| The City of Springfield is committed to identifying
and developing markets for the recyclables collected in the
area.
Local markets are the ideal situation for closing the recycling
loop. Recyclables, like raw materials, are a valuable resource
that can benefit our local economy. Local markets eliminate
the need to transport the recyclables long distances. Transportation
is costly and has a negating effect on the environmental benefit
of recycling due to the burning of fossil fuels and the pollutant
emissions that would come from the transport trucks. Developing
local markets also means jobs for the residents of Springfield
and the surrounding area. If local markets are not available
for Springfield’s recyclables, a viable market elsewhere
is sought.
City efforts to identify and develop local markets
for recyclables include:
• Supply development – increasing the quantity,
quality, and variety of items recycled in order to provide
a reliable, high quality supply for existing and potential
markets. City staff, along with staff representing Waste District
O (a 5 county area in southwest Missouri), work to position
the region as a dependable, high-volume source of quality
raw materials.
• Materials exchange – facilitating dialog between
manufacturers or businesses that generate recyclable materials
as by-products and those that can use these materials in their
production process.
• Working with the City’s Economic Development
staff and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce to target
and encourage businesses that utilize recyclables in their
production to relocate or expand their operations in Springfield.
• Assisting in pilot programs and procurement of grants
to broaden and test emerging process technology that utilizes
recyclables.
If you are seeking recycled materials for your production
process or if you are producing a recyclable waste item, please
call the Recycling Hotline at 864-1904. We will attempt to
network you with a source or market. We do not make referrals,
but we do maintain an information bank. We also offer waste
reduction consulting services to assist you in identifying
recyclables and reducing your solid waste as well as assistance
in initiating a recycling program for your business or organization.
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Market Development