The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) today released an Integrated Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan to address the state’s solid waste and waste diversion and recycling needs over the next 20 years.
The roadmap guides the development of waste disposal, collection, and diversion options for various geographic regions in the state. Specific recommendations include: establishing a statewide recycling and waste diversion goal; consolidating and regionalizing rural waste disposal facilities; and prioritizing groundwater protection at landfills. The department and stakeholders will use the recommendations to develop short- and long-term goals for cost-effective, environmentally protective waste management and waste diversion systems.
Joe Schieffelin, Manager of the Solid Waste Program at CDPHE, said, “We hope this plan can serve as a working resource for us, the waste management industry, and local governments across Colorado.”
The plan incorporates input from stakeholders throughout the state, and the department now is accepting public comment on the plan’s implementation.
