Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) is a dedicated organization that serves the south-central region of Missouri, providing essential solid waste management resources. The district comprises Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties, and includes numerous cities within these counties.

Our primary mission is to assist communities in achieving a 40% reduction in waste through various initiatives. These include community grants, reuse and recycling programs, and educational programs for district schools and media awareness campaigns. The district is governed by a full council and executive board consisting of local elected officials and their appointees, and also receives valuable input from an advisory committee of local citizens and industry representatives.

ORSWMD supports a variety of programs through its community grant program. These include Special Collections for electronic waste, tires, and appliances, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection centers for cleaning products, automotive fluids, and other hazardous materials. The district also provides educational opportunities for school-aged youth, such as school assemblies, Earth Day poster and trash art contests, and solid waste facility tours. Additionally, the district supports Community Recycling Centers, school-based recycling programs, school-based food composting programs, and Illegal Dump Clean Up programs.

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District completed its original solid waste management plan in 1993 to ensure compliance with Missouri's solid waste minimization law of 1990. The purpose of this plan was to provide a strategy for implementing and integrating solid waste management programs throughout the district, with the ultimate goal of reducing solid waste generation by 40% in the seven-county district.

Programs & Services

ORSWMD offers a wide range of programs and services to accomplish its mission. These include:

• Community Grants: ORSWMD provides financial assistance to communities for various waste reduction initiatives, such as special collections, HHW collection centers, and recycling programs.
• Reuse and Recycling Programs: The district promotes and supports reuse and recycling efforts to reduce waste and conserve resources.
• Educational Programs: ORSWMD offers educational programs for district schools, including school assemblies, contests, and tours, to educate students about waste reduction and recycling.
• Community Recycling Centers: The district supports the development and maintenance of community recycling centers to make recycling more accessible for residents.
• Illegal Dump Clean Up Programs: ORSWMD works to address illegal dumping issues through clean-up programs and public awareness campaigns.

Coverage Area

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District serves the following counties and cities:

• Crawford County: Bourbon, Steelville, Sullivan
• Dent County: Salem, Bland
• Gasconade County: Hermann, Owensville
• Maries County: Belle, Vienna, Doolittle, Newburg
• Phelps County: Rolla, St. James, Crocker, Dixon
• Pulaski County: Richland, St. Robert, Waynesville
• Washington County: Potosi

Governance

ORSWMD is governed by a full council and executive board consisting of local elected officials and their appointees. The district also receives valuable input from an advisory committee of local citizens and industry representatives.