149-R:4 Purpose and Use of the Fund. –
I. The fund shall be used to support the administration and implementation of the department's solid waste technical assistance, planning, regulatory, and permitting activities, including, but not limited to, waste reduction and diversion technical assistance, reducing the expense to municipalities of hazardous waste materials disposal and recycling, long term solid waste management planning, education and outreach efforts, and administration of payments in accordance with paragraphs II and III.
II. The fund shall be used to provide quarterly payments to New Hampshire municipalities for source reduction and recycling efforts to offset payments made by the municipality associated with the solid waste disposal surcharge established under RSA 149-R:5, based upon the tonnage of solid waste for which the municipality was financially responsible for disposal at a New Hampshire landfill, incinerator, or waste-to-energy facility. Administration of the payment program shall be in accordance with procedures established by rulemaking under the authority of RSA 149-R:6, IV and V. Such rulemaking shall specifically address the unique circumstances for municipalities that own and operate a facility that is subject to RSA 149-R:5, or that are part of a solid waste district that owns and operates such a facility, to ensure that the costs incurred by those municipalities are offset consistent with this chapter.
III. The fund shall be used to provide matching grant funding to New Hampshire political subdivisions, private entities, and businesses for projects that will provide a demonstrated, significant improvement in waste diversion methods and contribute to a reduction of wastes, including hazardous waste materials, requiring disposal, including a regional or municipal materials recovery facility operated by a public or private entity, and other regional recycling efforts.
IV. The fund may be used to hire consultants or contractors, or to pay other necessary expenses directly associated with approved activities in this chapter.
V. The department is authorized to solicit funds from any source, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, gifts, donations of money, grants, legislative appropriations, or any matching funds and incentives. Notwithstanding RSA 4:8 and RSA 14:30, VI, the commissioner may accept and deposit such funds directly into the solid waste management fund to be used for the purpose described in RSA 149-R:4.
Source. 2022, 226:1, eff. July 1, 2022. 2023, 79:368, eff. July 1, 2023. 2025, 141:176, eff. July 1, 2025.