SPONSOR:	Sen. McDowell
	Sens. Bushweller, Hall-Long, McBride, Peterson, Sokola & Connor

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

146th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8 AS AMENDED BY SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1 AND HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1

CREATING A CARPET RECYCLING STRATEGY COMMITTEE.

WHEREAS, §6450, Title 7 of the Delaware Code provides that "It is determined that the reduction of solid waste disposal and recovery of usable materials from solid waste are matters of extreme importance in minimizing the environmental impact of solid waste disposal through landfilling."; and

WHEREAS, carpet is made from petroleum products; recycling carpets reduces petroleum dependence as well as energy use; and

WHEREAS, carpets currently account for almost 2% of all landfill waste; carpet recycling extends the lifetime of our landfills; and

WHEREAS, carpet recycling creates jobs in Delaware and requiring recycling carpet in Delaware would create significant jobs;

NOW THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 146th General Assembly, with the approval of the Governor, that the Recycling Public Advisory Committee (RPAC) shall establish a Carpet Recycling Strategy Subcommittee.The RPAC shall invite the following organizations, agencies and groups to participate in the Subcommittee:

a. the Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances;

b. the Delaware Solid Waste Authority;

c. the Delaware Economic Development Office;

d. the Delaware carpet recycling industry;

e. Delaware carpet installers;

f. the Carpet and Rug Institute;

g. Delaware carpet retailers;

h. an individual designated by the Senate Pro Tem; and

i. an individual designated by the Speaker of the House.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee shall be charged with gathering information to make recommendations on how to increase carpet recycling in Delaware with a goal of having 100% of all carpet removed in Delaware be diverted to a carpet recycler.The information and recommendations shall include:

a. Funding mechanisms for encouraging universal carpet recycling in Delaware; and

b. Requirements for reporting of carpet recycling activities."."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee shall be formed within 60 days of the effective date of this Act, select a Chair among their members, and be supported administratively by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, and submit a report to the General Assembly by March 15, 2012.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the RPAC shall submit its recommendations to the General Assembly within one year of the passage of this resolution.