There is hereby established a statewide solid waste reduction goal(G) of 40%. Attainment of this goal on an annual percentage basis shall be evaluated by comparing the statewide solid waste diversion rate of each year (G_year)to the statewide solid waste reduction goal (G):

where G_year is calculated by using the following formula:

where the amount of annual waste diverted from landfills (D) shall be calculated by the summation of all reported quantities of recovered materials in tons processed for recyclable materials (R), materials utilized for energy recovery (E), and beneficial use materials (B) which are processed and diverted from landfills to end-use markets:

D=R+E+B

And divided by the summation of all annual waste diverted from landfills (D) and the total annual statewide solid waste accepted for disposal (W), which shall be determined in tons by data reported to the Department in accordance with 335-13-4-.22(2)(g) or 335-13-4-.23(2)(f) less any reported out of state waste accepted for disposal.

1. (a) Annually, the Department shall replicate this calculation for the previous calendar year.
2. (b) The calculated annual statewide solid waste diversion rate shall be posted on the Departmental internet website.
3. (c) The Department shall evaluate the percentage goal established in this rule on a triennial basis and, if warranted, shall revise the goal in order to promote increased diversion of recyclable materials, materials utilized for energy recovery, and beneficial use materials within the State.
4. (d) Any public or private entity involved in solid waste management within the State shall undertake measures to support the attainment of the statewide solid waste reduction goal, including but not limited to implementation of waste reduction and recycling programs through the approved local solid waste management plan, and the recordkeeping and reporting of the amounts of recycled or beneficially reused materials or materials utilized for energy recovery, as required under the State Solid Waste Management Plan established in ADEM Administrative Code 335-13-9.

Author: Phillip D. Davis, Jason J. Wilson, Blake B. Pruitt

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-27-12, 22-27-15, 22-27-16.

History: New Rule: Filed October 20, 2009; effective November 24, 2009. Amended: Published August 30, 2024; effective October 14, 2024.