of on the grounds of State buildings and State highways. It defines key terms such as State building, State highway, yard waste, organics recycling facility, and natural wood waste recycling facility, and applies to State employees and State contractors who perform grounds maintenance or yard-waste collection. The bill prohibits placing yard waste in single-use plastic containers and requires that it be collected in a container that will not be discarded with the waste or in a compostable paper bag.
The bill also requires that, when a qualifying disposal facility is available within 30 miles and can accept the waste, yard waste collected from State buildings or State highways must be taken to an in-state organics recycling facility, a natural wood waste recycling facility, or a State facility capable of producing mulch or soil amendments. The measure excludes disposal of noxious weeds and invasive species designated by the Department of Agriculture. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.
Impact
HB338 changes State procurement and facilities practices by imposing specific collection and disposal standards on State grounds maintenance operations and on contractors performing those services. It affects State agencies, public institutions, transportation facilities, parks, and other State-owned or State-leased properties, and it may require changes to vendor specifications, waste-handling procedures, and disposal contracts. The bill also supports diversion of yard waste from landfills toward composting, mulching, and other organics recycling pathways.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support in the House, passing third reading with 99 yeas and 37 nays. The committee report was favorable with amendments, suggesting general agreement with the bill’s environmental goals while also refining its implementation. No committee transcript is available, but the voting margin indicates a positive overall reception with a notable minority opposed.
Contention
The main points of contention likely involve the operational and cost implications for State agencies and contractors, including the ban on single-use plastic containers, the requirement to use compostable or non-discarded containers, and the mandate to use specific in-state recycling or mulch-producing facilities when available within 30 miles. Opponents may also have concerns about logistics, compliance burdens, and whether sufficient facility capacity exists statewide. Supporters likely view the bill as an environmental and waste-reduction measure that reduces plastic use and increases recycling of yard waste.