The Ottumwa/Wapello County Solid Waste Commission participated in the Environmental Management System program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The EMS program helps Solid Waste Planning Areas strive for continuous improvement, especially in six key areas which are, recycling, environmental education, yard waste management, greenhouse gas reduction, water quality improvement, and hazardous waste disposal/collection.
Ottumwa/Wapello County Solid Waste Commission’s Environmental Policy Statement:
The Ottumwa/Wapello County Solid Waste Commission is committed to continual environmental stewardship by implementing and maintaining an Environmental Management System (EMS). We will demonstrate this by changing the focus from solid waste disposal management to environmental resource management:
Prevention of Pollution – We will prevent or minimize pollution in all areas of our operations, wherever feasible.
Evaluation – We will establish, implement, measure and report objectives and targets annually.
Regulatory Compliance – We will meet or exceed applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Continual Improvement – We will study and identify alternative solid waste management methods, customer needs, and provide for the implementation of services to fill identified voids. Encourage informed sustainable waste reduction and resource conservation alternatives to landfilling.
