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Proposal eyes recycling in CNMI • Lawmakers fear future landfill not enough to handle growing garbage
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Posted on Dec 03 1999
The House of Representatives is set to tackle a proposal aimed at reducing the volume of solid waste on the island through programs such as recycling and diversion of dump outside the CNMI.
Sponsored by Reps. Manuel A. Tenorio and Heinz S. Hofschneider, the legislation will assess fees on materials imported into the Commonwealth in advance of their disposal.
The bill, called the Commonwealth Recycling Promotion Act of 1999, is in line with the anticipated completion of the new landfill in Marpi and the closure of Puerto Rico dumpsite within the next few months.
According to the findings of the Legislature, the growing volume of solid waste produced by island residents and businesses on Saipan has triggered fresh concerns on the long-term disposal capacity of the new landfill.
With the planned waste diversion and recycling, lawmakers hope to protect the island’s natural resources and maintain its tourism appeal, while reducing the costs of waste management in the CNMI.
The proposed fee can also help eliminate many toxic and harazardous materials from the landfill as it will cover a portion of the waste management. The collected revenues will then be used to fund programs such as recycling, resuse or remanufacturing.
Under the proposal, the Division of Environmental Quality will be tasked to administer the program, including public education as well as administrative sanction in violations of forthcoming rules and regulations.
“Preliminary economic research indicates that this program will be self-sustaining, with minimal impact on the cost of goods to end users. Overall, we feel that a cleaner, safer place to live is worth the minimal cost add on to certain consumer good,” legislators said.
