KRS 224.43-010: Policy and purpose -- Priorities for solid waste management practices --

Findings relating to solid waste management plans.

(1) It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Commonwealth and the purpose of this

chapter to provide for the managemen t of solid waste, including reduction,

collection, transportation, and disposal in a manner that will protect the public

health and welfare, prevent the spread of disease and creation of nuisances,

conserve our natural resources, and enhance the beauty and quality of our

environment.

(2) It is the policy of the Commonwealth to limit and reduce the amount of solid waste

disposed in municipal solid waste disposal facilities in the Commonwealth through

reduction in the amount of waste generated, reuse of solid waste, waste recycling or

yard waste composting, and resource recovery, and to encourage a regional

approach to solid waste management.

(3) It is the policy of the Commonwealth that municipal solid waste disposal facilities

that ceased accepting waste bef ore July 1, 1992, undergo proper closure,

characterization, and corrective action.

(4) It is the policy of the Commonwealth that a comprehensive and integrated waste

management system to handle solid waste is to be fostered. State policies and

funding assi stance shall reflect a preference for projects and practices consistent

with the policies and goals established by this section and the following:

(a) Education of the citizens of the Commonwealth regarding proper disposal of

waste;

(b) Collection and proper disposal of all of solid waste for proper management;

(c) Elimination of illegal dumps throughout the Commonwealth; and

(d) Abatement of litter on state and county rights-of-way.

(5) It is the policy of the Commonwealth that existing illegal open dumps be eliminated

and that new open dumps be prevented.

(6) The General Assembly finds that counties and waste management districts, when

enabled by complete and accurate information relating to the municipal solid waste

collection and management practices wit hin the solid waste management area, are

in the best position to make plans for municipal solid waste collection services for

its citizens. The General Assembly also finds that assistance from the cabinet,

combined with state financial incentives, can aid counties and waste management

districts with implementing solid waste management plans.

(7) The General Assembly finds that the goal of reducing the amount of solid waste

disposed of in municipal solid waste disposal facilities cannot be achieved without

first identifying the amount of municipal solid waste generated statewide per capita,

including the waste now disposed of in open dumps, and providing incentives for

the elimination of existing open dumps and the prevention of new open dumps.