"I challenge all of Ohio’s residents, communities and businesses to increase recycling efforts so our state can become a leader in practices that reduce our reliance on landfills when managing solid waste," said Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Chris Korleski.

The plan, developed by Ohio EPA and the state Solid Waste Management Advisory Council, focuses on improving community-based recycling programs. Another segment of the plan has the state EPA streamlining rules to permit and operate waste-to-energy facilities and looking for new ways to capture landfill methane.

Current state goals set a statewide recycling goal of 50%; state EPA reports state the highest rate achieved was 45% in 2002.

The new plan is available by contacting the Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management at 614-644-2621.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Amanda Smith-Teutsch at 330-865-6166 or asmith-teutsch@crain.com