You Can Help Improve the Future of Recycling in Pennsylvania
Your comments on improving the efficiency and effectiveness
of Pennsylvania's recycling program are invited.
Background
In 2002, Act 175 was enacted which directs DEP to assist local
recycling programs to become financially sustainable. While DEP
regards Commonwealth recycling grants to local governments as
vital to the development and success of Pennsylvania recycling
programs, DEP also is committed to assisting local programs in
becoming as strong and sustainable as possible, consistent with
Act 175.
In a continuing effort to support local recycling programs
that are a part of a well designed integrated waste management
system, DEP is seeking your input on how the Commonwealth can:
Manage waste in a manner that protects public health and
the environment.
Use integrated waste management practices that promote resource
conservation through reducing the amount and toxicity of waste,
maximizing materials reuse, recycling and composting and recovering
energy, while minimizing landfilling.
Manage solid waste in a manner that maximizes environmental
and economic benefits and minimizes long-term financial liability
for Pennsylvania's citizens, businesses and industries.
Motivate generators to take responsibility for the environmentally
sound management of their waste and allocate solid waste management
system costs equitably among those who use or benefit from the
system.
Encourage manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to think
differently about the products they make, buy and use - to treat
products as resources rather than waste and work to maximize
the use and value of recovered materials.
Facilitate the collection and exchange of information among
businesses and industries, counties, municipalities, and the
DEP so as to enable each to improve its contribution towards
achieving the goals stated above.