NEW PROJECT ASSISTS BUSINESSES IN CUTTING SOLID-WASTE DISPOSAL

FREDERICKTOWN -- Americans have grown accustomed to separating aluminum cans, newsprint and other recyclables at home over the years. Now, a state-funded project is working to increase awareness at the business level.

The Midwest Assistance Program, or MAP, is working with the Department of Natural Resources and various solid-waste management districts on an environmental project that aims to help area businesses reduce solid waste and save money in the process.

Locally, MAP is making business contacts through the Southeast Missouri Solid Waste Management District based in Perryville. Company-operated recycling programs make businesses more efficient and reduce the amount of solid waste placed in Missouri landfills, said Tim Morgan, director of environmental services and programs for the district.

Dennis Siders, a MAP representative based in Fredericktown, gives presentations on the benefits of industrial recycling programs to interested businesses and chamber groups in the Bootheel. A little recycling will go a long way in saving money for businesses, he said.

The benefits of solid-waste reduction are many, he said, including a better public image and employee morale, as well as savings in disposal and purchasing costs and internal theft.

"We're trying to appeal on an economic level," said Siders. "We realized that for years the emphasis has been on reducing trash and recycling at the residential level, but we really haven't done much on the business level throughout the state."

Siders said the project provides up to three waste management assessments to businesses interested in developing a recycling program. For most businesses, cardboard and office paper are the biggest waste products, he said. There are easy changes that can be made to reduce these, he said, including reusing items, buying in bulk and copying to disc instead of paper.

The keys to a good company recycling program are an enthusiastic coordinator and a simple program, Siders said.

"There has to be somebody in the business that actually takes hold of the project and makes it go," he said. "Anything you do is important, but the best thing is to keep it simple and make it long-term."

For more information or to schedule a waste-reduction presentation, contact Timothy Morgan at (573) 547-8357.