Pennsylvania’s county-level recycling programs are essential for reducing the amount of trash and household hazardous waste being disposed of in state landfills and incinerators.

For years, dozens of Pennsylvania counties assessed a per-ton fee on trash collected within their counties as a means of raising money that could be directed towards the county’s recycling programs.

Unfortunately, a recent court decision ruled that counties don't have the legal authority to impose fees on trash to fund their recycling programs. This has forced many county-level recycling programs to terminate their services since they don't have a funding source to pay for their important work. 

PennEnvironment is calling on the legislature to reinstate the ability of counties to raise funds for their recycling programs.

Background

Pennsylvania’s county-level recycling programs are essential for reducing the amount of trash and household hazardous waste being disposed of in state landfills and incinerators.

For years, dozens of Pennsylvania counties assessed a per-ton fee on trash collected within their counties as a means of raising money that could be directed towards the county’s recycling programs.

Unfortunately, a recent court decision ruled that Pennsylvania's counties do not have the legal authority under Pennsylvania’s recycling laws to impose fees on trash collected within the counties' borders as a way of funding their countywide recycling programs.

This court decision has forced many of Pennsylvania's county-level recycling programs to terminate their services since they will no longer have a funding source to pay for their important work.  For this reason, it is essential for the state legislature to take steps to reinstate the ability of county officials to raise funds in order to finance their local recycling programs.

PennEnvironment has called upon the legislature to take immediate steps to tackle this important issue and ensure that Pennsylvania continues to have vibrant and successful recycling programs at the county-level. This can be achieved by passing HB934—or similar legislation if it were introduced.