Recycling 101

What are some of the current practices in Springfield, Missouri?

1. Springfield’s Solid Waste Management System consists of:
-Curbside Recycling (provided by private waste haulers)
-Household Chemical Collection Center
-Information and Education Program
-Market Development
-Recycling Centers
-Sanitary Landfill
-Yardwaste Recycling Center

So now that you know what Springfield’s current practices are… What do they mean?

1.Curbside Recycling- Approved by voters in 1991, this practice is provided to residents as an easier means of recycling. It was created with the intension of saving time, gasoline, and storage space. All Springfield waste haulers are required to offer curbside recycling. The items accepted are glass, aluminum, newsprint, tin/steel cans, pop bottles, and milk jugs.

2. Household Chemical Collection Center- Also known as the HCCC, it is open year-round to offer a safe means of disposal for unwanted household chemicals. By utilizing the center, residents are able to protect the groundwater supply.

3.Information and Education Program- The city of Springfield offers information and education to residents about the benefits of recycling. Some of the services they offer include:
-Recycling Hotline (417-864-1904)
-Traveling display for trade shows, science fairs, etc.
-Environmental education speakers bureau
-Presentations to school classes, community groups, and other organizations
-Special Events: Earth Day, America Recycles Day, etc.
-Brochure distribution related to various aspects of solid waste management
-Working with the community through local citizen groups and organizations

4.Market Development- The City of Springfield is always looking for new markets for recycling. By finding local markets, it eliminates the need for transportation to other cities. This causes a negative effect on the environment from the trucks creating emissions into the atmosphere. The efforts of the city include:
-Supply Development- increase the amount of recyclable materials in the area so that there is a high quality supply for existing and potential markets.
-Materials Exchange- facilitate discussions between companies that can use the materials for by-products and those that can use them in their production process.
-Encourage businesses that utilize recyclables in production to relocate or extend business to the Springfield area.
-Assist in pilot programs and acquiring of grants for process technology that uses recyclables.

5. Recycling Centers- There are currently four recycling centers in Springfield. These locations take aluminum, cardboard, clothing, glass, fabrics, linens, shoes, mixed paper and newspaper, plastic jugs and bottles, tin, bagged leaves and grass. However, acceptance varies upon location.

6.Sanitary Landfill- There is currently a partnership between the City of Springfield and City Utilities that generates electricity from landfill gas at the Springfield Sanitary Landfill. The landfill is a safe place for waste that can’t be recycled or reused. This waste presently represents 60-80 percent of Springfield’s solid waste generation. Through fees paid to the State of Missouri each year, the landfill also produces over $200,000 to support recycling, waste reduction, and illegal dumping prevention programs throughout the state.

7.Yardwaste Recycling Center- Yardwaste includes: bulk or bagged grass clippings, leaves, garden and flowerbed vegetation, and shrub trimmings. This waste is accepted at no charge from residents of Springfield, and a minimal costs from other members of the community. Brush is also accepted; however, there are guidelines for what charges will apply.

(Springfield Recycling: www.ci.springfield.mo.us)