U.S. Water News Online
LINCOLN, Neb. -- A goal to reduce waste in Nebraska by 25 percent has been met, according to Joe Francis, Assistant Director of the Department of Environmental Quality. The goal, set for July 1, 1996, was established by the state legislature in the Integrated Solid Management Act of 1992.
"We believe that the state, through a combination of activities, has achieved the 25 percent goal," said Francis. "The measurement of waste reduction activities can be complex, but I'm confident that Nebraska's municipalities and counties have achieved this milestone. Available resources can limit local waste reduction activities, so we are proud of how successful many local programs have been."
In addition to the July 1 goal, state waste reduction goals have also been set at 40 percent by July 1, 1999 and 50 percent by July 1, 2002. (1994 waste disposal amounts serve as the base from which to measure reductions.)
Methods of waste reduction to meet these goals include: recycling, source reduction, reuse, and vegetative waste composting activities. The amount of waste diverted from landfills annually through these activities leads to the determination of progress toward the state waste reduction goals.
Figures used to measure progress towards the goals are collected from a variety of sources, including the solid waste plans which towns and counties have submitted to NDEQ, and from statewide recycling statistics which are gathered annually by the Nebraska State Recycling Association (NSRA).
"Through the efforts of local citizens, private business, and public officials, waste reduction activities will continue to contribute to a better environment for Nebraska," said Francis. "We are committed to working towards additional waste reduction throughout the state."
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