Environment (Recycling)

Establish the Circular Economy and Advanced Recovery Advisory Working Group attached to the Energy and Environment Cabinet until December 30, 2026, to study circular energy economy applications for the Commonwealth; direct the Governor to make appointments no later than 30 days after the effective date of the Resolution; authorize a minimum of 4 meetings of the working group; require the working group to submit a report, including findings and recommendations, to the Legislative Research Commission by December 30, 2026.

Amend KRS 224.50-854 to remove the exemption for a person who stores waste tires for resale from the requirements of the waste tire program; amend KRS 224.50-856 to allow a person making retail sales of used motor vehicles tires to be eligible for the same accumulator registration exemption as sellers of new motor vehicle tires; amend KRS 224.50-858 to require nonexempt sellers of new or used motor vehicle tires to register and be subject to the requirements of the waste tire program.

Amend KRS 224.50-585 to define terms; prohibit the intentional release of more than 25 plastic balloons; establish a ban on plastic, single-use carryout bags by July 1, 2031; establish a ban on the provision of single-use plastic straws and Styrofoam food and beverage containers by retail food and beverage establishments by July 1, 2029; establish civil penalty of $100 per day for violations.

Create new sections of Subchapter 50 of KRS Chapter 224 to define terms; prohibit the disposal of covered batteries in solid waste disposal or recycling containers; require the Energy and Environment Cabinet to establish the Covered Battery Stewardship Program; provide for the purposes of the program, including fostering the creation of voluntary battery stewardship organizations; provide for the collaboration with stakeholders in establishing the Covered Battery Stewardship Program; require the cabinet to maintain on its website a list of covered battery collection sites and contact information for transporters of covered batteries; establish the registration process and requirements for voluntary battery stewardship organizations; establish minimum requirements for voluntary battery stewardship plans to be submitted to the cabinet for approval; require each voluntary battery stewardship organization to submit an annual report to the cabinet detailing its covered battery collection, recovery, and educational outreach efforts beginning June 30, 2027.