1991-1993

From 1991-1993 the SWMD organized through a process mandated by law to seek membership of the local jurisdictions and identify representatives of local governments to serve on the Management Council and to elect from the Council an Executive Board. The SWMD was required by law in Missouri Revised Statutes (RSM) Chapter 260 on Environmental Control to develop an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan and have it adopted by all member governments.

1994

In 1994, the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan was adopted by the MARC SWMD and reviewed but not approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), as required by RSM 260.325. Instead, MDNR, through the rulemaking process, implemented a requirement for an assessment inventory of solid waste services available in the district. The primary goal was to divert 40% of solid waste from landfills.

The plan recommended, at a minimum, for local governments to:

• Create a citizen solid waste and recycling committee
• Provide for the collection of residential recyclable materials
• Practice sound waste reduction and recycling activities in local government facilities
• Promote commercial waste reduction and recycling activities
• Support environmental education efforts 

1995-2003

From 1995-2003, the MARC SWMD worked to advance the above priorities. During these years, the District implemented several key initiatives, including:

• Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) collection and disposal
• Installation of Drop Off Centers for recyclable materials
• Implementation of municipal contracts for residential household waste collection by the more populous local governments, some of which included curbside pickup of recyclable materials.
• Grants to governments, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses to expand diversion through minimizing waste generation and enhanced diversion activities.
• Many of the recommendations for local governments in the 1994 plan were not implemented by medium to small communities in the SWMD.

2003

In 2003, MARC SWMD commissioned Franklin Associates to a study titled Strategic Directions and Policy Recommendations for Solid Waste Management in the Bistate Kansas City Metropolitan Region. Key recommendations of the study included regionalization of solid waste services in the entire MARC region to consider a regional Solid Waste Authority, partnerships for education and outreach, increased involvement of local government, recovery of materials from construction and demolition, and expanding landfill capacity or establishing transfer stations for out-of-region disposal.

2004-2009

• 2004–2009: The district focused on expanding services and providing grants to local governments to increase participation in solid waste programs. During this time, MDNR commissioned a Landfill Composition Study to better understand recyclable materials ending up in landfills and guide future diversion efforts.
• 2008: MARC SWMD partnered with Kansas counties and hired ETC Institute of Olathe, Kansas, to survey residents about recycling and residential solid waste services. Results showed strong public support for required recycling in businesses and construction projects. Residents also expressed dissatisfaction with existing services and asked for greater access to curbside recycling.
• 2009: MARC SWMD commissioned Burns & McDonnell to develop the Strategy for Sustainable Solid Waste Management. The plan set ambitious landfill diversion goals of 40 percent by 2013, 60 percent by 2018, 80 percent by 2023, and near-zero waste, or 90 percent diversion, by 2028.

2010–2024

MARC SWMD put many of the 2009 strategy recommendations into action, while advancing new priority initiatives.

• RecycleSpot: Launched a searchable website that helps residents find donation centers and drop-off locations for recyclables and yard waste.
• Special waste management: Expanded programs for materials banned from landfills under state law, including tires and batteries.
• Food waste reduction: Focused on collecting and using food waste instead of disposal, followed by expanded composting efforts to produce nutrient-rich compost. Developed the KC FoodWise website as a centralized hub for regional resources and volunteer opportunities.
• Recycle More at Work: Provided audits, education and grants to help local governments and businesses reduce waste and recycle more.
• Illegal dumping prevention: Addressed problem areas prone to dumping and implemented strategies to reduce this behavior.
• Household hazardous waste services: Expanded access to household hazardous waste programs across more communities in the district.