NSWMA Chapter Supports Reinstatement of the Wisconsin Recycling Mandate with Funding

Recycling is the “Right Thing to Do”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2011
Contact: Jason Johns 608.255.5522

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin chapter of the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) stated its support for efforts of the Wisconsin State Joint Committee on Finance to reinstate the recycling mandate on local governments and responsible recycling units.  NSWMA Wisconsin chapter members also believe that the state funding should be restored to prevent these local programs from failing. The amount of grants received by local governments does not cover the total costs of recycling programs. Currently, the funding to local governments eligible for grants only covers an average of approximately 33 percent of total costs, and funding reductions could be devastating to local governments already struggling with budgetary woes.

"NSWMA’s Wisconsin Chapter believes that recycling would best be served by maintaining the current level of recycling grant funding," said Fred Radandt, chairman of NSWMA's Wisconsin chapter.  "Since 2001, the Wisconsin government has diverted more than $100 million from the recycling fund to other unrelated programs. If the current level of grants were reduced as has been proposed, while the recycling tipping fee imposed stays the same, the fund likely would need to be raided again."

Radandt continued, "State leaders have opined that a consolidation of programs might help alleviate the shortfall in funding.  While on its face this sounds plausible, consolidation is not always the best option for local governments and should not be mandated. Consolidation may not necessarily provide the savings the state is anticipating."

The NSWMA membership is comprised of large and small employers that provide waste and recycling collection, processing, transportation, and disposal services to Wisconsin businesses, residents, and municipalities. NSWMA members serve many local governments in Wisconsin and have a more than 20 year investment in Wisconsin’s growing recycling infrastructure. 

NSWMA's Wisconsin members wish to point out the following:

1. Wisconsin has been a leader in recycling. NSWMA Wisconsin Chapter members are proud of the role our industry has played in building the recycling infrastructure in Wisconsin;
2. NSWMA member companies have more than 20 years invested in our state’s growing recycling infrastructure, managing discarded resources, rather than disposing of them.
3. Recycling is the right thing to do. Recycling saves energy and money and conserves precious resources.

Radandt concluded, “Wisconsin solid waste companies are part of an innovative industry.  We look forward to working with the Governor, the Legislature, and our customers in continuing this tradition.”

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NSWMA – a sub-association of the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) – represents for-profit companies in North America that provide solid, hazardous and medical waste collection, recycling and disposal services, and companies that provide professional and consulting services to the waste services industry. NSWMA members conduct business in all 50 states.