REGION 2020: WASTE MANAGEMENT
WHAT
• To develop a clean, attractive region with a waste management system that
preserves and protects the environment and natural resources and that promotes
comprehensive recycling and anti-litter programs.
WHY
• To encourage more efficient use
of natural resources, specifically landfill space.
• To improve public image.
• To conserve materials and resources.
• To increase public awareness of waste management issues.
• To cut costs for government, businesses, and consumers.
WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED
• County commissions m the region
• City governments in the region
• Legislators
• Law enforcement agencies
• Court system
• District attorneys
• Environmental agencies including the Alabama Department of Environmental
Management (ADAM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Alabama Development
Office
(ADO)
• Regional planning commissions
• Businesses
• Citizens
WHO WILL BENEFIT
• Citizens
• Businesses
• Environmental agencies
• County, city, and state governments
HOW
Strategy
Institute a comprehensive, solid-waste management strategy for the region
that includes a regional solid-waste management authority, mandatory
solid-waste pickup, an aggressive recycling and beneficial reuse
program, a community
wide environmental education program, and aggressive enforcement
of all solid waste management regulations, including anti-littering.
Action Steps
Region 2020, working with the Regional
Roundtable of Elected Officials, will convene experts to propose an organizational
framework for
the Regional Waste
Management Authority and conceptual strategies for a regional
waste management plan.
Region 2020 convenes a Waste Management
Task Force of stakeholders to further develop the waste management plan.
The plan will
include detailed
programs;
feasibility evaluations; proposed action plans; estimated costs
for implementation; strong incentives for recycling; and a
proposal for
developing a "recycling" industrial
park that will attract materials, energy efficient companies,
and recycling industries.
The Task Force will present the plan to the public and all levels
of government.
The Task Force will also seek funding from agencies such as
Alabama Development Office (ADO), Alabama Department of Economic
and
Community Affairs (ADECA),
the Environmental Protection Agency EPA), municipalities,
and counties to establish the Regional Waste Management Authority.
Role of Region 2020
• To convene the experts and
Regional Roundtable of Elected Officials to establish the framework for the
Regional
Waste
Management
Authority.
• To organize the Waste Management Task
Force.
• To facilitate the presentation of the
plan to the Regional Roundtable of Elected
Officials.
Cost
To be determined.
