Section 4000.508 - Studies(a)Market development for recyclable materials.--Within 15 months after the effective date of this act, the department shall submit to the General Assembly a report that describes: (1) The current and projected capacity of existing markets to absorb materials generated by municipal recycling programs in this Commonwealth.(2) Market conditions that inhibit or affect demand for materials generated by municipal recycling programs.(3) Potential opportunities to increase demand for and use of materials generated by municipal recycling programs.(4) Recommendations for specific actions to increase and stabilize the demand for materials generated by municipal recycling programs, including, but not limited to, proposed legislation, if necessary.(5) Specific recommendations on markets for recycled materials for each region of this Commonwealth.(b)Update of market study.--Within three years after the completion of the market development study described in subsection (a), the department shall submit to the General Assembly an update of the study, taking into account information developed since its completion.(c)Waste reduction.--Within 24 months after the effective date of this act, the department shall submit to the General Assembly a report: (1) That describes various mechanisms that could be utilized to stimulate and enhance waste reduction, including their advantages and disadvantages. The mechanisms to be analyzed shall include, but not be limited to, incentives for prolonging product life, methods for ensuring product recyclability, taxes for excessive packaging, tax incentives, prohibitions on the use of certain products and performance standards for products.(2) That includes recommendations to stimulate and enhance waste reduction, including, but not limited to, proposed legislation if necessary.(d)Update of waste reduction study.--Within three years after the completion of the waste reduction study described in subsection (c), the department shall submit to the General Assembly an update of the study, taking into account information developed since its completion.(e)Distribution to municipalities.--The department shall promptly make available to municipalities and other interested persons the results of the studies required by this section. 1988, July 28, P.L. 556, No. 101, § 508, effective in 60 days.