To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct research on the management of waste found along Federal-aid highways, including the application of compost in landscaping and roadside development of such highways.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct research on the advantages and disadvantages of: (1) recycling, reprocessing, and composting waste found along Federal aid highways; and (2) applying compost in landscape and roadside development and planting wildflowers along such highways.

Directs the Secretary: (1) in conducting such research, to analyze the relative merits of using various types and qualities of compost (including compost made with solid waste, sewage sludge, or both) and to consult with interested parties in Government and in the private sector; and (2) to report to the Congress on such research with recommendations for management of waste along Federal aid highways.

 
HR 2140 IH
102d CONGRESS
1st Session
 H. R. 2140
To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct research on the
management of waste found along Federal-aid highways, including the application
of compost in landscaping and roadside development of such highways.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 30, 1991
Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER (for himself and Mr. PALLONE) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Transportation to conduct research on the
management of waste found along Federal-aid highways, including the application
of compost in landscaping and roadside development of such highways.
  Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
  States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. RESEARCH AND REPORT ON HIGHWAY WASTE MANAGEMENT AND COMPOST
APPLICATION.
  (a) RESEARCH REQUIREMENT- The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct
  research on the following matters:
  (1) The advantages and disadvantages of the recycling, reprocessing,
  and composting of waste found along Federal-aid highways. Such research
  shall include--
  (A) an assessment of available data to determine the amounts and types of
  waste generated along Federal-aid highways (including trash, plant debris,
  and animal carcasses); and
  (B) an evaluation of current techniques used by States to manage such waste,
  including recycling, reprocessing, composting, landfilling, and incineration.
  (2)(A) The advantages and disadvantages of applying compost in landscape
  and roadside development and planting of wildflowers along Federal-aid
  highways under section 319 of title 23, United States Code. Such research
  shall include--
  (i) an evaluation of the feasibility and benefits of spreading compost
  along grassy medians and perimeters of Federal-aid highways; and
  (ii) an analysis of other possible uses for compost in landscape and
  roadside development.
  (B) In conducting research under this paragraph, the Secretary shall
  analyze the relative merits of using various types and qualities of compost
  (including compost made with solid waste or sewage sludge (or both)).
  (b) CONSULTATION- In conducting research under subsection (a), the Secretary
  of Transportation shall consult with interested parties in government and
  in the private sector, including the Administrator of the Environmental
  Protection Agency, State highway departments, environmentalists, and
  industry.
  (c) REPORT- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
  this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress a report
  on the results of the research conducted under subsection (a). The report
  shall include such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate
  for management of waste along Federal-aid highways.