By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1023) of Edward R. Philips for legislation to establish a mattress recycling program. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representative LaNatra of Kingston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 987) of Kathleen R. LaNatra relative to the circular economy. Environment and Natural Resources.
Senate, November 13, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 621) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to reduce solid waste, increase recycling and generate municipal cost savings, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2685).
HD 3159 bans the use of tire-derived materials (like crumb rubber, shredded tires, and rubberized asphalt) in all new playgrounds and playing fields across Massachusetts. It directly affects schools, parks, childcare centers, and sports facilities by prohibiting these materials in construction or maintenance of play surfaces. The law includes an exception for existing surfaces installed before the bill's effective date. The Department of Environmental Protection enforces the ban, while the Department of Public Health will advise on safe alternative surfacing. This is a direct policy change affecting all public and private play areas in the state.
Massachusetts bill SD 1867 establishes a state task force within the Department of Transportation to address roadside litter. The task force, led by the Transportation Secretary and including tourism, public safety, environmental, and cleanup organization representatives, will create a statewide anti-littering campaign and analyze annual cleanup costs, funding sources, and high-impact areas. It must also evaluate current litter enforcement, fines, and recommend funding needs for cleanup and enforcement by December 2026. The report will be submitted to the governor and relevant legislative committees, focusing on concrete policy changes for highway litter management.
HD 1283 expands Massachusetts' bottle bill to make recycling more accessible and fund environmental programs. It introduces a "bag-drop program" allowing consumers to return containers at designated locations for refunds within 3 days, increases the deposit refund value from $0.05 to $0.10 per container, and requires universal product codes on containers for redemption systems. The bill creates a "Clean Environment Fund" to finance recycling infrastructure, reusable container systems, and water/wastewater improvements - excluding incineration costs. These changes directly affect consumers, redemption centers, and beverage distributors by streamlining returns and directing deposit revenue toward environmental initiatives.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1231) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to preventing ocean littering. The Judiciary.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 556) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Michael D. Brady and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 653) of Jacob R. Oliveira and Steven Owens for legislation to require producer responsibility for the collection, reuse and recycling of discarded electronic products. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1015) of Steven Owens and Jacob R. Oliveira relative to producer responsibility for the collection, reuse and recycling of discarded electronic products. Environment and Natural Resources.