Missouri State Fair Institutes Recycling Program

The Missouri State Fair is decreasing the total waste generated during this year’s 11-day event by placing 50 bins designated for recycling throughout the fairgrounds. The bins will be placed next to the regular trash receptacles and will be used to recycle aluminum and plastic beverage containers.

“This is the first program of its kind that the Fair has been involved in,” said Missouri State Fair Director Marion Lucas. “We want to make the 2008 Fair a great place for family fun, while doing what we can to help protect the environment.”

While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the national goal for recycling at 35%, the state of Missouri has aimed higher with a goal of 40%. Since 2001, the state has continually exceeded the goal that was established in 1990 by Senate Bill 530. In 2006, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources reported that Missourians recycled or composted nearly 44% of all waste within the state.

Lucas said that in support of Missouri’s impressive recycling rates, the Missouri State Fair wants to work to push those numbers even higher.

“We understand how important recycling is to Missouri and its future,” said Lucas, “that is why we have teamed-up with such great sponsors to ensure this program is successful.”

Lucas said that the recycling bins are being donated by Anheuser-Busch Recycling/County Distributing Co., Inc. Additional support for the program is being provided by Johnson County Sheltered Workshop, Midwest Assistance Program and the State of Missouri Office of Administration. Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission/Region F Solid Waste Management District has donated $1,000 to cover the expense of labor associated with the recycling campaign.

Visitors to the Fair this year are encouraged to look for the red bins throughout the fairgrounds. The recycling containers will be in place during the Fair, which is August 7 to 17 in Sedalia. For more information please contact the Missouri State Fair at 660-827-8150.