The protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this state and the protection of the environment require the safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste. An effective and efficient solid waste disposal program protects the environment and the public, and provides the most practical and beneficial use of the material and energy values of solid waste. While recognizing the continuing necessity for the existence of landfills, alternative methods of managing solid waste and the reduction in the reliance upon land disposal of solid waste are encouraged. To promote these goals, the following solid waste management hierarchy, in descending order of preference, is established as the solid waste management policy of the state:

(1) Volume reduction at the source.

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(2) Recycling and reuse.

(3) Use for energy production, if appropriate.

(4) Disposal in landfills or combustion for volume reduction.

In the implementation of this solid waste management policy, the state shall establish and maintain a cooperative state and local program of project planning, and technical and financial assistance to encourage comprehensive solid waste management.

Source: SL 1989, ch 306, § 3.