<B>SWANA Advocates Free Interstate Movement of Solid Waste</B>

The principle of free movement of solid waste across jurisdictional boundaries as an article, irrespective of origin, won support from the Solid Waste Association of North America through a recently released policy statement that addresses public, industry and environmental concerns.

SWANA's statement notes that state and provincial governments should enact laws and regulations for solid waste management that protect the environment and provide for public health, welfare and safety. These include requirements for financial responsibility of environmental consequences and transportation related impacts; develop and implement state, provincial or regional plans that specify size, type, capacity and location of solid waste transfer, recycling, treatment and disposal facilities; develop and implement economic development plans that address issues such as the siting and location of solid waste management facilities and projects so that they are consistent and compatible with resources important for economic development; develop and implement a permitting process that carries out state and provincial laws, regulations and plans, and provides for public participation and interests; delegate authority to local governments to plan, develop, implement and approve solid waste management facilities and projects.

Further, SWANA's policy is lobbying local governments for the following:

1. Plan, develop, construct, operate and approve or contract for solid waste management facilities and projects that protect the environment and public welfare.
2. Negotiate and enter into host agreements with owners and operators of solid waste facilities and projects. This would include fees and other terms and conditions of the agreements.
3. Establish local zoning and land-use requirements that lessen the impacts of transport, handling and disposal of solid waste.