Help Missouri Set a New 75% Waste Diversion Goal

Expanding Our Economy

Strengthening Our Communities

Improving Our Environment

Missouri’s current waste diversion goal of 40% was set in 1990 — and achieved in 2009.

Now it’s time to build on that success.

MORA is working to update Missouri’s diversion goal to 75%. Passing new legislation won’t be easy, but together we can help move Missouri forward.

Below are simple facts and talking points you can use to help spread the word.

Why 75%?

Missouri Has Already Proven It Works

• The 40% diversion goal drove measurable progress statewide.

• Successes are documented in Recycling in Missouri: A 2013 Progress Report.

• An estimated 48% of recoverable materials are still going to Missouri landfills.

We have already shown we can succeed — and we have room to grow.

Recycling Strengthens Missouri’s Economy

• A 2010 Missouri Green Jobs Report states:
  “The conversion, distribution, and sale of recycled raw materials create jobs integral to the green economy.”

• Landfilling recyclable materials means:

  • Lost jobs

  • Lost economic growth

  • Lost manufacturing opportunities

• Manufacturing with recycled materials reduces the cost and difficulty of obtaining virgin raw materials.

A 75% diversion goal supports market development and keeps valuable materials working in Missouri’s economy.

Diversion Saves Energy & Natural Resources

Recycling and reuse:

• Conserve energy

• Reduce reliance on virgin materials

• Keep resources circulating in the economic loop

Waste diversion is foundational to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. To stay competitive and attract businesses, Missouri must continue expanding infrastructure to recover:

• Fiber

• Food waste

• Plastics

• Electronics

• Construction & demolition materials

Food Waste Is a Major Opportunity

• 35 million tons of food are wasted annually in the U.S.

• A higher diversion goal helps expand infrastructure to:

  • Redirect edible food to people in need

  • Convert inedible food to animal feed

  • Produce compost or biofuel

Food recovery strengthens communities while reducing landfill waste.

Diversion Creates Jobs

A 2001 Tellus Institute report found that:

Increasing the national waste diversion rate to 75% could create 1.5 million additional jobs by 2030.

Missouri can be part of that growth.

What You Can Do

Increase recycling efforts at:

• Home

• Schools and universities

• Businesses

• Government facilities

Use MORA Resources

Visit our new website for updated information on:

• How to recycle

• Where to recycle

• Accepted materials

MORA will continue to:

• Advocate for smart recycling policies

• Support program development

• Share resources

• Track and report Missouri’s recycling impacts

Join the Movement

Setting a 75% diversion goal is about more than waste — it’s about Missouri’s economic strength, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

Help us move Missouri forward.