HB320: HB320 Waste management; require recycling of solar panels

Georgia currently has no specific rule for how solar panels must be disposed of when they are removed from service. This bill adds a new section to the state's solid waste law (O.C.G.A. § 12-8-28.1) that bars owners or operators of solar power facilities from dumping solar panels in landfills or mixing them with regular trash. Instead, panels must go to a 'legitimate recycling facility,' defined as a facility that recovers a significant share of usable material from the panels safely. The requirement does not apply if no qualifying recycling facility exists within 250 miles of where the panels were taken out of service, or if all nearby facilities cannot accept the panels within 30 days of a request. Violators face a civil penalty of up to $20 per panel, with each improperly discarded panel counted as a separate offense. The Attorney General or a district attorney could sue in court to collect the penalty. The bill also repeals any conflicting laws.

• Bars owners or operators of solar power facilities from dumping used solar panels in landfills or with regular municipal or commercial trash.
• Requires those panels to be delivered to a 'legitimate recycling facility' that safely recovers materials from them, unless an exception applies.
• Creates two exceptions: no qualifying recycling facility within 250 miles, or all nearby facilities can't accept the panels within 30 days of a request.
• Sets a civil penalty of up to $20 per solar panel improperly discarded, with each panel treated as a separate violation.
• Lets the Attorney General or a district attorney sue in court to collect the penalty.
• Defines key terms including 'solar panel,' 'legitimate recycling facility,' and 'solar power facility' for purposes of this law.

The bill directly affects owners and operators of solar power facilities in Georgia, who must arrange for panel recycling. It also involves recycling and waste disposal facilities, landfills, and the Attorney General's office and district attorneys, who would enforce the penalty.

If enacted, solar facility operators would need to plan ahead for panel recycling rather than simple disposal, potentially adding logistical steps and costs, though the penalty for noncompliance is modest ($20 per panel) and exceptions exist where recycling options are limited or unavailable nearby.

• Section 1 adds new Code Section 12-8-28.1 to Georgia's solid waste law, defining 'legitimate recycling facility,' 'solar panel,' and 'solar power facility' (the latter referencing O.C.G.A. § 46-3-67).
• Subsection (b) prohibits discarding solar panels in landfills or with other solid waste, requiring delivery to a legitimate recycling facility except under two listed exceptions.
• The exceptions apply when no qualifying facility exists within 250 miles, or when nearby facilities can't accept the panels within 30 days of a request.
• Subsection (c) sets a civil penalty of up to $20 per panel, with each panel counted separately, enforceable through a civil lawsuit by the Attorney General or a district attorney.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2026-03-31Senate Tabled (Senate)
2. 2026-03-31Senate Taken from Table (Senate)
3. 2026-03-27Senate Tabled (Senate)
4. 2026-03-19Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
5. 2026-03-18Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senate)
6. 2026-02-26Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
7. 2026-02-25House Passed/Adopted By Substitute (House)
8. 2026-02-25House Third Readers (House)

• Trey Kelley (R, HD-016)Primary sponsor
• Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)
• Don Parsons (R, HD-044)
• Beth Camp (R, HD-135)
• Charles Cannon (R, HD-172)
• Gabe Okoye (D, HD-102)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)

1. PassedHouse voteFebruary 25, 2026

   162 yea, 4 nay (6 not voting, 5 absent)

   Passage: House Vote #558

2. PassedSenate voteMarch 27, 2026

   26 yea, 22 nay (3 not voting, 3 absent)

   Motion To Table Remaining Legislation On The Rules Calendar: Senate Vote #835

• solar panel recycling
• waste management
• renewable energy regulation
• environmental law
• civil penalties