Dear Colleagues,
The Maryland Department of the Environment has drafted an ambitious policy framework to nearly eliminate the inefficient disposal of solid waste and wastewater in Maryland.
The O'Malley-Brown Administration's proposed Zero Waste plan centers on a number of progressive waste reduction, reuse, recycling and energy recovery goals, and policy reforms and initiatives. It calls for establishing long-term 2040 recycling and waste diversion goals of 80 percent and 85 percent respectively - along with interim targets.
Proposed actions include: enhanced waste management reporting; new source reduction requirements; expanded composting, recycling and water use guidance and mandates; clean energy recovery incentives; expanded materials bans; numerous government lead-by-example initiatives; and market and job creation inducements.
We look forward to your input.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Summers
Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment
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