Solid waste is a fact of life and managing it can create some challenges. But thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Upper Cumberland can continue to get help from the Upper Cumberland Development District. The Development District received a $40,000 grant from the Department of Environment and Conservation to support solid waste management activities in the 14-county region.
“In each of our communities, one of the main issues our local leaders must deal with is the disposal of solid waste,” Mark Farley, UCDD executive director, said. “We are pleased to be able to provide technical assistance to our counties by assisting in long-term needs and assessments and by educating the general public about recycling opportunities.”
Development districts, such as UCDD, are important partners in the Department of Environment and Conservation’s implementation of its 2015-25 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan. The grant supports development districts in preparing valuable solid waste planning functions, including compiling information about landfills, source reduction, composting and recycling for each of the 66 solid waste regions annual progress report. The report is a planning and reporting tool required by the Solid Waste Management of 1991, which was the first comprehensive solid waste planning legislation in Tennessee history.
The data is used to determine each region’s progress toward Tennessee’s goal to achieve 25-percent waste reduction in Class 1 landfill solid waste. Through the contract with the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Development District assists communities with recycling equipment, material recovery facility, planning assistance and convenience center grant applications. “We are very fortunate to have Lisa Luck, a true champion of recycling, serving in this position,” Farley said.
Luck also provides education in composting, flood control, solid waste planning, environmental issues, household hazardous waste, batteries, used tires, used oil, recycling and landfills. “The support provided by Tennessee development district offices have been instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act,” TDEC commissioner Bob Martineau said. “We’re pleased to be able to continue our support of this important work.”
To read the full story, visit http://herald-citizen.com/stories/40000-state-grant-to-help-region-with-solid-waste-recycling,16295.