Solid Waste
The Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan (ISWMP) has been prepared by the Ak-Chin Indian Community Environmental Programs as a road map to develop and implement an effective Integrated Solid Waste Management Program specific to the Tribe’s needs and efforts towards effective resource management. This plan includes the identification of existing solid waste systems, needs assessments, program design, implementation and monitoring. This ISWMP covers all aspects of solid waste planning, including collection, storage and disposal, source reduction, recycling and composting facilities, and budgeting and financing.
Recycling
Environmental Programs encourages community members to participate in the curbside recycling program.
There are significant benefits to recycling. Recycling reduces waste sent to the landfill, conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals, helps sustain the environment for future generations, reduces pollution, conserves energy, and saves money for the community. If you would like to have a positive impact on the environment with minimum effort on your part, start recycling today by contacting Environmental Programs or the Sanitation Department to request a recycling bin.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Hazardous Waste (HW)
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is leftover or unused household waste that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients and can pose a threat to human health or the environment. Products in homes that are typically considered household hazardous waste include automotive products, lawn and garden products, cleaning products, painting supplies, batteries, gasoline, fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, helium tanks, or garden use pesticides. Household Hazardous Waste is exempt from federal hazardous waste regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C. However, because of its hazardous nature, HHW should not be poured down the drain or toilet, on the ground, into storm sewers, or disposed of in the regular trash or recycle container. Instead, any unused HHW should be disposed of at a local HHW collection site or contact Ak-Chin Environmental Programs for help in managing and disposing of HHW. Remember, always follow any product instructions found on the label for proper handling and disposal.
Hazardous Waste (HW) is waste with properties that are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous waste can be liquids, solids, gases, or sludges and contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, radioactive materials and is generated from sources such as businesses, government agencies, or schools. The U.S. EPA, under RCRA Subtitle C, strictly regulates the storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of HW.
A few of the functions of Ak-Chin’s Environmental Programs on managing Household Hazardous Waste, Hazardous Waste and other regulated wastes in the community, include provide periodic HHW collection events, conduct compliance assistance with waste generators on the community, respond to chemical releases, provide cleanup oversight, record cleaning up illegal dumpsites, and conduct outreach to the community members, residents, and employees.
