(415 ILCS 20/7) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 7057)

Sec. 7. It is the intent of this Act to provide the framework for a comprehensive solid waste management program in Illinois.

The Department shall prepare and submit to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before January 1, 1992, a report evaluating the effectiveness of the programs provided under this Act and Section 22.14 of the Environmental Protection Act; assessing the need for a continuation of existing programs, development and implementation of new programs and appropriate funding mechanisms; and recommending legislative and administrative action to fully implement a comprehensive solid waste management program in Illinois.

The Department shall investigate the suitability and advisability of providing tax incentives for Illinois businesses to use recycled products and purchase or lease recycling equipment and shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 1987 on the results of this investigation.

By July 1, 1989, the Department shall submit to the Governor and members of the General Assembly a waste reduction report:

(a) that describes various mechanisms that could be utilized to stimulate and enhance the reduction of industrial and post-consumer waste in the State, including their advantages and disadvantages. The mechanisms to be analyzed shall include, but not be limited to, incentives for prolonging product life, methods for ensuring product recyclability, taxes for excessive packaging, tax incentives, prohibitions on the use of certain products, and performance standards for products; and

(b) that includes specific recommendations to stimulate and enhance waste reduction in the industrial and consumer sector, including, but not limited to, legislation, financial incentives and disincentives, and public education.

The Agency, with the cooperation of the State Board of Education and others as needed, shall develop, coordinate and conduct an education program for solid waste management and recycling. The program shall include, but not be limited to, education for the general public, businesses, government, educators and students.

The education program shall address, at a minimum, the following topics: the solid waste management alternatives of recycling, composting, and source reduction; resource allocation and depletion; solid waste planning; reuse of materials; pollution prevention; and household hazardous waste.

The Agency shall cooperate with municipal and county governments, regional school superintendents, educational service centers, local school districts, and planning agencies and committees to coordinate local and regional education programs and workshops and to expedite the exchange of technical information.

By March 1, 1989, the Department shall prepare a report on strategies for distributing and marketing landscape waste compost from centralized composting sites operated by units of local government. The report shall, at a minimum, evaluate the effects of product quality, assured supply, cost and public education on the availability of compost, free delivery, and public sales composting program. The evaluation of public sales programs shall focus on direct retail sale of bagged compost at the site or special distribution centers and bulk sale of finished compost to wholesalers for resale.

(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 102-444, eff. 8-20-21.)