Envir. & Resource Conservation Office

The Environmental & Resource Conservation Office is a County Office which is funded by the City of Morris through a portion of the landfill tipping fee surtax that is received from Environtech Inc. which operates a municipal sanitary landfill in Grundy County.

The Environmental & Resource Conservation Office is the lead agency in the implementation of the County Solid Waste Management Plan.

The Solid Waste Management Plan was a requirement of the Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Act (SWPRA). The primary purpose of SWPRA is:

• To decrease waste generation;
• Increase recycling, reuse and composting;
• Insure the timely development of needed facilities and programs.
• Protect Environmental Resources

SWPRA requires a plan for a time span of twenty years with formal updates and reviews at 5 year intervals.

The Grundy County Plan has already been updated in 2010. Copies of the Plan are available for viewing at the Environmental & Resource Conservation Office.

As part of implementing the Solid Waste Management Plan other activities that the office is involved with include:

• Monitoring operations of two landfills and accompanying IEPA personnel on quarterly inspections.
• Conduct educational and promotional activities, waste assessments, special recycling events etc.
• Administer/monitor hauler licensing program — 6 licensed haulers currently in County.
• Maintain and develop up-to-date information and provide educational materials on recycling, source reduction to individuals, officials, groups, commercial businesses and governmental agencies.
• Administer waste reduction grant program.
• Monitor recycling activities in County buildings.
• Coordinate with state and County agencies with regards to recycling/source reduction events.
• Work with County Health and Building & Zoning departments on open dumping and burn issues.
• Submit Annual IEPA — Solid Waste/Recycling Report.