Agren Projects

Hazardous Materials Outreach

The Challenge:

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) identified a need for technical assistance to help Regional Collection Centers (RCCs) more effectively target outreach on proper handling of hazardous materials and solid waste to Iowa's rural and farm families. RCCs were doing a good job of educating urban residents about proper disposal of hazardous materials, but there seemed to be a void when educating rural residents.

Agren's Solution:

In response to this need, IDNR contracted with us and Prairie Solid Waste Agency to develop outreach methods that would help Iowa's RCC and landfill associations educate rural Iowans on proper disposal and handling of hazardous materials and solid waste. We began this 12-month project by forming an advisory committee comprised of professionals in the solid waste, public health and environmental fields. Their purpose was to guide and evaluate the project. We facilitated two advisory committee meetings and e-mailed periodic updates during the year.

The bulk of the actual outreach was conducted by three part-time summer interns, who were recruited and hired by Agren. We supervised their activities throughout the summer, assisting with materials development, meeting planning, publicity and promotion.

As the project neared completion, we developed a comprehensive toolkit that was distributed statewide to assist RCC and landfill associations in conducting their own outreach/educational campaigns. Our staff also conducted a final statewide workshop to share results of the project and foster networking among associations.