Date: February 22, 2013
Source: National Solid Wastes Management Association
An industry trade group is voicing support of a Missouri bill that seeks to eliminate the state's existing solid waste management districts which would change the way funds are allocated to municipalities to pay for waste reduction and recycling programs. Consequently, Senate Bill 13 would also reduce the environmental "tip fee" charged to landfills and transfer stations that is the source of those funds. The Missouri chapter of the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) along with the bill's sponsor Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-19), argue that the bill makes up for the reduction in tip fee by eliminating the "overhead and administration costs" of operating the districts.
"We applaud Sen. Schaefer's proposed legislation," said Peggy Macenas, regional manager of the NSWMA Missouri chapter. "This bill reforms, modernizes and reduces government bureaucracy. It will also aid in curbing costs to Missouri residents and business owners for solid waste management while allowing for increased recycling." However, some more rural communities, especially in southwest Missouri, fear that they will lose vital funding for their recycling and education programs along with more local control of how they allocate such funds. They also worry that urban areas will likely win out over more rural communities.
Missouri Senate Bill 13 Summary
SCS/SB 13 - This act eliminates solid waste management districts and the Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee. Money from the Solid Waste Management Fund that was previously allocated for grants to solid waste management districts will be allocated for grants to cities, counties and providers of solid waste management, waste reduction, recycling or related services. The percentage of money allocated for grants is reduced by the amount previously used for overhead and administration costs of solid waste management districts. The requirement that a solid waste management plan be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources is eliminated.
Currently, a tipping fee is collected per ton accepted by landfills and transfer stations and deposited into the Solid Waste Management Fund. This act reduces the fee by the amount previously allocated for solid waste management districts' overhead and administration costs. The fee for solid waste sanitary landfills and transfer stations is reduced from $2.11 per ton accepted to $1.71 per ton. The fee for solid waste demolition landfills is reduced from $1.41 per ton accepted to $1.20 per ton.
PRESS RELEASE
February 22, 2013
Solid Waste and Recycling Industry Group Supports Legislation That Would Reduce Solid Waste Management Costs in Missouri
Proposed Legislation Would Reduce Government Bureaucracy and Lower Fees
The Missouri Chapter of the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) voiced its support for Missouri Senate Bill 13, which proposes to restructure solid waste management districts and allows for the current grant funding to be allocated more efficiently for cities and counties for waste reduction and recycling. The grants are funded by a "tip fee" that is collected at transfer stations or landfills. This bill was proposed by Missouri Senator Kurt Schaefer, who represents Boone and Cooper counties (District 19).
"We applaud Senator Schaefer's proposed legislation. This bill reforms, modernizes and reduces government bureaucracy. It will also aid in curbing costs to Missouri residents and business owners for solid waste management while allowing for increased recycling. Missouri is now a leading recycling State and Private-sector haulers account for the vast majority of recycling in Missouri. It is also worth noting that most of the private entities that do this recycling do not receive or require grants or subsidies."
Peggy Macenas, Regional Manager of NSWMA-MO
"The members of NSWMA have implemented recycling in most of its Missouri markets with limited or no grant funds to date. In fact, if the subsidies go away members and other entities can begin to compete for recycling in all areas of the State that our members serve."
Kevin O'Brien Chairman of the Missouri Chapter of NSWMA
The National Solid Wastes Management Association Missouri Chapter (NSWMA-MO) represents member companies conducting business in Missouri.. Our mission is to promote the management of waste and recycling practices in a manner that is environmentally responsible, efficient, profitable and ethical - while benefiting the public and protecting employees. For more information, call 800-679-6269 or visit www.nswma.org.
SOURCE National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA)
For more information, contact:
Peggy Macenas, +1-630-848-1101, peggym@nswma.org.
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