§ 8-6-602 - Legislative findings and intent -- Duties of department -- Construction. - Arkansas Statutes

8-6-602. Legislative findings and intent -- Duties of department -- Construction.

(a) The General Assembly finds that the solid waste needs of the state are not being met in an efficient, cost-efficient, and environmentally sound manner. The current reliance upon localized landfills is threatening to add Arkansas to those states experiencing solid waste management crises.

(b) The General Assembly concludes that, to the extent practicable, regional solid waste management systems should be developed which address solid waste needs in the context of cooperation and shared resources.

(c) The General Assembly finds that recycling glass, plastic, cans, paper, and other materials will reduce the state's reliance upon landfills, curb littering, and abate the environmental risks caused by current solid waste practices. The General Assembly therefore mandates that recycling shall be integrated as a component of any solid waste management plan required pursuant to the Arkansas Solid Waste Management Act, 8-6-201 et seq., and that said recycling plans shall be implemented in accordance with the terms of this subchapter.

(d) The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission are charged with the duty to promulgate and implement policies, regulations, and procedures for administering the terms of this subchapter, including a grant program to develop solid waste management plans, programs, and facilities which stress recycling.

(e) The terms and obligations of this subchapter shall be liberally construed so as to achieve remedial intent.