What Can Local Governments Do?

Contents:

These slides offer some additional explanation of product stewardship focusing on the local government role, as well as specific suggestions for things that local governments can do to make product stewardship happen.

The amount of waste generated has continued to rise & costs of waste

management continue to rise

Local governments are responsible for dealing with any and all waste that

comes their way.

They have no control over:

- the quantity of waste

- or the materials

Our current system is wasting valuable resources &

And it is expensive.

Government-funded programs are still not collecting all household hazardous waste :• Local governments don’t have the budget to adequately promote & expand these programs •People don’t know they should not throw away certain goods with their trash.

Did you know? A 30” TV contains 8 lbs of lead?

Because people do not have adequate disposal options, taxpayer dollars are spent to clean up the resulting mess

Either picking up goods that have been illegally discarded

Or through environmental remediation needed to remove the toxic substances from our drinking water and soils

An alternate model:

Product Stewardship

Producers rather than government assume responsibility for the management of certain goods

Many businesses are already doing this in Nebraska on a voluntary basis

An alternate model: Product Stewardship

The Old Way:Government- managed

programsGovernment responsibilityVisible ‘deposits’

customers saw on their receipts (ex. tires)

The New Way: Businesses manage

costs Businesses responsible Cost of safe

management included in the product’s cost (like marketing costs)

This public money could be better spent on education or infrastructure rather than managing unused paint or tires

Choose whether to continue collecting products

Get reimbursed for costs to manage products that are covered by product stewardship programs

Focus your resources on other needs in the community

So how will product stewardship change local government’s role?

• No! In most cases, you can CHOOSE whether to continue to collect if it works for you.

• Retailers may also start to collect the product(s) as well.

Does this mean local governments won’t collect waste products any more?

How would it work?Flow of Goods:

How would it work?

Flow of Money:

Costs would be included in the purchase price.

Start today!

The Call2Recycle program is free to everyone. Simply sign up online to get a free collection box and when it’s full simply send it in the mail to the recycling facility (shipping is free). All costs are covered by battery manufacturers.

1. Encourage residents to take advantage of existing programs (mail-back & retail)

2. Provide input to policy makers about how existing systems are working

3. Advocate for local ordinances and state laws4. Conduct pilot programs to test new systems for collection

What can local governments do to promote product stewardship?

What can local governments do to promote product stewardship?

5. Reach out to retailers to build support, encourage them to collect

6. Raise awareness/educate your management

7. Learn about what’s happening in other states & countries

8. Reach out to manufacturers to ensure they implement their national programs in Nebraska