RIBAL WASTE
Issue? September 2009 EPA530-N-09-002
What is an Integrated Waste
Management Plan (IWMP)?
% Five Elements for a Successful IWMP
-& Blackfeet Nation Plans for a Cleaner
Today and Greener Tomorrow
-^ Washoe Plan: A Roadmap for
Recycling Success
oEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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issue 7 September 2009
Solid Waste-
Endangering Our Health
and Our Land
Five Elements for a
Successful IWMP
General Waste
Management Information
Waste Management:
Developing an Integrated
Plan forYourTribe
Goals:The Backbone of
Your IWMP
Tips for Funding an
Integrated Waste
Management Plan
Blackfeet Nation Plans
for a CleanerToday and
GreenerTomorrow
The Perks of a Waste
Management Plan
Funding Opportunities
for Integrated Waste
Management Plans
Waste: What it is and Why
it Matters
TheTSWANTemplate:
A Model forWaste
Management Success
Today's Kids,Tomorrow's
Recyclers
Washoe Plan: A Roadmap
for Recycling Success
New IWMPTool for Alaska
Tribes and Native Villages
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Solid Waste—Endangering Our
Health and Our Land
Tires, appliances, furniture, car batteries, and abandoned vehicles may litter reservations. Backyard
burning of waste pollutes the air and poisons fish and wildlife. People from on and off reservations
may be illegally dumping solid and hazardous waste on tribal lands. These are just some of the
waste issues that are pervasive problems on tribal lands. However, Integrated Waste Management
Plans (IWMPs) may offer tribes an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce open dumping,
effectively manage solid waste, and protect human health and the environment for this generation
and the next.
Open dumps are defined by the
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) as "areas where
waste is disposed of without
proper controls, including regular
application of cover, controlled
access to the site, and other
environmental controls."
In the past, people have disposed
of their waste in open pits or by
burning it. These practices are
no longer considered safe or
effective because of what we now
know about the types of waste
generated today. The increase
in plastics and other synthetic
materials in the waste stream, in
addition to the growth in the sheer
volume of waste, make open
dumping and backyard burning
dangerous to human health and
the environment.
Open dumps create an unhealthy
environment, with adverse health
effects for both people and
animals. People who frequently
visit or rummage through open
dumps can be hurt by sharp
objects. They also can come in
contact with toxic materials or
contagious pathogens, which
can lead to gastroenteritis; skin
rashes and infections; or eye,
nose, and ear infections. Open
dumps also attract pests such as
insects, rats, bears, birds, and
raccoons that can potentially
hurt people and spread disease.
People who depend on wildlife for
subsistence are especially vulner-
able to illnesses stemming from
open dump contamination.
In addition, illegal dumping
of solid waste (such as major
appliances, construction and
demolition debris, and household
garbage) and hazardous waste
(such as chemicals, pesticides,
and medical waste) poses a
significant threat to the surround-
ing soil and ground water. Open
dumps can catch fire and release
particulate matter and dioxins
into the air and ecosystem. Some
waste can even harbor vectors
for disease, such as mosquitoes
breeding in old water-filled tires.
Burning waste can also release
dangerous chemicals into the
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atmosphere where they are inhaled immediately or settle on plants and bodies of water. Once the chemicals
are released into the atmosphere they may enter the food chain. Air pollutants released by backyard burning
include dioxins, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
volatile organic compounds, and hydrogen chloride. The ash residue from burning also can contain dangerous
levels of toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, chromium, and arsenic, which can contaminate water or
enter the food chain.
The impacts of improper solid waste management go beyond these health and environmental problems.
Open dumps and backyard burning also degrade the land by destroying fish and wildlife habitat, and can
threaten the species themselves. Many tribes and villages depend on these natural resources for their
economic survival. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, salmon are central to many tribes' social, spiritual,
and economic livelihood. Uncontrolled dumping and burning degrades other natural resources, such as
timber, farm land, and recreational areas. In some cases, open dumping infringes upon or threatens culturally
or spiritually significant lands.
IWMPs offer a comprehensive means of addressing all these problems by combining complementary
waste management alternatives, including waste prevention, recycling, composting, and disposal. Through
the development of these plans, a tribe can assess its current and future waste management needs, set
priorities, and allocate resources accordingly. Understanding the tribe's priorities will help ensure that the
waste management system offers the highest level of protection to human health and the environment.
Thus, EPA suggests that all tribes consider developing such a plan, and offers the following tips, tools, and
success stories.
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Waste Management: Developing an
Integrated Plan for Your Tribe
Managing waste is a challenge because it poses unique problems, is pervasive throughout all
aspects of life, and must often be handled with limited resources. Therefore, it is important for
each tribe to develop a strategy for handling waste that prevents harmful methods of waste
disposal and instead includes alternative solutions that lead to safer waste management
practices that will work and will be sustainable in the long-run. To help develop such a strategy,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that every tribe create a detailed,
comprehensive plan, known as an Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP).
What Is an IWMP and
Why It Is Important?
An IWMP is a document that
outlines various aspects of waste
management, including the col-
lection, storage, and disposal of
waste, source reduction, recycling
and composting, facility manage-
ment, and budgeting and financing.
This plan identifies existing solid
waste systems, assesses needs,
and sets forth the ways to design,
implement, and monitor a more
effective and sustainable solid
waste management program.
There are several reasons why
every tribe should create and
implement an IWMR A plan can
serve as a roadmap for developing
an effective waste management
program and can help guide your
tribe's waste management efforts.
In addition, the plan will help your
tribe identify successful strategies
for managing both current and
future waste streams. This will
help your tribe anticipate and meet
both existing and future needs.
In addition, developing an IWMP
is useful because it provides tribes
with a way to identify waste man-
agement funding needs, research
potential funding sources, and
track funding requests. Outlining
the necessary resources, including
a budget and schedule, will help
to ensure that the financial needs
of tribes are understood, thus
ensuring the sustainability of the
waste management program. Fur-
thermore, government agencies
that provide financial assistance to
tribal communities for solid waste
management look for sustainable
programs and detailed financial
planning (see "Tips for Funding an
Integrated Waste Management
Plan" on page 23).
Geography, demographics,
financial needs, cultural needs,
and current waste management
practices are all described in an
IWMP For these reasons, no two
IWMPs are exactly the same.
Plans should be specific to each
tribe and based on the tribe's
technical and financial resources,
as well as its priorities. Therefore,
each plan should provide the
specific information and guidance
a tribe needs to make critical
decisions regarding waste
management.
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No two IWMPs are exactly the same. Plans should be specific
to each tribe and based on the tribe's technical and financial
resources, as well as its priorities.
Key decisions that should be
addressed in the process of
planning for and writing an
IWMP include:
• Is waste management a
top priority?
• What are the most challenging
waste management issues?
• What opportunities exist
for waste reduction?
• What type of collection
system can the tribe use for
waste and recyclables?
• How much funding will be
needed to implement the
program now and sustain it in
the future?
• What resources are available?
Setting Goals
Every IWMP needs a set of
goals and objectives (see
"Goals: The Backbone of
Your IWMP" on page 15). For
example, if illegal dumping is
a problem in your community,
a goal might be to reduce the
number of illegal dump sites
by using enforcement tools.
Solid Waste
Management
Hierarchy
Goals may vary, but should be
identified and established at
the beginning of the planning
process to help create a vision.
They should also include targets
to measure progress. Generally,
the goals should follow the
hierarchy of waste manage-
ment, which prefers source
reduction, followed by reuse,
recycling, and disposal. Other
goals and objectives may be:
• Protecting tribal members'
health and safety.
• Obtaining tribal governments'
support for funding and
enforcement of waste man-
agement issues.
• Enhancing waste reduction
programs to achieve a
minimum of 50 percent waste
reduction.
• Coordinating and communicat-
ing with other jurisdictions and
government entities to carry
out components of the plan.
• Increasing public awareness
of solid waste issues through
education and information
dissemination.
Most Preferred
Recycling/
Composting
Combustion and
Energy Recovery
• Creating convenient recycling
opportunities throughout the
community.
• Maintaining efficient and
environmentally safe landfill
operations.
• Providing incentives to
separate, reduce, reuse,
and recycle.
Waste management is a
complex puzzle with many
pieces. An IWMP will enable a
tribe to look at various aspects
of waste management and
determine the best course of
action for implementing and
operating an integrated program.
Whether the goals are short-
or long-term, a coordinated
and comprehensive plan will
guide and focus efforts toward
achieving success. Ultimately,
an IWMP will help a tribe
reduce, manage, and dispose
of waste through a system
that offers the highest level of
protection to the health of tribal
members and the environment.
If you would like to follow the
suggestions of EPA's solid
waste management hierarchy,
your waste management
goals should focus on source
reduction and reuse as being
the most preferred ways to
address solid waste.
Landfilling and Incineration
without Energy Recovery
Least Preferred
Source: EPA (www.epa.gov/garbage/faq.htm)
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Blackfeet Nation Plans for a Cleaner
Today and Greener Tomorrow
In Montana, the Blackfeet Nation has adopted a comprehensive approach to solid waste man-
agement that has led to a more efficient waste disposal program. To devise this comprehensive
approach, the Blackfeet Nation developed an Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP). This
plan helps the tribe meet its current and future waste management needs.
The Blackfeet Nation Environ-
mental Office created its IWMP
several years ago, with assistance
from EPA Region 8. In creating
the plan, the Environmental Office
gained a better understanding
of the resources and programs
that existed, accomplishments,
needs, and what resources were
lacking, says Gerald Wagner,
Director of the Blackfeet Nation
Environmental Office.
As part of the development of
their IWMP the environmental
staff discussed various waste
management options, including
opening a new certified landfill.
Public meetings were held to
gather the community's input. In
the end, when implementing the
IWMP the Blackfeet Nation chose
to construct a transfer station to
collect, process, and haul trash to
a certified offsite landfill.
The IWMP development process
also led to the determination that,
ideally, the Blackfeet Nation's solid
waste program should be carried
out by one full-time, fully funded
employee. However, even without
a full-time employee dedicated to
implementing the IWMP the staff
has been able to become more
organized. These efforts have
allowed staff to respond to calls
and inquiries about waste, ensure
regulatory compliance, and inves-
tigate incidents of illegal dumping
as well as other crimes.
Another outcome from devel-
oping an IWMP has been that
Mr. Wagner is able to more
effectively explain the solid waste
program to tribal members,
especially those who believe that
waste management services
should be free of charge. The
Environmental Office provides
trash containers for a fee to con-
struction sites, people undertak-
ing renovations, special events,
and more. The Environmental
Office also charges fees for
hauling the trash and may have to
raise these fees in the future.
"Many people have the mentality
that they don't have to pay
for government services, and
this myth has to be dispelled,"
explains Mr. Wagner. "The IWMP
helps us do that by letting people
see what they're getting for
their money."
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In addition, the plan has helped bring the Blackfeet Nation closer to having a waste management program
that is sustainable and protects human health and the environment. The goal of the Blackfeet Nation's Envi-
ronmental Office is to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment on its tribal lands through environ-
mental stewardship. This plan is a large part of the Blackfeet Nation's efforts to meet this goal.
The IWMP also has been helpful in meetings with the Blackfeet community and elected officials to demon-
strate what the Environmental Office is doing, future goals, and what resources are needed for managing
wastes on tribal lands. In addition, the IWMP illustrates how every tribal member plays a role in keeping the
Blackfeet Reservation, as well as Big Sky country, clean and safe. "Questions about solid waste need to be
rephrased to ask, 'What are we going to do about the trash problem? What are we going to do about open
dumping?" Mr. Wagner says. "Everyone has to be part of the solution."
For more information on the Blackfeet Nation's activities, contact Gerald Wagner at 406-338-7421 or
gwagner@3rivers.net.
The Integrated Waste Management Plan has helped bring the
Blackfeet Nation closer to having a waste management program
that is sustainable and protects human health and the environment.
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Waste: What it is and Why it Matters
Countless items and materials contribute to the waste stream. These items can be placed into
two categories, based on the nature of the item and disposal requirements. The first category,
general household and commercial waste, typically includes everyday products and items used at
home and in the office. The second category of waste, known as "special waste," includes items
that require special arrangements for disposal. The following provides more information on these
two categories of waste and related sub-categories.
General Household &
Commercial Waste
General household and commer-
cial waste is generated from the
everyday items we use at home
and at work such as food scraps,
newspaper, paper, cardboard
boxes, bottles, cans, and much
more. General household and
commercial waste consists of
the items typically thought of as
"garbage" or "trash."
Many communities and busi-
nesses have created and imple-
mented practices to reduce,
recycle, and better manage
everyday waste. Recycling
programs, where materials like
glass, metal, plastics, and paper
are collected, separated, and sent
to facilities that process them into
new materials or products, have
become more common. In 2006,
more than 8,660 curbside col-
lection programs served roughly
half of the population in the
United States.
However, for many tribal commu-
nities, their geographic location
and rural setting creates addi-
tional challenges for efficiently
managing waste. Being located
far from any municipality or city
can make it difficult to properly
dispose of waste. Part of the
solution could be to partner with
neighboring communities to hold
collection events and include
these waste streams in their Inte-
grated Waste Management Plans.
The best option is, of course, to
generate less waste in the first
place. Common waste prevention
practices include reusing plastic
bottles, bags, containers, and
coffee mugs; substituting paper
with cloth napkins; and purchasing
items that are durable, made from
recyclables, and packaged in
less material.
Special Waste
Waste that requires special
handling or consideration when
being disposed of is often
referred to as "special waste."
This waste is not normally
collected with other solid waste
and requires special planning for
proper disposal. The following
types of waste are included in
this category.
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Partnering with neighboring communities to hold collection events
and build other waste streams into their waste management
systems can prove to be effective and efficient options.
Household
Hazardous Waste
Some products used for
everyday household cleaning
and upkeep contain corrosive,
toxic, ignitable, and/or reactive
ingredients. These products are
considered to be "household
hazardous waste," which can be
harmful to humans and the envi-
ronment if they are not disposed
of properly. Often people do not
realize that leftover household
products, such as oil, batteries,
cleaners, furniture polishes, and
paints, need to be disposed of
in a special manner. Improper
disposal, such as pouring these
wastes down the drain or
dumping them in the backyard,
can lead to explosions, fires, and
contamination of soil and ground
water. Hosting semi-annual or
annual collection events and
partnering with other local com-
munities to combine volume
and reduce hauling costs can
help to effectively manage
household hazardous waste.
Construction and
Demolition Debris
Construction and demolition
(C&D) debris is generated
from a variety of construction
and demolition activities. The
quantity and type of C&D debris
can vary greatly depending
on the type of construction
(e.g., office buildings, recre-
ational facilities, schools, and
residences), and the type of
project (e.g., new construction,
remodeling, renovation, clearing
of land, and road repair). C&D
debris is generally bulky waste
and can include wood, broken
concrete, steel, asphalt, brick,
plaster, wallboard, and piping.
Many components of C&D
debris can be recycled including
asphalt, concrete, wood, metals,
and even "mixed-waste" rubble.
Recycling facilities for these
materials vary by market (check
with your local municipality to
see what items they accept for
recycling). In addition, some
C&D debris may be considered
hazardous waste and should
be separated and disposed of
properly.
Batteries
Batteries of every shape and
size serve as a convenient
power source in everything
from children's toys to
emergency radios, but once
a non-rechargeable battery no
longer produces power, it is
considered a special waste
and requires proper disposal.
Batteries contain heavy
metals such as mercury, lead,
cadmium, and nickel, which can
contaminate the environment.
When burned, these metals
can be released into the air or
can concentrate in the ash. All
batteries can and should be
recycled. The Web site of the
Rechargeable Battery Recycling
Corporation, a nonprofit orga-
nization, can help you find a
nearby battery and cell phone
recycling location by zip code.
Also, be sure to visit Earth 911 's
Web site, www.earth911.org/
consumer/index.php, to locate
one of the more than 50,000
recycling or reuse locations
nationwide.
Tires
Scrap tires from cars, trucks,
and farm equipment, when
improperly disposed, can pose a
threat to human health and the
environment. Placing scrap tires
into a landfill or dumping them
into a large pile creates multiple
threats, such as the potential
for large, difficult-to-extinguish
fires that release smoke and
toxic oils. The shape of tires also
collects and holds rainwater,
creating an ideal habitat for
breeding of mosquitoes and
rodents that can carry diseases.
For more information on
scrap tires and how to recycle
them, visitwww.epa.gov/osw/
conserve/materials/tires/
publications.htm.
Used Oil
Used motor oil is insoluble, slow
to degrade, and can contain
toxic materials. During normal
use, oil can get mixed with dirt,
metals, water, and chemicals,
which is why it needs to be
replaced periodically with
new oil. But when used oil
is disposed of improperly or
dumped illegally, it can pollute
waterways and contaminate
drinking water supplies. Used
motor oil can be recycled, and
many service stations or local
recycling centers have collec-
tions for motor oil recycling.
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Medical Waste
Medical waste is all waste materials generated from health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics,
physicians' offices, dental practices, blood banks, medical research facilities/laboratories, and veterinary
hospitals/clinics. Examples of medical waste from health care facilities include bandages; culture dishes
and other glassware; discarded surgical gloves; discarded surgical instruments; discarded needles used to
give shots or draw blood; cultures, stocks, and swabs used to inoculate cultures; removed body organs; and
discarded lancets.
Medical waste can also be generated in the home, such as needles and syringes used in diabetes care. Medical
waste can be infectious, hazardous, or radioactive, and it is important for this type of medical waste to be
disposed of properly. Visit www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/medical/disposal.htm or www.naepc.com/
announcements/THCbook[1].pdf for safe disposal methods of medical waste.
Other
Additional types of special waste include, but are not limited to, furniture, appliances, automobiles, liquid
waste, asbestos waste, petroleum contaminated soil, and yard and agricultural waste.
Due to the rural locations of some tribal communities, some tribes face unique challenges for managing
waste, particularly special waste. Partnering with neighboring communities to hold collection events and
build other waste streams into their waste management systems can prove to be effective and efficient
options. Also, tribes can explore regional resources at www.epa.gov/epawaste/wycd/tribal/about.htm and
contact their regional coordinators to learn about potential partnership opportunities, established programs in
their area, and available support for establishing waste management systems.
Being aware of the various types of waste is the first step to understanding how to properly dispose of
items once they are no longer needed. Whether at home, at work, or elsewhere in the community, waste
is a complex issue that requires a well-developed management plan for reduction and disposal. Visit
www.epa.gov/epawaste/index.htm for more information.
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Washoe Plan: A Roadmap for
Recycling Success
The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California recently proved that even good recycling and
hazardous waste management plans can be improved through the development of an Integrated
Waste Management Plan (IWMP). After developing an IWMP several years ago, the tribe
improved its recycling program to make it more effective and more accessible to the community.
When the Washoe Tribe began
developing their IWMP in 2002,
they already had recycling and
hazardous waste plans in place.
The next year, the tribe started
developing their IWMP by
collecting data from members
on their daily habits, solid waste
needs, interest in recycling and
composting, and more. Tribal rep-
resentatives gathered this data
by distributing questionnaires
and going door to door to talk to
community members. Approxi-
mately 80 percent of residents
responded to these inquiries.
Then in 2004, a waste stream
analysis (WSA) was conducted
to determine the quantity and
composition of the solid waste
generated within the communi-
ties. The WSA involved hands-on
community waste sorts and was
a collaborative effort between
Douglas County Disposal and the
tribe. The WSA provided significant
data to assist with the IWMP
"This proved to be one of the
most important steps in developing
the IWMP," says Washoe Envi-
ronmental Director Marie Barry.
In 2004, the tribe completed its
IWMP which was then approved
by their tribal council.
The tribe's plan provided several
options for solid waste collection,
including recycling and compost-
ing, and they have implemented
several components of this plan.
Most notably, the tribe started
a curbside recycling program.
This program has been very
successful and has led to a
significant increase in the amount
of material that is recycled
rather than thrown in the trash.
"If resources were available,
we could go from two to three
pickups a week because of all the
material we're collecting," says
Ms. Barry.
This success is largely due to the
fact that the recycling program is
easy for residents to use. Each
participating household receives
three stackable recycling bins,
and the tribe collects plastics,
paper, cardboard, and other
materials twice a week (once
for residents and once for busi-
nesses). The recycling bins were
purchased through a grant from
the Nevada Division of Environ-
mental Protection. Before the
curbside recycling program was
implemented, people had to take
recyclables to dropoff areas once
a week. Curbside pickup has
made recycling much more acces-
sible to the entire tribe, which
10
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1
Photos provided courtesy of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
stretches across three communities in Nevada and one in California. These pickups are supplemented with
community cleanups, where residents bring material to a central location for disposal.
Since implementation of the I WMF? the tribe has learned that outreach is an important part of successful
waste management. The Washoe Environmental Protection Department distributes monthly newsletters and
participates in community and tribal council meetings to inform members about the solid waste program's
activities. Children are also a special focus of the outreach efforts, as children are often eager to learn about
the environment and can educate their parents. Outreach to children is conducted at several places, including
local Head Start facilities and Project Venture outings. The tribe also hosts events throughout the year, such
as Earth Week, which feature waste-related activities.
The tribe's resources are limited, and their greatest challenge remains financial. While residents do not
have to pay for curbside recycling, they do pay for waste removal, so some residents delay disposal of their
trash until community cleanup days. In addition, non-residents are known to come onto tribal lands to dump
garbage illegally. This is becoming increasingly common as more cities and towns grow in size and begin to
encroach on tribal lands. Development of the IWMP also led to implementation of a Washoe Tribe telephone
hotline that residents can call to report illegal dumping.
Despite their limited resources, the Washoe Tribe is continuing to look for ways to make their waste man-
agement program more sustainable. For example, tribal representatives participate in a Nevada Tribal Solid
Waste Group, which meets twice a year and includes representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Indian Health
Services, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Participants are trying to develop a business plan for a sustainable
joint recycling program. The IWMP has also led the tribe to sell scrap metal and participate in automobile
recycling. In addition, the tribe has considered opening their own transfer station, where fees from collected
materials could help fund the solid waste program.
For more information on the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California's activities, contact Marie Barry at
775-265-8682 or marie.barry@washoetribe.us.
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Five Elements for a Successful IWMP
An Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) is a document that outlines how a tribe or village
will reduce, manage, and dispose of its waste. It offers a comprehensive approach for managing
waste, thereby protecting human health and the environment.
Through the preparation of
these plans, a tribe can assess
current and future waste man-
agement needs, set priorities,
and allocate resources accord-
ingly. However, until now, little
information was available on how
to develop an IWMR To assist
tribes, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) Office
of Resource Conservation and
Recovery (formerly the Office
of Solid Waste), along with
several EPA regional offices and
other federal agencies, have
described five elements that
should generally be included in a
tribe's IWMP unless information
is provided that such element(s)
are not appropriate or necessary.
These elements can help a
tribe meet solid waste manage-
ment goals and protect both the
health of tribal members and the
environment.
The five elements described
below represent the basic
items that should be included
in an IWMP However, a plan
may not necessarily need all of
the elements due to the tribe's
particular situation. If the tribe, for
example, has a contract or some
other mechanism in place to
collect, transport, and dispose of
waste, an abbreviated plan would
be considered sufficient.
First, a tribe completing
an IWMP should include a
description of the community
service area. Defining the
current and projected extended
community that may be served by
the plan is important to effectively
address current and future solid
waste needs. This background
information will also be helpful
when preparing later sections of
the IWMP
Information on population
and demographics, including
population projections, should go
into this section. Projections and
related waste generation rates can
be used to estimate the life spans
of available disposal facilities and
predict future needs. The section
should also include information
on households and housing. Data
on the number and location of
households and housing clusters,
for instance, can be used to
predict how fast waste will be
generated, assess proposed alter-
natives, develop fee structures,
and predict revenue.
In addition, community assets,
resources, and the local economy
should be addressed when
describing the community service
area. Such details can be used
to assess community-specific
economic needs and predict
12
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An IWMP should include:
1. Description of the community service area;
2. Description of the tribe's waste management program structure and administration;
3. Description of the tribe's current and proposed waste management practices;
4. Description of the funding, sustainability, and long-term goals of the tribe's waste
management program; and
5. Documentation of approval of the IWMP by appropriate governing body.
the specific needs of factories
and other industrial generators
of waste. The section should
also include climate informa-
tion, as local climate conditions
may determine the feasibility
of waste collection, storage,
transfer, and disposal plans.
Tribes may also want to include
information on geography,
geology, and natural resources.
Geographical features may limit
final disposal options and dictate
specific needs of the solid waste
program. Information about the
geological and engineering prop-
erties of the ground and soil is
particularly important when con-
sidering landfill site selection,
closure of existing dumps, and
economic feasibility studies.
To collect this information,
begin by visiting the U.S.
Census Bureau Web site at
www.census.gov. A tribal, local,
or county housing office might
also provide statistical infor-
mation about the population.
Depending on the size of the
community served, conducting
local surveys can be effective
for gathering details. All sources
should be cited in an IWMR
Second, a tribe's IWMP should
include a description of the
structure and administration of
the solid waste program. These
details will provide a basis for
decisions about long-term man-
agement plans, and will clarify
necessary improvements to
maintain a successful solid waste
program. A description of codes
and ordinances and informa-
tion about related enforcement
policies also are important in
maintaining compliance.
To gather this information for the
IWMR begin by speaking with
other local (tribal and nontribal)
solid waste program managers
to assess the effectiveness of
their organizational structure,
codes and ordinances, and
enforcement strategies already
in use.
Third, an IWMP should
include a description of the
tribe's current and proposed
waste management practices.
The section should be detailed
enough that the strengths and
weaknesses of existing and
proposed practices can be
assessed. The description of
current waste management
practices should address who
is generating the waste; the
amount and composition of
waste generated; estimates
of how much waste will
be generated in the future;
the number of unmanaged
waste sites; how household,
special, and hazardous waste
is collected, transferred, and
disposed; waste reduction
practices; and descriptions of
waste disposal facilities, regional
infrastructure, and current part-
nerships. Presenting the current
practices in detail will clarify
the elements of the existing
program that are successful and
any that should be improved.
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The description of proposed waste management practices should include information about special
considerations, limitations, and inefficiencies of the current program as well as equipment and facility needs.
Furthermore, the description should include a detailed alternatives analysis, with information about the cost
and feasibility of the alternatives considered and details about the proposed waste management and waste
reduction practices, such as information about the collection and disposal of all waste, including special and
hazardous waste. In addition, the description should include language describing potential partnerships,
compliance and enforcement issues, community education efforts, and the tribe's implementation strategy.
Presenting the proposed practices in detail will help define the aspects of the considered alternatives that
are most beneficial to the solid waste program. Also, providing information about proposed partnerships,
enforcement policies, community education, and implementation will show governing bodies and potential
funding sources that the plan is well thought out and likely to succeed.
A tribe could take any of numerous approaches to collect the information to satisfy this element of an IWMR
For example, they might inventory the current waste generators and determine the categories they fit into,
and compile a list of potential future waste generators. This would include residents as well as businesses,
schools, and government facilities. A tribe might further inventory the weight and volume of waste managed
by the system in order to determine values per capita, per industry, and so on. Many states maintain Web
sites that provide waste generation rate data. EPA also has reports and links to state and national data at
www.epa.gov/msw/index.htm.
Fourth, an IWMP should include a description of the funding, sustainability, and long-term goals of a
tribe's solid waste program. This element describes an entity's long-term goals and strategies for financing
and sustaining its waste management program. This section also should show how the waste management
program will effectively serve the community. Full descriptions in this area should show a commitment to
improving services beyond basic compliance.
A tribe could use a variety of methods to collect the recommended information, such as consulting with
other tribal waste management programs for ideas about sustainable funding, and with other programs
serving communities with similar geography and populations for ideas about developing the most effective
fee structure. A tribe should look at a roster of current waste generators to get an idea of how much it might
collect in fees, and should consult information on the number of households served and estimated popula-
tion growth to project estimates of future revenue. EPA provides links to resources used in developing fee
structures at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/payt/top15.htm.
Last, an IWMP should show how and when the plan was approved or acknowledged, and by what
entity. Ideally, approval or acknowledgement would be by Tribal Council Resolution. A tribe should coordinate
with governing agencies that will be affected or involved with solid waste management, and agree on a
format to indicate approval.
Developing and implementing an IWMP requires flexibility and creativity. Be prepared to reevaluate
components of your plan. Also, keep in mind that the ultimate goal of an IWMP is to improve human health
and protect the environment.
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PAPER
1
Goals: The Backbone of Your IWMP
Determining where to begin when developing, implementing, or updating your Integrated Waste
Management Plan (IWMP) can be a challenge. To overcome this challenge, tribes can start by evalu-
ating their current waste management practices and identifying existing or potential problem areas.
This will help during the second step: setting goals for the IWMP and waste management program.
Developing practical and achiev-
able goals is one of the most
critical steps in the process of
creating an IWMR These goals
will serve as the backbone of the
waste management program.
In addition, short-and long-term
goals will guide planning and can
help tribes focus on their priorities.
Goals also provide a target to help
measure progress. For example,
if a tribe sets a goal of reducing
backyard burning, it can measure
its progress by how much
backyard burning decreases.
A tribe's goals should address
the problems or opportunities
within its current waste manage-
ment practices. A good way to
determine goals is for tribes to
list their values and what they
would like to accomplish. In
doing this, tribes should actively
solicit input from members to
better understand the range of
issues that members want to
solve and accomplishments they
want to achieve. While some
goals should address short-term
accomplishments, others should
focus on the long term. Typical
goals include encouraging more
recycling and reuse, reducing the
amount of trash sent to landfills,
partnering with neighboring
communities to save money on
waste management practices,
and discouraging open dumping.
Tribes should develop a goal
statement for each problem and/
or proposed improvement. A goal
statement is a specific description
of what needs to be done. For
example, if the community has a
problem with uncontrolled open
dumping, the goal statement
might be: Control open dumping
to protect human health, the
environment, and tribal resources.
Once the goal statement is
defined, develop actions to
accomplish this goal. To reduce
uncontrolled dumping, an action
might be: Develop and enforce
regulations that prohibit uncon-
trolled open dumping. In this
case, a tribe could evaluate their
progress toward meeting this
goal by measuring the number
of uncontrolled dump sites in the
community from year to year.
Once a tribe determines its goals,
it will have completed an integral
step to developing an IWMR With
clearly defined goals, a tribe can
be sure their IWMP addresses
their priorities and meets the
needs of their community now
and in the future.
IS
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The Perks of a Waste
Management Plan
Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages can receive numerous benefits by developing Integrated Waste
Management Plans (IWMPs). First and foremost, IWMPs can assist tribal communities in solving
their most pressing waste management challenges, such as where to properly dispose of waste,
how to reduce disposal costs, and how to increase recycling. Developing an IWMP also can
help a tribe develop a self-sustaining waste program that is not only environmentally friendly but
also helps pay for itself by selling recyclable materials. While these may be some of the greatest
benefits of an IWMP, there are additional benefits to tribes.
2
1
16
For example, by developing an
IWMP a tribe is better able to
determine and prioritize their
waste management challenges.
The process of creating an IWMP
requires a tribe to evaluate various
social, financial, technical, and
environmental factors and identify
what is most important when
it comes to managing waste,
whether it is saving money, being
more environmentally sustainable,
or moving trash away from homes.
Once a tribe determines its priori-
ties, it is better positioned to figure
out how to spend money and
which programs to implement.
Developing an IWMP also helps to
increase awareness among tribal
community members and leaders
about waste-related issues and
environmental topics. An IWMP
is vastly improved when a tribe
gathers community feedback
during the planning and decision-
making process. In addition, this
is an excellent opportunity to
educate the tribal community
about the importance of reducing,
reusing, and recycling waste (the
3 Rs); the dangers of open dumps;
and proper ways to dispose of
solid and hazardous waste.
In addition to providing an educa-
tional opportunity, public involve-
ment can help increase support
for waste programs. Community
members are more likely to
support and participate in waste
management programs when they
are involved in the planning from
the beginning. This is especially
true when community members
are involved in the decisions
that impact their everyday lives,
such as the frequency of waste
collection and the location of
waste disposal facilities.
Another reason for tribes to
develop an IWMP is that the
process can help them identify
new funding sources. To create an
IWMP tribes should assess their
financial resources to determine
how to pay for new programs.
Through this process, tribes can
discover new ways to obtain
funds, such as grants; or other
ways to generate revenue, such as
selling scrap metal.
These are just a few of the many
benefits of developing an IWMP
Every tribe is unique; therefore,
every IWMP should be developed
to meet the needs of a specific
tribe and its waste management
challenges.
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The TSWAN Template: A Model for
Waste Management Success
According to the Tribal Solid Waste Advisory Network (TSWAN), a nonprofit alliance of tribes that
strives to improve waste management on tribal lands, more than 80 percent of its 29 member
tribes do not have viable Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs). Tribes may not have a
plan or may not have updated their existing plan in recent years. To encourage tribes to develop
and update IWMPs, TSWAN developed an IWMP template.
The Advantage
of IWMPs
The numerous benefits of IWMPs
are highlighted throughout this
publication. In addition to those
previously cited, an IWMP can
help tribes that experience
frequent turnover among
decision-makers. An IWMP can
ensure that a tribe's long-term
priorities and goals are clearly
defined from one decision-maker
to the next. IWMPs can also
help satisfy the growing demand
among many tribes to be more
environmentally friendly.
In addition, some tribal communi-
ties have started to charge a fee
for waste disposal. Implementing
an IWMP can help tribes develop
a systematic approach for deter-
mining these fees.
TSWAN encourages all tribes
to develop IWMPs because
the plans can be so beneficial.
However, TSWAN also recog-
nizes that creating an IWMP can
pose an administrative burden
and that some tribes may be
uncertain about what to include
in their plan. To assist tribes in
overcoming these challenges,
TSWAN developed its own
template of an IWMP
Understanding
theTemplate
The TSWAN template enables the
user to fill in the blanks with infor-
mation pertaining to their unique
situation to create a custom
IWMP While the template may
be used by any tribe, it may not
be perfectly suited for Alaskan
Native Villages because of their
unique circumstances. (For more
information on a template suitable
for native villages in Alaska, see
page 19.)
TSWAN divided the template into
three parts for a phased approach.
The first is a step-by-step guide
for collecting information that
helps to determine what data are
needed for the IWMP The second
part is where the user inserts
information and data. Using the
inserted data, the template helps
generate graphs and charts to aid
the user in determining the best
waste management tools and
protocols for a tribe's situation.
The third part of the template
includes sample language for
a tribe to use to create a draft
document.
!7
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In addition to the three parts, the template includes chapters on brownfields and special wastes, and soon
will include a chapter on construction and demolition debris. While the chapters together create a compre-
hensive document, each chapter in the template can also stand alone. For example, after users fill in the
necessary information for the recycling chapter, they can either use that section as part of a larger IWMP or
make it their tribal recycling plan.
Implementing theTemplate
TSWAN's template is available to all tribes, not justTSWAN members. To date, TSWAN has distributed
the template throughout EPA Regions 4, 9, and 10. Approximately 27 tribes in EPA Region 9 are using the
template. In addition, since 2006, TSWAN has employed a circuit rider who has assisted several tribes, at
no cost, with using the template. A few tribes also have hired their own contractors to help them develop
IWMPs using the template. This method cuts contractor costs significantly because the template reduces
the amount of work that contractors must perform compared to the work necessary to develop an IWMP
from scratch.
Now that the template is successfully being used, TSWAN's future steps include developing a training
package that will help tribes gather data on waste issues and hosting a 3- or 4-day training course for tribal
representatives on developing an IWMPTraining participants will leave the course with a partial draft of an
IWMP to bring back to their tribes for completion.
Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of TSWAN's template may contact Kami Snowden, Executive
Director of TSWAN, at 509-235-6007 or ksnowden@tswan.org. For more information on TSWAN,
visit www.tswan.org.
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New IWMPTool for Alaska Tribes
And Native Villages
In the past, some Alaska tribes and native villages have hired consulting firms to write their Inte-
grated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs). However, many of these consultants do not have the
experience of living in rural areas of Alaska and, therefore, are unfamiliar with the different logisti-
cal, social, cultural, and financial circumstances posed by these remote places. Unfortunately, due
to this lack of knowledge, many tribes have found that the plans developed by consultants did not
address their particular village or community's needs for waste management.
To assist Alaska tribes in writing
an IWMP to address their specific
needs, Zender Environmental
Health Group, a nonprofit organi-
zation, has developed the "Alaska
Tribal Integrated Solid Waste Plan
Template" (www.zendergroup.
org/plan.htm). Zender designed
the template to reduce the need
for assistance from outside
consultants in writing a plan that
contains all of the necessary
elements.
The template is a tool that
encourages community partici-
pation and meets the individual
and cultural needs of a village. It
provides a unique, fill-in format,
with examples that can be
modified or deleted according to
a tribe's particular situation. The
examples provide suggestions
and are focused on reducing the
health and environmental risks
posed by solid waste disposal in
rural Alaska. The template also
includes online references in each
section for additional help and
features auto-numbered contents,
chapters, table headings, and
page numbers for ease of
formatting and navigating.
Tribes and native villages can
use the template to develop a
full IWMP, or they can extract
one or more of the 26 different
tables and multiple sections
to use for assisting in writing
grants, as informational tools
during community meetings, as
operational checklists, or toward
specific project planning tasks.
Filling out the template assists
tribes in describing their cultural
history, current solid waste
management practices, and how
those practices could be more
effective and efficient. Several
of the tables in the template can
help users prioritize their solid
waste management activities
based on select factors, such
as traditional values, protec-
tion of subsistence resources,
community health, and creation of
jobs. These tables enable users to
present alternatives to their Tribal
Council or community members.
The most widely used sections
of the template are the special
waste tables, which were
developed based on techniques
used by commercial solid waste
*/T»
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Photos courtesy of Zender Environmental Health Group.
engineers and scientists. These tables (available in Microsoft Word® or automated in Microsoft Excel®) take
advantage of each tribe or native village's knowledge of their own communities. The user simply plugs in the
number of households in the tribe along with a few other items, and the tables then calculate the total annual
weight of special waste that may be generated by the tribe, such as waste from used vehicles, computers,
etc. The resulting numbers are more accurate than a standard waste characterization and estimates from
textbooks and other studies. Using the tables to develop these estimates provides Alaska tribes and native
villages with a critical tool to address their unique waste management issues.
After tribes and native villages have used the tables to generate waste estimates, they can use the numbers
to begin planning for recycling equipment, community participation in recycling programs, and the purchase
of hazardous waste storage sheds. Tribes and native villages also can use the tables to plan for "haul-back"
operations because barge and plane companies often have minimum weight requirements. In addition, some
small plane companies may have maximum weight limits for free haul service. Furthermore, they can also
calculate the number of storage containers needed to house waste using the data generated by the tables.
By providing annual waste generation numbers and weights, these tables allow for the development of a
more comprehensive solid waste program.
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General Waste Management
Information
To learn more about the tools and programs currently available to help reduce waste and develop
successful Integrated Waste Management Plans, visit some of the following Web sites.
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA),
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(OSWER),Tribal Programs
OSWER created this Web site
to improve outreach, consulta-
tion, and communication efforts
with tribes by providing relevant
information about EPA's tribal
programs and current efforts.
This site features links to informa-
tion on various topics, including
tribal initiatives, publications, laws
and regulations, and events and
important dates.
www.epa.gov/oswer/tribal
Cornell Waste Management
Institute (CWMI)
CWMI serves the public through
research, outreach, training, and
technical assistance programs
in solid waste disposal, manage-
ment, and planning. This Web site
provides information on CWMI's
activities, electronic access to its
library, and online files of waste
management publications.
http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu
Council of Energy
Resource Tribes (CERT)
Environmental Program
CERT a nonprofit, multi-tribal
organization, has undertaken
environmental protection services
that include environmental audits
and needs assessments and
technical assistance in the devel-
opment of environmental quality
control systems and solid and
hazardous waste management
systems.
www.certredearth.com
Earth 911
This Web site provides local
listings of recycling options for
various items by state, city, or zip
code. The site also provides infor-
mation on product stewardship,
green shopping, and activities for
students and teachers. The same
service is available by phone at
1-800-CLEANUR
www.earth911.org
EPA Tribal Solid Waste
Management Program
This page provides links to more
in-depth information on EPA's
waste-related programs in Indian
Country.
www. epa. gov/epawa ste/wycd/
tribal/index.htm
21
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EPAWasteWise Program
WasteWise is a voluntary
partnership that allows organiza-
tions to create their own waste
reduction programs. This Web
site provides detailed informa-
tion on WasteWise, including
case studies and publications,
and a registration form to get
started.
www.epa.gov/wastewise
The Institute for
Tribal Environmental
Professionals (ITEP)
ITEP provides assistance to
tribes in promoting effective
environmental resource
management. This Web
site includes information on
education, training, information
services, intergovernmental
relations, and environmental
program development.
www4.nau.edu/itep
Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
This national, nonprofit, public
education organization is
dedicated to preserving the
natural beauty and environment
in American communities and
improving waste handling
practices at the community
level. This Web site contains
the organization's calendar
of events, links to member
community home pages, and
other resources on waste
management.
National Safety
Council, Safety and
Health Policy Center
This site from the National
Safety Council promotes envi-
ronmental health and safety
through programs focused
on several topics, including
air quality, sun safety, lead
poisoning, hazardous chemicals,
and solid waste. The solid waste
portion of the site contains a
link to the Electronic Product
Recovery and Recycling Project
and transcripts of broad-
casts of the radio program
Environ Minute that focused on
solid waste issues.
www.nsc.org
NationalTribal
Environmental Council
(NTEC)
NTEC is a membership group of
tribes and Alaska Native Villages
dedicated to the protection and
preservation of tribal land. NTEC
services include solid waste
program mentors, environmen-
tal technical support, workshops
on environmental issues,
intergovernmental coopera-
tion, a resource clearinghouse,
newsletters, updates, and
federal regulatory and legislative
summaries.
www.ntec.org
Solid Waste Alaska Network
While this organization's efforts
focus on Alaska, its Web site
provides numerous tools and
fact sheets that may be useful
to all tribes.
www. ccth ita-swa n. org
Solid Waste Association of
North America (SWANA)
SWANA is a membership
organization that encourages
environmentally and economi-
cally sound solid waste man-
agement practices. This site
provides information on SWANA
conferences, publications, and
local chapters. It also features an
electronic bulletin board, recent
solid waste news, and informa-
tion on training and certification.
www.swana.org
Tribal Solid Waste Advisory
Network (TSWAN)
TSWAN, made up of 14 federally
recognized tribes throughout
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington, shares technical
expertise, information, and
opportunities regarding solid
waste management policies and
principles.
www.tswan.org
www.kab.org
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Tips for Funding an Integrated Waste
Management Plan
Long-term funding is vital to the development and implementation of a sustainable Integrated
Waste Management Plan (IWMP). Detailed planning can assist tribes in determining the amount
of funds needed to implement a sustainable waste management program. Below are some tips
on how to fund the development and implementation of an IWMP
Outline and estimate major
program costs. Costs associated
with managing solid waste
include:
• Program planning
• Facility design and construction
• Equipment purchases
• Cleanup
• Operation and maintenance
• Personnel training and
administration
• Landfill closure and
post-closure care
• Supplies
Identify sources of funding.
Tribes may want to apply for both
internal and external funding.
• Internal funding sources could
include allocations from the
tribe's general fund, user
fees for solid waste services,
revenue from the sale of recy-
clable materials, and tipping
fees for accepting waste at a
transfer station or landfill.
• External funding sources
could include state financial
assistance, federal grants and
loans, and funds from private
and nonprofit organizations.
Remember that most grant
funds and loans are intended
as start-up funds for waste
management programs, not
to sustain long-term programs
and facility operation and
maintenance.
• To help identify these opportu-
nities, review announcements
from federal agencies, conduct
Internet searches, and talk to
other tribes and regional rep-
resentatives from government
agencies.
Build relationships. Share
information with neighboring
governments and tribes through
informal conversation or network-
ing at conferences and meetings.
Sharing information as well as
past experiences can be mutually
beneficial. In addition, speak with
regional representatives from
EPA and other federal agencies.
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Agency representatives may be able to assist you with the application process and ensure that all paperwork
is completed properly. They also can provide feedback and other pertinent information on grant applications
that were not selected for funding.
Leverage non-monetary assets. In addition to applying for funding, look for opportunities to share
resources. Sharing resources can help strengthen your solid waste management program. Partner with
neighboring tribes and villages, local governments, or businesses, and share resources such as information,
equipment, labor, materials, services, or facilities.
Break larger projects into smaller phases. Some tribes have found that there is a greater chance of
receiving grants by breaking big projects into discrete portions and seeking funds for the individual parts. For
example, obtaining $75,000 for a portion of a project, such as purchasing a collection truck, may be easier to
access than $600,000 for an entire project.
Be persistent. Attempts to secure funding may not always be successful at first. Follow up on any unsuc-
cessful applications to find out how to improve them for the next time. Make revisions based on the
feedback and resubmit the applications at the next funding opportunity.
Ask for assistance. Applications for funding are often lengthy and complex. Follow instructions carefully, but
never hesitate to ask questions about information that is unclear. Agency and regional representatives can
help make sure applications are properly completed.
Plan for the future. When requesting financial assistance after an IWMP is in place, it is recommended
that you state that you have a plan in place. It is important to present descriptions of specific grant and tribal
funds that will sustain the program and describe how the financial plan will overcome deficiencies. Also,
include cost estimates and projected revenue based on population and waste generation rate projections.
Ultimately, the tribe should be able to sustain the operation and maintenance once grant funding is spent.
Securing funding for the initial and long-term success of an IWMP requires planning and persistent efforts.
By keeping these tips in mind, tribes will be better prepared to find and secure the necessary support.
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Funding Opportunities for Integrated
Waste Management Plans
The following list describes funding opportunities provided by various government agencies and
other organizations in support of tribal environmental programs.
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
Indian Environmental General
Assistance Grant Program
The General Assistance Program
can fund solid waste imple-
mentation projects, including
projects to characterize and
close open dumps, purchase
equipment, and pilot solid waste
collection programs.
www.epa.gov/indian/gap.htm
Tribal Solid Waste
Management Assistance
Project (TSWMAP)
TheTSWMAP is an interagency
program that funds projects that
support the development and
strengthening of tribal or coop-
erative multi-tribal solid waste
management programs. The
agencies involved in this effort
include EPA; the U.S. Department
of the Interior, Bureau of Indian
Affairs; the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services,
Indian Health Service; the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Rural
Development; and the U.S.
Department of Defense. Eligible
entities may apply for funding
under one of four categories:
(1) proposals to characterize/
assess open dumps; (2) proposals
to develop integrated solid
waste management plans and
tribal codes and regulations;
(3) proposals to develop and
implement alternative solid waste
management activities/facilities
(including equipment acquisition);
and (4) proposals to develop and
implement cleanup, closure, and
post closure programs for open
dumps in Indian Country.
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/
tribal/finance.htm
Region 9 Resource
Conservation Funds Program
Funds through this program are
available to federally recognized
tribes in the Region 9 geographic
area, and can support devel-
opment of Integrated Waste
Management Plans and solid
waste codes, waste reduction
plans, community outreach
and education programs, dump
characterizations, waste manage-
ment feasibility studies, and pilot
projects to develop sustainable
integrated waste management
programs, including recycling and
composting projects.
www.epa.gov/region09/funding/
tribal-solid-waste.html
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Hazardous Waste Grant
Program for Tribes
The Hazardous Waste Grant
Program for Tribes provides
grants for integrated hazardous
waste management practices
that are protective of human
health and the environment.
Funding supports building tribal
capacity for developing and
implementing hazardous waste
activities; developing tribal
organizational infrastructure;
achieving economic sustain-
ability of tribal hazardous waste
programs; and building partner-
ships among tribes, federal
agencies, states, and local com-
munities.
www.epa. gov/epawaste/wycd/
tribal/finance. htm#hazard
American Indian Tribal
Portal—Grants and Funding
This EPA Web site provides links
to tribal grant resources and
is intended to help tribes and
individuals to find information on
all topics in one location. It also
includes links to EPA and federal
grant resources, regulations, and
policies that are helpful for the
tribal grant program applicant.
www.epa.gov/tribalportal/
grantsandfunding/index.htm
U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services,
Administration for Native
Americans
Environmental Regulatory
Enhancement Grant Program
This program provides financial
assistance for tribes in planning,
developing, and implementing
projects that are designed
to improve their capacity
to regulate environmental
activities.
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/
ana/programs/program_
information.html
U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Indian
Health Service (IHS)
Tribal Management
Grant Program
Grants from this program assist
federally recognized tribes and
tribally sanctioned organizations.
www.ihs.gov/nonmedical
programs/tmg/index.asp
U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Rural
Development
Rural Development, Water
and Environmental Programs
This program provides loans,
grants, and loan guarantees for
drinking water, sanitary sewer,
solid waste, and storm drainage
facilities in rural areas and cities
and towns of 10,000 or fewer
people. Federally recognized
tribes may qualify for assistance
for grants or loans to construct,
enlarge, extend, or improve rural
water, sanitary sewage, solid
waste disposal, and storm water
disposal facilities.
www. u s da. g ov/ru s/wa te r/
index.htm
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Community Development
Block Grants
This flexible program provides
funding for a variety of
community development
projects. Several tribes have
used these grants to fund solid
waste management projects or
programs that improve housing
developments. Funds are
specifically set aside for Indian
Community Development Block
Grants.
www. h u d. g ov/off i ce s/cp d/
communitydevelopment/
programs/index.cfm
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Today's Kids, Tomorrow's Recyclers
The average person in the United States creates approximately 4.6 pounds of waste per day,
according to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One way to reduce the
amount of trash we produce is to teach the next generation about ways they can produce less
garbage and reduce, reuse, and recycle (the 3 Rs).
Tips for Getting Kids Involved
in Reducing, Reusing, and
Recycling
Teach by example.
Kids learn a lot by observing
their parents. If kids see that
their parents recycle, they may
be more inclined to do so them-
selves. For instance, you can
set up recycling bins at home
and explain how to use them.
Then have all of the adults in
the household recycle! Kids will
quickly learn to identify items that
can be recycled and in which bins
the recyclable items should go.
Explain why it's important
Make sure kids have an under-
standing of how their actions
impact the environment. This
will help them understand why
recycling is important.
Be creative.
Develop creative ways to reach
kids with messages about
recycling. Create a poem or song
about recycling, or hang pictures
of recyclable items by trash cans.
Use the Internet (and other
educational resources).
Many agencies and companies
have created educational
resources such as games, videos,
Web sites, activities, and lesson
plans to help teach children about
recycling. These resources are
geared toward children and most
are available at no cost.
Create recycling activities.
Participate in hands-on activities
to help teach kids to recycle. For
example, organize a community
activity, such as a nature walk,
and pick up trash along the way.
Let kids identify which items can
be recycled and which cannot.
27
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Produce Less Waste: Practice the 3 Rs With Your Kids
We can throw away less stuff if we purchase long-lasting, durable goods and seek
products and packaging that are as free of toxins as possible.
nSUSS We can use products, such as bottles, bags, and boxes, multiple times. Repair
items when possible, donate items to charity, or sell them to someone who can
use them.
R6Cycl6 We can turn items that would be waste into valuable resources by recycling
materials like glass, metal, plastics, and paper. Recycling facilities can process
them into new materials and products.
Educational
Resources For Kids
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Environmental Kids Club
www.epa.gov/kids
Planet Protectors Club
www.epa.gov/osw/education/
kids/planetprotectors/index.htm
Recycle City
www.epa.gov/recyclecity
Science Fair Fun: Designing
Environmental Science
Projects
www.epa.gov/enviroed/pdf/
sciencefair.pdf
Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Clean Sweep U.S.A
www.cleansweepusa.org
Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources
EEK! Environmental
Education for Kids
www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/
ce/eek/earth/recycle/index.htm
Waste Reduction: Thinking
More About Less
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/
wm/publications/recycle
/publce-219-03.pdf
Humboldt State University,
The Center for Indian
Community Development
Environmental Protection
Native American Lands:
A Cultural Approach to
Integrated Environmental
Studies. Grades 1-12, Second
Edition (Curriculum)
Phone:707-826-3711
The Association of
Postconsumer Plastic
Recyclers
Kids Recycling Zone
www.kidsrecyclingzone.com
Student Center
www.epa.gov/students/
waste.htm
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To be placed on our mailing
list or to submit future topics,
please e-mail:
Kim Katonica-Mule
U.S. EPA Tribal Solid Waste Program
katonica.kim@epamail.epa.gov
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vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
SolidWaste and Emergency Response (5306W)
EPA530-N-09-002
www.epa.gov/tribalmsw
September 2009
using vegetable-based inks.
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