rkansas Administrative Code Agency 223 - Southeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste District
1. Purpose of the Agency
The Southeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste District is responsible for managing and overseeing the collection, disposal, recycling, and overall handling of solid waste in the southeast region of Arkansas. The primary goals of the district are:
Protecting public health and the environment by ensuring that waste is handled safely and in compliance with environmental laws.
Encouraging recycling and waste reduction to minimize the amount of waste going into landfills.
Ensuring that waste disposal methods are cost-effective and efficient for the local communities.
2. Responsibilities and Services
The Southeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste District handles a range of tasks related to solid waste management, including:
a) Waste Collection and Disposal:
Overseeing local waste collection services (trash pickup, curbside collection).
Ensuring proper disposal of non-recyclable waste at landfills.
Managing landfill operations to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards.
b) Recycling Programs:
Promoting and implementing recycling initiatives to reduce waste, including:
Public education on recycling
Providing recycling bins and collection services
Setting up recycling centers in the region
c) Hazardous Waste Management:
Ensuring that hazardous waste (such as chemicals, batteries, electronics) is handled separately from regular waste and disposed of properly.
d) Waste Reduction and Education:
Running programs to educate the public on how to reduce waste at the source, such as encouraging composting, reducing packaging, and using fewer disposable products.
Partnering with schools, businesses, and local governments to promote sustainable waste practices.
3. Waste Disposal Infrastructure
The district manages various waste disposal facilities in the region, which may include:
Landfills for regular waste that cannot be recycled.
Transfer stations, where waste is temporarily stored before being taken to landfills or recycling centers.
Drop-off points for recyclables and hazardous waste.
It is critical that these facilities meet state and federal regulations for environmental safety, including water contamination prevention, air quality control, and wildlife protection.
4. Fees and Funding
The district generates revenue through various fees associated with waste management services. These could include:
Collection fees paid by residents or businesses for trash pickup.
Tipping fees charged at landfills or transfer stations for disposal.
Grants or state funding that may be allocated to recycling or waste reduction initiatives.
These fees help fund the operation and maintenance of the district’s infrastructure and programs.
5. Compliance and Enforcement
The Southeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste District enforces compliance with state and local environmental laws. This includes:
Regulating waste management practices of private companies and individuals to ensure they follow proper disposal procedures.
Conducting inspections of landfills, transfer stations, and recycling facilities to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
Imposing penalties on businesses or individuals who fail to follow proper waste disposal protocols, such as illegal dumping.
6. Regional Cooperation
While the Southeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste District primarily focuses on southeast Arkansas, it may cooperate with other regional or state agencies, including:
Local governments in the region to coordinate waste services.
State environmental agencies, such as the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), to stay aligned with broader environmental goals and regulations.
Non-profit organizations and businesses to encourage community-based recycling or waste diversion programs.
7. Environmental Impact
The district works to reduce the environmental impact of waste by:
Reducing landfill use through recycling and composting programs.
Preventing illegal dumping and ensuring proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Minimizing the release of methane gas from landfills, which is a harmful greenhouse gas.
8. Future Initiatives
The district may be involved in future initiatives such as:
Expanding recycling programs to reach more communities.
Developing new waste-to-energy projects to convert waste into useful energy.
Implementing zero-waste programs in partnership with local businesses to minimize waste sent to landfills.
9. Administrative Procedures
The Administrative Code also outlines the procedures for the Board to:
Manage waste collection contracts and fees.
Regulate facilities for compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Implement new waste management initiatives through regional partnerships or funding.
Hold meetings and hearings to discuss new policies or address issues related to waste management.
Summary:
The Southeast Arkansas Regional Solid Waste District (Agency 223) is a vital agency focused on managing waste in the southeast part of the state. Its duties include:
Collecting, disposing of, and recycling waste.
Promoting public education about waste reduction and sustainability.
Ensuring proper management of hazardous materials and landfills.
Enforcing health, safety, and environmental standards.
By implementing these regulations and services, the agency helps ensure that the region maintains a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.
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