The MARC Solid Waste Management District (SWMD) executes an annual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to ensure the effective management and administration of the district. Under this agreement, MARC provides essential staff support and technical assistance. 

Additionally, MARC serves as the fiscal administrator for various district funds, including:

• Interest income
• Committee and project funds
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) per capita and contingency funds
• District grant funds allocated to city and county pass-through projects

The MARC SWMD has three primary responsibilities: 

1. Implement the solid waste management plan
2. Oversee district administration
3. Secure adequate funding to accomplish goals and objectives

Plan implementation

The SWMD collaborates with public and private organizations to promote the adoption of waste reduction and recycling practices outlined in the District Plan. Since 2000, the district has hosted annual strategic planning retreats to advance the Plan’s implementation. Each retreat builds on the progress of previous years, helping to shape and refine the district’s long-term goals and priorities.

District administration

The SWMD will continue its current initiatives to advance the vision of sustainable solid waste management by strategically investing in efforts that boost waste diversion, enhance public education, and empower local government action. In alignment with the Memorandum of Understanding with the SWMD, MARC’s professional staff will provide the following services:

• Overall administration and management of the district’s solid waste program
• Regional coordination through strategic planning, education, and outreach
• Promotion of grant opportunities for local governments focused on waste reduction and recycling
• Technical assistance and support for local governments across the region
• Implementation and oversight of district-led projects and initiatives
• Ongoing planning and reporting as required by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
• Additional tasks as directed by the Executive Board and Management Council

Funding

The SWMD will continue to:

• Secure district grant funding to support implementation of the District Plan and waste diversion projects
• Solicit project proposals and award grants that align with established goals and priorities
• Collaborate with local governments to promote and implement sustainable solid waste practices
• Identify and pursue additional funding sources to support project implementation

MARC staff assigned to the district are responsible for administering and managing the solid waste program as outlined in the MOU. These staff members are housed within the Environmental Programs Division within MARC’s Transportation and Environment Department. Under the direction of the District’s Executive Board, they oversee daily operations and ensure the district has the resources needed to effectively carry out its mission. 

Core responsibilities for district staff include:

• Collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making
• Developing and recommending strategies for waste reduction and recycling
• Providing planning, research, and technical assistance to district members
• Implementing district programs, projects, and outreach initiatives
• Organizing meetings and public hearings
• Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments
• Delivering financial and administrative support services

Dianna Bryant, Solid Waste Program Manager/District Planner Position

Dianna Bryant became Program Manager in November 2023. She is responsible for district administration and oversight, including fiscal management, district coordination and staff supervision. As District Planner, she works with the executive board to implement the district's strategic planning initiatives, oversees special projects and works to advance planning and policy initiatives, regional cooperation, and market development. Dianna earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Central Missouri, and an M.S. in Industrial Hygiene. She completed a PhD in Rural Sociology/Community Development from the University of Missouri in 2017.

Nadja Karpilow, Environmental Planner III

Nadja Karpilow is the district's programs coordinator and has worked at MARC since 1999. She coordinates the district grant program and the Regional HHW Collection Program. Nadja provides technical assistance and resources to district members and grantees and works with local governments to improve programs and services. Nadja received a B.A. in Geography from Humboldt State University in California and an M.U.P. from the University of Kansas.

Matt Riggs, Environmental Planner III

Matt Riggs is the district's outreach coordinator and has worked at MARC since 2000. He coordinates outreach activities, develops communication tools and strategies, and maintains regional recycling information, including the RecycleSpot and KC Foodwise website. Matt works to advance outreach through public awareness and environmental education initiatives. Matt received a B.A. in Journalism from University of MO-Columbia.

Tom Jacobs, Environmental Programs Director

Tom Jacobs is MARC's environmental programs director and oversees air quality, water quality and solid waste programs at MARC. Tom worked as the MARC SWMD district planner for four years. Tom has been instrumental in establishing regional water quality and land-use planning policies at MARC and seeks to connect air, water and solid waste programs through sustainability and pollution prevention.

Public Affairs Specialist

MARC will supply a public affairs staff person assigned to support the district's outreach communication needs.

The ReLoop Material Recovery Plan would not be possible without the crucial insight from other regional plans we would like to recognize:

The Solid Waste Management District coordinates with regional, statewide and national organizations to fulfill its objectives:

• Circular KC
• Climate and Environment Council (CEC)
• EPA Region 7 (Midwest)
• Food Waste Advisory Committee
• Green Dining Alliance
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
• KC Environmental Education Network (KCEEN)
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
• Missouri Recycling Association (MORA)
• Product Stewardship Institute (PSI)