Just before disbanding, Knesset passes long-awaited construction waste law

The Knesset passed a long-awaited law aimed at curbing illegal construction waste dumping just before dissolving, marking a major legislative milestone in Israel. The law, which received final approval on Thursday, introduces stringent measures to regulate, supervise, and enforce waste disposal practices across the construction industry. It aims to mitigate environmental harm and repurpose construction waste as a valuable resource rather than allowing it to accumulate in open spaces. The new legislation comes after years of growing concern over the scale of illegal dumping, with approximately 7.5 million tons of construction waste, comprising concrete, asphalt, tiles, and glass, generated annually. Nearly one million tons of this material are unlawfully discarded in rural areas by haulers seeking to avoid transportation costs to designated sorting and landfill sites. This unregulated disposal leads to contamination of soil and groundwater, attracts pests, and poses risks when waste is burned. The problem gained heightened attention late last year, prompting widespread protests from residents near the Green Line who reported severe respiratory issues and air pollution due to the burning of waste. Under the new law, all participants in the construction sector, including waste producers and haulers, will be required to register and obtain licenses. To prevent illegal dumping during transit, payments to haulage companies will be managed through a government clearinghouse, releasing funds only after confirmation that waste has reached approved sorting, landfill, or recycling sites. Haulers will also be mandated to use GPS and other digital tracking systems to verify that waste arrives at regulated facilities before receiving payment. These measures aim to create transparency and accountability throughout the waste management process. The law also promotes waste segregation at construction sites to boost recycling rates. According to the Environmental Protection Ministry, between 70 percent and 90 percent of building waste arriving at authorized sorting sites is already being reused. Local authorities will gain new powers to collect construction waste from smaller producers and impose fees for such services, while their ability to enforce compliance will be strengthened. Fines are outlined in the law, though specific penalties remain unspecified. Notably, the law does not extend to the West Bank, where construction waste dumping remains prevalent and falls under the jurisdiction of the Israeli Civil Administration. Environmental groups have praised the legislation as a landmark achievement, with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel calling it a response to a “national plague” that has harmed public health and natural environments for two decades. Citizens for Clean Air emphasized the law’s potential to significantly reduce waste fires, which account for around 75 percent of carcinogenic air emissions in the country, provided strict enforcement follows. The law is set to take effect within 18 months, offering a structured approach to managing construction waste from its origin through transportation and final processing. While the funding mechanism for implementing the law remains unclear, as it was not included in the 2026 state budget, the passage of the bill represents a critical step toward addressing a longstanding environmental challenge. As the law moves forward, the success of its implementation will depend on the collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, and the construction industry.