Today, Bristol Residents for Clean Air applauds the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee for overwhelmingly passing Senate Bill 80, “An Act Concerning the Burning of Medical Waste.” This crucial legislation ensures that no incinerator in Connecticut can burn medical waste without adhering strictly to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards specifically designed for medical waste incineration.
Incineration of biomedical waste releases highly toxic pollutants such as dioxins, furans, heavy metals—including mercury and lead—and PFAS. These substances pose serious health risks, including cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, endocrine disruption, and neurological damage. SB 80 addresses a glaring loophole in federal regulations, where burning medical waste can be regulated under weaker standards intended for burning household waste. Passing SB 80 ensures that stricter, appropriate standards are enforced, protecting our air quality and community health.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the group of legislators who sponsored, including Senator Henri Martin, Senator Rob Sampson, Representative Gale Mastrofrancesco, Representative Donna Veach, and Representative Joe Hoxha, as well as Environment Committee chairs and members who voted in favor of this essential measure. Today’s vote, marked by strong bipartisan cooperation and an overwhelming margin, underscores Connecticut’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health and the environment.
“This is a significant victory for Bristol residents and communities across Connecticut,” said Jodie Maro, a spokesperson for Bristol Residents for Clean Air. “We’re deeply grateful to the legislators who listened to our concerns and took decisive action to safeguard our air quality and health.”
Senate Bill 80 now advances to the Senate floor, where it will face its next critical step. Bristol Residents for Clean Air urges legislators to maintain this momentum and continue their strong bipartisan support to ensure that the bill reaches the Governor’s desk and becomes law.
“There were 6,200 medical waste incinerators operating in 1988 in the U.S., and now there are only around 20 because the industry has moved to safe, non-burn alternatives. Reworld is only pursuing this to pump more money out of the final years of this aging trash incinerator, not because it’s necessary,” said Mike Ewall, Executive Director of the Energy Justice Network. “Rhode Island chose to ban medical waste incineration a few years ago, and it’s smart that Connecticut legislators are at least aiming to ensure that more protective emissions limits apply if it’s going to be allowed in the state.”