Elkins' bills to improve waste management approved by Senate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 21, 2026) — Two pieces of legislation sponsored by Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, passed the Kentucky Senate unanimously yesterday, advancing efforts to improve waste management practices, protect public safety and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on local communities.

Senate Bill 29 prevents counties or waste management districts from imposing fees, permits, or other local requirements on solid waste facilities located outside their borders that accept waste generated within them. The legislation promotes more efficient and consistent waste management by eliminating duplicative regulations and stopping attempts to layer additional costs onto facilities already operating under existing permits.

“SB 29 is about fairness and common sense,” Elkins said. “Facilities should be regulated where they operate, not subjected to duplicative fees and red tape from outside jurisdictions. This bill provides clarity, protects existing operations, and helps keep waste management running efficiently across Kentucky.”

SB 49 addresses the growing problem of lithium batteries being discarded in household trash and recycling bins, which has led to fires at landfills and recycling facilities across Kentucky. The bill establishes a Covered Battery Stewardship Program within the Energy and Environment Cabinet to promote safe battery collection, improve public education, and encourage industry-led take-back programs—without imposing new point-of-sale fees on consumers.

“This is about public safety and protecting workers,” Elkins said. “Batteries don’t belong in the trash, and too often they’re putting waste workers, equipment, and nearby communities at risk. SB 49 provides a practical, responsible framework to deal with a growing problem.”

SB 49 also directs collaboration among state agencies, local governments, waste districts, recyclers, retailers, and manufacturers to establish safe collection sites, reduce damage to solid-waste facilities, and increase consumer awareness as rechargeable battery use continues to grow in everyday products.

Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.