MARC News
April 30, 2010
Twenty-nine area communities participated in the 2009 Recycling Challenge
for Local Governments and made a commitment to start or expand recycling
programs in city and county offices and facilities. This year, local governments
are taking the lessons learned from that experience and focusing their efforts
on addressing a critical district objective: Increase residents' participation
and access to core solid waste services.
According to recent surveys, metro area citizens desire waste removal services that include not only trash pickup, but also recycling, yard waste, bulky items, household hazardous waste and cleanup days. As local governments work to provide residents with these services, their efforts will help the district achieve its goal of 80 percent waste diversion in the region by 2023.
Today, only 50 percent of the region's population has direct access to curbside recycling and yard waste services. Among that group, participation rates vary from 10 to 70 percent. With success on the objective of increasing residential participation rates, the Kansas City area could make good progress in moving from its current waste diversion rate of 25 percent to its interim goal of 40 percent by 2013.
The 2010 Recycling Challenge — "Taking it to the Streets: Improving Residential Services" — runs from Earth Day, April 22, until America Recycles Day, November 15. The challenge provides an opportunity for local governments to review and improve core residential services.
District staff and district member volunteers will offer technical assistance and make themselves available for presentations. Participants will also have access to resources and tools such as community profiles, best practice models and other promotional materials. Local governments can join anytime during the challenge period. Participants will be recognized at the district's annual awards program in December.
Contact:
Nadja Karpilow
(816) 701-8226 or karpilow@marc.org
Return
to News Archives
Return to MARC Home Page
