April 22
Solid waste companies support zero waste goals, according to a trade
group representing the nationīs for-profit waste management sector.
The National Solid Wastes Management Association is out with a new
position paper at
www.environmentalistseveryday.org/zerowaste that outlines the
groupīs views.
"Americans have already witnessed a transformation in how we deal with
our trash," said Bruce J. Parker, president and CEO of the NSWMA. "We
still generate a significant amount of municipal solid waste -- EPA
estimates almost 250 million tons in the last year alone. But we are
sending several million fewer tons to disposal than we did 20 years
ago."
"Solid waste companies are an important partner in zero waste efforts,"
Parker said. "Zero waste doesnīt mean īno trash,ī but rather, continuing
to find economically achievable ways to treat as much waste as possible
as a resource."
"Trash haulers and other solid waste processors will still be needed to
make it work," he said.
"Itīs important to recognize that the transition to zero waste will not
be easy or quick," Parker said. "It took almost 20 years to double the
recycling rate, from 16.2% of municipal solid waste in 1990, to 33.2% in
2008. To boost these numbers even further, we will need to continue to
expand recycling programs, invest in properly built and permitted
processing facilities and cut down on packaging and other waste at the
source." Parker said.
Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at
937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com
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