Ala. Code § 22-27-42 (2026)

In furtherance of the policies and purposes set forth herein, it is the intent of this legislation:

(1) To develop an integrated system of planning for solid waste management in the state by local governments, regional planning commissions and the department;

(2) To put in place the necessary procedures so that an effective and integrated statewide network of solid waste management facilities may be planned, developed and operated for the benefit of the people of the state;

(3) To assure that solid waste management planning and implementation activities should, to the extent economically feasible, encourage:

a. Reduction of the amount of source waste generated;

b. Source separation and recycling; and

c. Waste processing such as the utilization of a waste-to-energy technology to reduce the volume of waste necessary for land disposal.

(4) To facilitate the siting of solid waste management facilities as required to meet present and projected state and local needs;

(5) To facilitate the reduction of solid waste volumes within the state;

(6) To foster and encourage recycling of solid wastes as an alternative to disposal;

(7) To assure public involvement in the development and implementation of plans for the management of solid wastes;

(8) To encourage private industry to continue to play a key role in the state’s solid waste management programs;

(9) To assure that solid waste management facilities and services are provided to state residents in a manner which assures their availability at reasonable costs; and

(10) To assure that the creation, licensing, and operation of landfill solid waste disposal facilities should be limited to what is reasonably required to service the needs of the inhabitants and businesses of this state, having regard for alternative technologies for waste reduction, management and disposal.

(Acts 1989, No. 89-824, p. 1638, §3.)