WHEREAS:

One third of the nation's landfills will be full by 1993, with other landfills closing because they do not meet federal and state standards; and

WHEREAS:

The amount of solid waste generated by Americans is expected each year; and

WHEREAS:

Diminishing landfill capacity is resulting in higher costs of solid waste disposal which could reduce the amount of resources available for other public services, with potentially negative consequences for AFSCME members; and

WHEREAS:

There are solid waste reduction and disposal techniques which can offset the shortage of landfill capacity.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME take an active role in developing an integrated approach to resolving the solid waste crisis giving first priority to waste reduction and recycling, followed by incineration and landfilling as fiscally and environmentally appropriate; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME seek to insure that federal, state, and local government legislation, regulations, and plans address health and safety concerns associated with the collection and disposal of solid waste; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will oppose all attempts by state and local governments to use the solid waste crisis as an excuse to transfer public sector responsibilities for waste disposal into the private sector through "contracting out "; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International Union, councils, locals and members participate in recycling programs in their communities and offices and assist the creation of markets for the materials recovered by these programs by purchasing paper and other products made with recycled materials.

SUBMITTED BY:

James Sutton, President
Leonard Tilghman, Secretary-Treasurer
AFSCME Council 33
Philadelphia, PA