NACo Publication on Solid Waste Management and Recycling

The National Association of Counties has a number of initiatives to help government become more "green." That word has been dramatically over-used in recent years as a shorthand term for environmentally friendly initiatives. But when it comes to county government and its responsibilities for managing solid waste, the term "green" can also refer to the financial savings that can be realized by operating smarter and less wastefully. We have traditionally thought that environmentally responsible products and programs were more expensive. We are now learning that generating less waste and using less energy on the front end can more than pay for itself in the long run. Every item that can be successfully recycled helps to extend the life of landfills and solid waste facilities. Recyling may also convert things that had traditionally been an expense for county government into a revenue source. Converting to more efficient forms of lighting and working to have more energy efficient buildings and facilities can generate tremendous savings on energy costs for our schools, jails and courthouses. For a good overview on ways you can make your county more "green," click here.