Business Details
33 Years
experience
Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District | Sustainable Waste Solutions
Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) has been a leader in sustainable waste management since 1993, serving South Central Missouri. Our mission focuses on reducing waste through community grants, comprehensive recycling programs, and educational initiatives tailored to schools and local populations. Governed by a council of elected officials, we implement strategies to achieve a 40% waste reduction goal across seven counties. Our programs include household hazardous waste collection, special recycling events for electronics and tires, and environmental education campaigns.We collaborate with local governments and organizations to combat illegal dumping, operating under Senate Bill 530 compliance standards. Through annual Earth Day contests and partnerships with regional planning commissions, we prioritize community engagement and environmental stewardship. Our executive board and advisory committees ensure balanced stakeholder representation in decision-making processes.
Services
Waste Management
Recycling Programs
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Environmental Education
Special Collection Events
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in solid waste management since 1993
- Our programs operate under Missouri's Senate Bill 530 compliance standards
- We provide free community educational programs for all age groups
- Our executive board includes local elected officials and industry representatives
- We maintain partnerships with Meramec Regional Planning Commission and state agencies
What people say
Excellent education programs
Helpful recycling events
Effective waste reduction
Engaging contests
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Waste Management
Comprehensive solid waste management covering seven Missouri counties. Our programs ensure proper disposal of household and special waste materials through regulated collection systems. We implement strategies to achieve a 40% waste reduction goal mandated by state law while maintaining environmental safety standards.
Recycling Programs
Specialized recycling initiatives for electronics, appliances, and tires at designated collection events. Our programs facilitate free recycling of most household electronics while charging nominal fees for larger items. Contractors process collected materials according to environmental regulations to maximize resource recovery.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Household hazardous waste collection centers for toxic, flammable, and reactive materials. We provide safe disposal options for chemicals, batteries, and electronic waste through authorized treatment facilities. Our free appointment-based service ensures proper handling of materials that could endanger public health and environmental safety.
Environmental Education
Interactive educational initiatives targeting preschool through secondary students. Our programs combine entertainment with environmental awareness through puppetry, music, and hands-on art projects. Annual Earth Day contests encourage creative expression while promoting waste reduction strategies and sustainable practices in classrooms across the district.
Special Collection Events
Yearly organized events for collecting electronic waste, appliances, and tires across seven counties. These one-day collection drives accept residential items from district households, with trained staff handling material unloading and processing. Most items are recycled free of charge while specific electronics and tires require modest processing fees.
People
Gary Larson
Chairperson
Elected official with extensive experience in local governance and environmental policy. Provides strategic leadership to ORSWMD's executive board while representing Dent County interests.
Kathryn Hawes
Illegal Dumping Coordinator
Manages the district's illegal dumping prevention programs and cleanup initiatives. Coordinates volunteer efforts and partners with state parks to maintain clean community environments.
James Fleming
Vice-Chairperson
Experienced public servant overseeing program implementation and budgetary matters on the executive council. Represents Phelps County interests in waste management decision-making.
Questions
Where can I dispose of household hazardous waste?
Schedule appointments at Rolla Environmental Services (573-364-6693) or St. Robert Transfer Station (573-336-5155) for free hazardous waste disposal.
When are special collection events held?
Three to five annual events in various counties. Check our calendar for specific dates and locations in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties.
What can I recycle at collection events?
Electronics (TVs, computers, printers), appliances (stoves, washers), and tires. Most items accepted free with nominal fees for specific electronics and different tire types.
How can students participate in environmental programs?
Join the annual Earth Day Poster/Trash Art Contest for grades K-12. Schools can schedule educational programs featuring Peanut the Turtle or Edutainer performances.