HB779 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy Davis

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Joe FaustAlan BakerSteve McMillan

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Baldwin Co., county-owned solid waste landfills may be used for the disposal of garbage, household waste, industrial solid waste, and solid waste, certain contracts and disposal of certain debris by municipalities exempt, rates regulated, Baldwin County Solid Waste Management Authority, established, penalties, implementation and administration by local law authorized, const. amend.

Summary

HB779 would amend Alabama’s Constitution to require Baldwin County waste disposal to occur at county-owned landfills (with certain exemptions), create a county Solid Waste Management Authority, cap landfill disposal rates, and allow local administration of the program.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the measure would require disposing garbage, household waste, industrial solid waste, and solid waste at county-owned landfills, with exemptions for certain inert debris, construction materials, specific contracts, and on-site or privately owned industrial landfills. It would cap disposal rates at county landfills so they do not exceed gate rates charged by similar landfills in surrounding counties. It would create the Baldwin County Solid Waste Management Authority to advise on operations, rates, recycling programs, and revenue sharing, with implementation to be handled by local law. Some existing contracts, storm-related debris disposal, and on-site/private industrial landfills are exempt, and violations would carry misdemeanor penalties and fines.

Who It Affects

• Baldwin County residents and local businesses, who would be affected by where waste is disposed (county landfills) and by potential rate limits on disposal.
• Baldwin County municipalities, waste contractors, and private industrial landfill operators, who would be governed by the new Authority, potential changes in operations and rates, and exemptions for certain contracts and on-site/privately owned facilities.

Key Provisions

• Only county-owned solid waste landfills may be used for disposal of garbage, household waste, industrial solid waste, and solid waste, with exemptions for certain inert debris and construction materials.
• Disposal rates at county landfills may not exceed gate rates for similar services charged by public or private landfills in surrounding counties.
• The county must create the Baldwin County Solid Waste Management Authority (five members, at least two mayors) to recommend operation methods, rates, recycling programs, revenue sharing, and other landfill functions.
• Certain contracts in effect on December 1, 2009 are exempt from the amendment; debris disposal after storms or disasters and on-site/private industrial landfills are also exempt.
• Violations are a misdemeanor with fines between $50 and $200, and continuing offenses can be counted as separate offenses; enforcement may be carried out by law enforcement or the Solid Waste Officer.
• Implementation and administration of the amendment may be provided by local law; an election is required to approve the constitutional amendment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Baldwin County