Press Release - Monday, August 23, 2004
Press Releases
No Data
Gov. Blagojevich signs new law to promote recycling of construction debris
SPRINGFIELD - As part of an ongoing effort to promote recycling, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today signed Senate Bill 2145 - removing barriers to developing concrete recycling facilities statewide. The bill extends the local siting exemption for concrete recycling facilities to any county statewide that has zoning laws. Previously, only facilities in Cook and DuPage Counties were exempt.
"I am hopeful that this bill will result in more recycling, less landfilling and will help stop any and all illegal disposal of construction and demolition debris across the state," said Governor Blagojevich. "This change in the law may also create new business opportunities and jobs as concrete recycling facilities become more commercially viable."
Senate Bill 2145 was sponsored by Sen. Denny Jacobs (D-Moline) and Rep. Art Tenhouse (R-Quincy). Exempting qualified facilities from the siting process would streamline the development of recycling facilities, especially in cases where local governments have no objections (facilities still must conform to local zoning laws). According to Illinois EPA, local siting requirements increase the development and operating costs of concrete recycling facilities. Local siting fees can exceed $300,000 and the process can be time-consuming. The result has been that few, if any, much-needed construction debris recycling facilities have been built outside Cook and DuPage counties.
Facilities may be exempted from local siting requirements only if they accept uncontaminated debris that will be stored no longer than 1 year before the material is recycled.
"This legislation is another step in Illinois' overall commitment to the 3 R's---Reduce, Reuse and Recycle," said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.
Senate Bill 2148 is effective immediately.
Press Releases
No Data