ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR WASTE REDUCTION RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors 1994 Resolution, entitled "Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction," directed the Municipal Waste Management Association to explore a joint and cooperative development of an American manufacturer's responsibility system; and

WHEREAS, America's cities, local governments, and citizens bear the enormous financial responsibility to manage large amounts of waste discarded by producers and consumers; and

WHEREAS, states are continuing to require cities and local governments to increase the amount of material diverted from the landfills and waste to energy facilities; and

WHEREAS, progress has been made by the public and private sectors in reducing the impact of solid waste on America's communities through voluntary programs such as source reduction of packaging and toxic products, innovative recycling and collection programs, and increased community participation in waste management programs; and

WHEREAS, the Municipal Waste Management Association’s highest priority is the need to support the sustainability of municipal waste reduction programs and other programs to reduce waste through partnerships between government, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers; and

WHEREAS, this partnership known as Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction, shall encompass economic, social, and environmental strategies that will enhance the sustainability of local communities through the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors using education to lessen the negative impact of materials on the environment; and

WHEREAS, public education, and the collection, separation, and marketing of recyclable materials have primarily been the responsibility of government; and

WHEREAS, the Municipal Waste Management Association's commitment to Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction is to increase the recognition of such a partnership in order to encourage voluntary private participation without restricting trade or innovation; and

WHEREAS, shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction also addresses the need for government to adopt or expand their current procurement policies and to take a more active stance on "buy recycled" by offering pricing preferences for the private sector that use recycled-content in their products; and

WHEREAS, the American consumer has a great influence on the impact of Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction in every community; therefore, the Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction partnership should include a collaborative consumer education campaign between the public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS, the Municipal Waste Management Association and businesses endorsement of a Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction can assist communities in garnering support for market development through their community participation,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports the Municipal Waste Management Association's efforts to establish a Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction program as an important element of solid waste programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges its membership to engage in dialogue with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and citizens in their communities and develop voluntary programs regarding Shared Responsibility for Waste Reduction with measurable goals and objectives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors member cities are strongly encouraged to adopt or expand their current procurement policies which would give preferences to businesses who design products that reflect the commitment to cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally sound municipal waste practices; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages a collaborative consumer education campaign between the private and public sector with a focus on materials management, including product design, buying recycled, and source reduction; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors directs its member cities to create voluntary goals and objectives with the business community to reinforce the principles set forth in this resolution prior to taking more prescriptive actions.