The Joint Informational Hearing held by the Connecticut General Assembly's Environment Committee on January 22, 2025, focused on the ongoing municipal solid waste crisis in the state, particularly in light of the closure of the MIRA waste energy facility. The meeting underscored Connecticut's long-standing commitment to self-sufficiency in managing municipal solid waste (MSW) and the challenges posed by recent developments.

Officials highlighted that Connecticut has historically prioritized the diversion of recyclable materials, including glass, paper, plastic, and organic waste, to reduce reliance on out-of-state disposal options. However, the closure of MIRA in July 2022 significantly impacted the state's waste management capacity, reducing in-state disposal options by one-third. As a result, approximately 860,000 tons, or 40% of the state's MSW, is now being sent to out-of-state landfills.

The meeting emphasized the increasing competition among Northeast states for waste disposal, as many are also facing dwindling landfill capacities. This situation is expected to lead to rising disposal costs for Connecticut residents and municipalities due to higher transportation and tipping fees associated with out-of-state waste management.

Connecticut currently operates four waste energy facilities that handle the majority of its MSW. However, with the anticipated decline in landfill capacity across the Northeast—projected to decrease by as much as 40% by the end of the decade—the state faces a pressing need to enhance its waste management strategies. Notably, 41% of the waste generated in Connecticut consists of organic materials that could potentially be composted or converted into energy, presenting an opportunity for improved waste diversion practices.

The discussions at the hearing highlighted the urgency for Connecticut to develop sustainable waste management solutions to ensure reliable and cost-effective disposal options for its communities moving forward.