SB131 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Solid waste recycling, advanced recycling defined, conversion of materials back to basis hydrocarbons, not waste disposal or incineration, Sec. 22-27-2 am'd.

Summary

SB131 defines advanced recycling as a manufacturing process and states it is not solid waste disposal or incineration.

What This Bill Does

Adds a formal definition of advanced recycling as a manufacturing process that converts post-use plastics into basic hydrocarbon materials, with outputs such as monomers, feedstocks, waxes, lubricants, and other basic hydrocarbons. It also defines an advanced recycling facility as a manufacturing facility that receives, stores, and converts post-use polymers and recovered feedstocks and requires it to follow applicable state manufacturing regulations for air, water, waste, and land use. Most importantly, it states that advanced recycling would not be considered solid waste disposal, processing, management, or incineration under the Solid Waste Act.

Who It Affects

• Group 1: Advanced recycling facilities and plastics/materials manufacturers in Alabama, who would be defined as manufacturing facilities and regulated under manufacturing regulations.
• Group 2: Alabama environmental regulators (e.g., the Department of Environmental Management) and the broader solid waste management system, who would apply manufacturing regulations to advanced recycling facilities and treat advanced recycling as separate from disposal or incineration under the Solid Waste Act.

Key Provisions

• Definition of advanced recycling and advanced recycling facility, including the technologies and potential outputs.
• Exemption from solid waste definitions: advanced recycling would not be treated as solid waste disposal, processing, management, or incineration and would be regulated as manufacturing facilities.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Environment