Section 20. It shall be the responsibility of the department to carry out the provisions of sections eighteen to twenty-four, inclusive. Said department shall conduct research and demonstration projects and shall encourage improved methods of solid waste disposal including recycling. The department may hire such experts, engineers and other personnel from such funds as shall be appropriated, as it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of sections eighteen to twenty-four, inclusive. The department may, subject to the provisions of chapter thirty A, promulgate rules and regulations relating to the storage, collection, transfer, and disposal of solid waste with respect to facilities established pursuant to sections eighteen to twenty-four, inclusive.