Solid Waste Management Planning

In 1990, Ogle County began developing a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.  This included needs assessment, a study of available waste management options, and a long range (20 year) plan for safe management of solid waste generated in the County.  This process involved a Citizen Advisory Committee, Environmental Consultants, County Board Members, as well as staff.  In June of 1998 the OCSWMD completed a Five Year Update to this Plan, as required by State law.  The Ten Year Update  was completed in June, 2003. The purpose of the update is to review solid waste generation rates, to identify changes in planning areas, to evaluate programs in implementing the plan, and to revise recommendations and goals, if necessary. The Plan and Update include recommendations which prompted the development of the following programs:

Programs

1.  Education/Motivation of the Public: The OCSWMD maintains an "Information Clearinghouse" with information on waste reduction, recycling, composting, household hazardous waste, and rules and regulations regarding landfills and the proper disposal of waste.  Talks and workshops are presented to schools, businesses, and civic groups on these and other related subjects.  Future plans include regular newsletters and articles in local papers, as well as the development of an Internet 'web page' with information on the topics listed above.  

2.  Recycling Programs:  Five Drop-off Recycling Stations are managed by the OCSWMD.  These stations are designed to make recycling available to residents throughout the County at a reasonable distance.  A wide variety of materials are accepted for recycling at the sites located in Forreston, Monroe Center Oregon, Rochelle and Byron.  Additional sites will be considered in the future.  The Department also maintains a County Government Office Recycling Program and works with local municipalities to develop, implement and promote curbside recycling programs. 
  

3.  Record keeping and Reporting:  State recycling goals make it necessary to keep track of the amount of waste that is recycled, landfilled, or disposed of in other ways.  Since the start of the Solid Waste Program in 1990, Ogle County has continued to increase the amount of waste recycled (from 28% in 2003 to 32.6% in 2004), and reduce reliance on local landfills.

4.  Enforcement of State & Local Laws and Regulations:  Since 1990, Ogle County has maintained a Delegation Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for enforcement of State solid waste management laws and regulations.  This Agreement involves a regular inspection and monitoring program for authorized landfills in the County as well as responding to citizen complaints about illegal dumping or open burning of waste.  On average, about 100 complaints are received and investigated and about 50 landfill or open dump inspections are conducted annually.

5.  Landfill Permits and Siting Application Review:  The OCSWMD plays an important role in the review and recommendation of landfill siting applications and permit requests submitted to the Illinois EPA.  The Department has also worked with landfill owners/operators to establish additional environmental safeguards and financial benefits for Ogle County.  (Landfill information)

6.  Other Programs:  The Department has provided Cleanup Day Grants to municipalities and townships in the County.  The OCSWMD has grant money available to Ogle County businesses, schools, school districts, libraries and non-profit organizations wishing to address the issue of waste reduction and recycling. This may include implementation of waste reduction activities, the purchase of recycling equipment or collection containers and/or promotion of waste reduction educational efforts. The Waste Reduction Recycling Grant  funds are limited to $10,000 for any fiscal year. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis in amounts from $100 - $2000, until funds are depleted. Applicants must provide a 20% match of the total project cost.   Efforts are also underway to develop long-term solutions for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, tires and large appliances.  News & Events

Funding:  Funding for these programs and the OCSWMD has been made possible through landfill surcharges and fees, state grants, and through limited general revenue funds appropriated by the Ogle County Board.