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HB 5915

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM FOR WIND TURBINE BLADES AND SOLAR PANELS MANUFACTURED, SOLD OR INSTALLED IN THE STATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Dubitsky

Connecticut requires wind turbine and solar panel manufacturers to fund collection and recycling programs for their products at end-of-life, shifting waste costs from taxpayers to producers.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#environmentallypreferableproducts #servicesorpractices #productstewardshipprograms
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Bill Summary · HB 5915

Legislative bill overview

HB 5915 establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program requiring manufacturers of wind turbine blades and solar panels sold or installed in Connecticut to manage the end-of-life disposal and recycling of their products. The bill shifts responsibility for waste management costs from municipalities and taxpayers to the producers themselves, who must develop collection and recycling systems for these renewable energy components.

Why is this important

Wind turbine blades and solar panels are increasingly deployed across Connecticut as the state pursues renewable energy goals, but these products currently lack a dedicated disposal infrastructure when they reach end-of-life (typically 25-30 years). Without this program, municipalities would bear cleanup costs, and hazardous materials in panels could contaminate landfills. This legislation addresses a growing waste management challenge while potentially encouraging manufacturers to design more recyclable products.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost pass-through concerns: Manufacturers may increase product prices to cover EPR compliance costs, potentially raising renewable energy installation expenses for consumers and businesses
  • Recycling technology gaps: Current domestic recycling capacity for turbine blades and solar panels is limited; the bill may depend on developing new infrastructure or exporting waste, raising questions about feasibility and actual environmental benefit
  • Regulatory burden on manufacturers: Companies operating nationally may face fragmented state-by-state EPR requirements, creating compliance complexity and potentially disadvantaging smaller producers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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