News Release 452

DEPARTMENT EXTENDS WAIVERS
AIMED AT AIDING FLOOD CLEANUP EFFORTS

Rules to remain relaxed on disposal of vegetation, appliances

Volume 36-452

Contact: Larry Archer

(For immediate release)

573-751-3807

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 30, 2008 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is extending the waiver of some solid waste regulations to give residents and communities affected by flooding in June continued flexibility in cleaning up the remaining flood-related debris.

The waiver, which addresses the disposal of vegetative waste and major appliances, is being extended until Aug. 31.

The waiver will allow communities the option of taking vegetative waste, such as brush and yard waste, and home appliances to permitted sanitary landfills. These items are normally excluded from landfills, and landfill operators have the option of rejecting them. The waiver applies only to vegetative waste caused by and appliances damaged by the flooding that began June 1.

The department continues to strongly encourage, but not require, composting of vegetative waste and recycling of appliances where practical. The waiver applies only to yard waste and appliances and does not allow disposal of other items normally prohibited in sanitary or demolition landfills.

Cities and counties should coordinate collection of damaged appliances so refrigerants can be legally recovered from air conditioners, freezers and refrigerators before recycling or disposal.

Further information, including the full text of the waiver, is available on the department's natural disaster resources Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm. Factsheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related information are also available on this Web page.

Residents of the affected counties should call the department’s nearest regional office if they need additional information or clarification of the waiver. A map of regional office service areas is also available online at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/regions/regions.htm.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

 

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