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Reduce, reuse and recycle, the three R’s for
waste management, are effective measures that serve as
alternatives to disposing waste in landfills. Today, we have
several options available for handling the solid waste that we
produce. The MoDNR promotes an integrated approach to solid
waste management, using a combination of alternatives. Below you
will find information on how you can help with the three R’s.
Missouri’s goal to maximize waste reduction
is ongoing, and we have made progress, but we need to go
further. Basically, we need to keep focused on reducing the
amount of waste we produce. We also need to consider whether the
waste we are producing is hazardous.
Composting is a great way to reuse organic
material, and you can get started with the guide we have below.
Also, Missouri has many recycling centers that accept different
kinds of recyclable materials, including electronics and
appliances. Information on these areas is also listed.
By recycling we are conserving natural
resources. Recycled materials can be processed and made into new
products, so it is important to not only recycle, but to
purchase goods with recycled content. By reducing, reusing, and
recycling you can help to protect our water, air, land, energy
and cultural resources.
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An environment free of scrap tires is important to the public
health of all Missouri citizens. Scrap tires harbor mosquitoes,
snakes and other vermin. West Nile Virus, transmitted by
mosquitoes, is a serious health threat. The removal of scrap
tires in Missouri is a priority for the Solid Waste Management
Program’s Scrap Tire Unit. Missouri citizens generate
approximately five million scrap tires annually.
By 1990 illegal tire piles in Missouri had become so
widespread that the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 530.
This legislation allowed scrap tires to be regulated as a
significant part of the waste generated in this state and
established the
scrap
tire fee. All scrap tire activities are done with the
revenue received from the 50-cent fee on purchases of new tires.
This fee was extended once in 1999 and expired in January 2004.
It was reinstated by Senate Bill 225 during the 2005 legislative
session.
By 1995, Senate Bills 60 and 112 were enacted by Missouri
Legislature to make several adjustments to the department’s
scrap tire efforts. The fifty-cent fee was re-distributed: 65
percent for
tire
site clean ups; 25 percent for administration, five percent
to educational programs and curriculum on solid waste management
and five percent for
grants.
The program works to protect and improve the environment by
developing a scrap tire management system that creates economic
incentives for the proper management of scrap tires in Missouri.
We also strive to create a level playing field for all industry
members through permitting, inspection and enforcement efforts.
From:
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/rrr/rrr.htm |
