This morning the House Energy & Technology Committee reported House Bills 4265 and 4266, bills that lift the yard waste ban exemption for landfills in certain instances.

The bills changed from the introduced version to require yard waste to remain separate at the site of collection until January 1, 2015. While this amendment isn’t ideal for immediate municipal savings, it does keep the legislation moving forward so we can continue to work on this issue in the Senate.

The League has been supportive of this legislation for several years, and there are several communities with the technology to create energy from landfill gas. The legislation now goes to the entire House for consideration.

Samantha Harkins works for the Michigan Municipal League handling municipal services and energy and technology issues.  She can be reached at 517-908-0306 or email at [email protected].