Notice of Hearing
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on a permanent rule to revise chs. NR 500, 502, 542 and 544 relating to statewide materials recycling and effective recycling programs. In accordance with s. 227.17, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on Board Order WA-13-21 at the time and virtual location shown below. Hearing Information
Date: January 17, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Join by phone: 888-475-4499
Meeting ID 85217487075
Rule Information
The objectives of this proposed rule are to correct, clarify, and update effective recycling program criteria throughout ch. NR 544, Wis. Adm. Code, as well as amend sections of other code chapters related to waste reduction, recovery, and recycling efforts. This rule also makes updates to definitions; changes to storage, collection and transportation, or processing requirements for recyclable materials; minor modifications or corrections to code based on previous statutory changes; and updates to recycling grant procedures authorized under statutes. Accessibility
For the hearing or visually impaired, non-English speakers, or those with other personal circumstances which might make communication at the meeting/hearing difficult, DNR will, to the maximum extent possible and with reasonable advance notice, provide aids including an interpreter, or a non-English, large-print, or recorded version of hearing documents. To access these resources, please contact the email address or phone number listed below as soon as possible.
Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments
The public has the opportunity to testify at the hearing. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged if you plan to provide spoken comments during the hearing. To pre-register, either use the Zoom link above prior to the day of the hearing or download and complete the fillable hearing appearance form and send it to Kate Strom Hiorns kathrynm.stromhiorns@wisconsin.gov. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before January 24, 2024. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, E-mail, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing.
Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Kate Strom Hiorns
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street,
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
The number of potential small businesses affected is small. Excluding municipally owned facilities and those that are not independently owned and operated and dominant in their field, the number of material recovery facilities that may qualify as small businesses is not likely to exceed ten. The main economic impact of the rule on small businesses is the addition of owner financial responsibility on material recovery facilities (MRFs).
The rule will reduce annual reporting obligations of MRFs (including those that qualify as small businesses) by limiting requests for certain operational information, not likely to change on an annual basis, to a one-time operational self-certification application. This change will reduce the content of the recurring annual self-certification report and reduce the time needed to complete the report.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Emma Esch (608) 266-1959
