Environmental Groups Urge Knesset to Pass Long-Delayed Construction Waste Law This Week

After nearly two decades of delay, Israeli environmental organizations have urgently called on Knesset members to finalize the legislation on construction waste this week. The joint letter, sent by Regavim, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, and Green Now to faction leaders and parliamentarians, stresses the critical need to complete the law’s approval before the current Knesset session ends and the parliament dissolves.

The construction waste law, advanced by the Interior and Environmental Protection Committee chaired by MK Itzhak Kroizer, has already passed its first reading and is prepared for second and third readings. It enjoys broad bipartisan support as well as backing from professional bodies, local authorities, and government ministries. The law aims to address a longstanding environmental and public health issue caused by illegal dumping and burning of construction waste, which has been neglected for about 20 years.

The proposed legislation establishes a strict monitoring and supervision system for waste removal trucks to ensure all construction debris is taken only to authorized treatment sites. This is intended to reduce environmental damage to open spaces and protect public health. The environmental groups warn that failure to pass the law now risks regressing years in waste management progress. They emphasize that the law is a technical, non-political measure that offers a historic opportunity to regulate a neglected sector and improve quality of life for all Israelis.

The organizations urge lawmakers to seize this moment and prevent further delays that could result from the Knesset’s dissolution before final approval.