WI Takes Step to Stop Cross-Border Garbage
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Madison, WI - Some things are better left in Illinois and Minnesota, such as garbage. Each month, those states export tons of garbage to Wisconsin landfills because tipping fees here are lower than neighboring states. But, the powerful Joint Finance Committee has voted to increase those rates, aimed at stopping trash imports and using some of the revenue to support local recycling projects.
Environmentalists, including Ann Sayers, program director for the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, support the move.
"Places like Illinois and Minnesota have done the math and figured out that, even with gas prices, it's cheaper to run their garbage over the border and dump it into our landfills."
Leaving the fees below our neighbor's rates carries a big cost, says Sayers.
"New landfills. We'll have to pay for the cleanup that comes from the inevitable leachate or the polluted water that runs out of our landfills."
One of the key features of the measure, adds Sayers, is where part of the proposed increased fees would end up in local Wisconsin communities.
"This not only would deter out-of-state waste, but it also would support Wisconsin's recycling program."
Supporters hail the measure because it helps direct an additional $1 million, for a total of $32.5 million in funds back to local recycling programs, which are often run by local government. Tipping fees also help to fund Wisconsin's renewable energy programs. Those opposed to the increase say it would hurt Wisconsin businesses, because they would have to pay the higher fee as well. The proposal still needs to be approved by the full legislature and the governor.
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