Laura J. Weber Solid Waste Project Manager St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

Laura J. Weber Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country  SRMT History  Moving from Yesterday to Today  Education  Keys for Developing Prevention & Outreach Strategies

Laura J. Weber  No solid waste program in place prior to 1995  1995 solid waste feasibility study established that:  60% of residents & 37 % of businesses used either open dumping or burning  SRMT begins executing their solid waste management program in 1998  2009 survey showed that:  19.8% of residents & 12% of businesses used either open dumping or burning Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

Laura J. Weber Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country Current Program Defined by Goals 1995

Laura J. Weber  Goals – vision for where you want to go  i.e. from open dumping to using a transfer station  Objectives – provide a roadmap to achieve your vision (how are you going to get there?)  SMART Principle: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timeline  Monitor to gain measurable results  Infrastructure & Policies – nuts and bolts that allow you to achieve your objectives  Infrastructure – buildings & equipment  Policies – SW management plans, regulations, business plans, personal policies, etc  Other important considerations: financial health, community education, staff Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

Laura J. Weber Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country Mission: To promote environmental protection through the use of sound solid waste management practices while contributing to the economic and social progress of the community.

Laura J. Weber Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Cartoon Characters – Kwis & Diio

Laura J. Weber Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country Purpose: Motivate people to respect themselves, the community, & environment. Idea: Respect leads people to take ownership for the overall well-being of their community creating changes in behaviors. Answer: Respect, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Laura J. Weber Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

Laura J. Weber  Know your community and view them as partners in making a difference  Understand your current situation and how you got there  Set your vision for the future and use the SMART principle to develop your objectives to get you there  Remember your image – just because you work in garbage doesn’t mean you have to look, act, or talk like you do  Educate, Educate, Educate  Don’t give up, enjoy the ride, and have fun Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country

Laura J. Weber Addressing & Managing Illegal Dumps in Indian Country Laura J. Weber Solid Waste Project Manager St. Regis Mohawk Tribe M-F, 6:30 AM -2:30 PM EST