Statewide Solid Waste Management Plan Update: Colbie Jones (Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality) Arkansas Chapter Solid Waste Association of North America Conference Presentation

Colbie Jones undertook a presentation at the Arkansas Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (“SWANA”) Conference titled:

STATEWIDE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN (“Presentation”).

Colbie serves as the Associate Environment Administrator at the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality (“ADEQ”).

Arkansas Code Annotated § 8-6-1902 requires ADEQ to develop a Statewide Solid Waste Management Plan (“Plan”) emphasizing regional planning.

ADEQ has previously noted that it partners with the following groups to outline strategies for solid waste management:

• Regional Solid Waste Management Boards.
• Volunteers from business, industry, education and local governments.

Colbie’s Presentation initially noted that the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (“SWIFR”) provides grants to states and tribes to:

• Improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure;
• Support improvements to local post-consumer materials management and recycling programs; and
• Assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems.

The background on the Plan in terms of ADEQ’s responsibilities was noted and also referenced:

• Regional Solid Waste Management Boards address the solid waste needs of the state within their geographical area.
• The development and implementation of a SSWMP is necessary to maximize the efficiency of regional solid waste management systems.
• The SSWMP establishes minimum requirements for all regional solid waste management plans, including requirements for: strategic planning; reporting; public notice and participation; services; and solutions to problems and issues.

The major goals of the Plan were addressed, and the previous implementation dates were noted, being 2003 and 2014.

It is stated to be updating due to new recycling challenges such as:

• Waste Solar Panels.
• Lithium-Ion Battery disposal.
• E-Waste disposal.
• Changes in the planning district.

ADEQ is noted to have sent out survey questions addressing a variety of solid waste and recycling issues, and based on these results, areas of focus are stated to include:

• Education.
• Rural access.
• Benefits.
• Government action.

Additional details regarding the survey were also provided.

Next steps are stated to include:

• Plan drafted.
• Public notice and finalize Plan.
• Regional Solid Waste Management Districts develop Regional Plans.
• ADEQ reviews and approves Regional Plans.

The implementation period is stated to include April 2027 through January 2029, including:

• Review current forms and required reports.
• Build into ADEQ's databases.
• Create dashboard to help illustrate where recycling occurs for market use.

A copy of the Presentation can be found here.