State Buildings and State Highways - Collection and Disposal of Yard Waste
HB0164 would create 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. The bill defines key terms such as State building, State highway, yard waste, natural wood waste recycling facility, and organics recycling facility, and it applies to State employees and contractors who collect yard waste in those locations. It also carves out an exception for noxious weeds and invasive species designated for separate handling.
The bill prohibits disposing of yard waste collected from State buildings or State highways in single-use plastic containers. Instead, yard waste must be collected in a container that will not be discarded with the waste or in a compostable paper bag. When a qualifying recycling or processing facility is available within 30 miles and can accept the waste, the bill requires that the yard waste be taken to an in-state organics recycling facility, natural wood waste recycling facility, or a State facility capable of producing mulch or soil amendments. The measure takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB0164 would impose new operational requirements on State agencies, State facility managers, and private contractors working on State property or State highways. It would effectively shift yard waste handling away from single-use plastic bags and toward reusable or compostable collection methods, while also directing disposal toward composting, wood-waste recycling, or on-site reuse where available. The bill would amend the State Finance and Procurement Article by adding a new subtitle specifically addressing yard waste collection and disposal on State property.
The available legislative history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, as it received a favorable committee report and was adopted by the House. No committee transcript or recorded vote details are provided, so there is no evidence of organized opposition in the materials supplied. The bill appears to be framed as an environmental and operational housekeeping measure rather than a controversial policy change.
The main points of potential contention are practical rather than ideological. The bill could raise questions about compliance costs, availability of compostable bags or reusable containers, and whether nearby facilities have the capacity and willingness to accept all collected yard waste within the 30-mile radius requirement. Contractors and State agencies may also need to adjust collection and hauling practices. The exception for noxious weeds and invasive species suggests concern about environmental management and proper disposal protocols, but no explicit opposition is shown in the provided record.