The Athens-Hocking Solid Waste Management District will have to improve its recycling standards and communication with residents to meet the standards of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 State Solid Waste Management Plan.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency sets a goal for the districts to recycle 35 percent of solid waste generated residentially, but the Ohio EPA only requires recycling 25 percent of solid waste generated residentially. The new plan provides goals to reach the 25 percent requirement. The Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District was significantly below Ohio's standard, said Andrew Booker, a spokesman for the Ohio EPA.
The Ohio EPA's new plan, which was adopted March 3, requires the districts to better inform and help residents and businesses recycle more by providing outreach programs, making recycling more accessible and providing economic incentives.
Each Ohio solid waste management district must provide information on reduction, recycling, composting, reusing materials and alternative waste management methods by operating a website, compiling a resource guide, keeping an inventory of available infrastructure and hiring a speaker or presenter to reach out to the public, according to the plan.
The need for the changes surfaced when the Ohio EPA noticed recycling rates at a stagnant point.
Things kind of leveled off
as far as progress on recycling goals said Linda Oros, spokeswoman for the Ohio EPA.
Booker said the Athens-Hocking district may appear to be behind the state's standards because of inadequate data.
They have not put a lot of energy into the data-tracking end of things. They are going to have to put more energy to collecting data about what is actually happening out there Booker said.
The Athens-Hocking district does have a website, but it has many broken links.
When they have to meet the new goals
they will have even more challenges
Booker said.
Roger Bail, operations coordinator for the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District, said he is not familiar with the changes, but the district is preparing to present a plan to the Ohio EPA to meet the standards by December.
I understand you want us to do more and cover more
but it comes at an expense
Bail said.
Booker said the Athens-Hocking district is unique in that it must respond to the high-density areas around Ohio University as well as the rural areas with miles between houses.
Athens-Hocking is certainly a unique district. OU is certainly a leader in terms of environmental issues in the region
he said. (Athens' uniqueness) results in both challenges and real opportunities in the district. There is no question they have their work cut out for them.
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