(a) The General Assembly finds that the solid waste needs of the state are not being met in an efficient, cost-efficient, and environmentally sound manner. The current reliance upon localized landfills is threatening to add Arkansas to those states experiencing solid waste management crises.

(b) The General Assembly concludes that, to the extent practicable, regional solid waste management systems should be developed which address solid waste needs in the context of cooperation and shared resources.

(c)

(1) The General Assembly finds that recycling glass, plastic, cans, paper, and other materials will reduce the state's reliance upon landfills.

(2) Additionally, other solid waste reduction activities will help reduce the state's dependence on landfills, including:

(A) Using waste items as raw materials in a production process, such as adding shingles to asphalt mix for paving;

(B) Using waste items to produce an end product without recycling, such as returning wood chips to citizens as mulch;

(C) Using waste items as fuel, such as burning wood chips or tire chips in a waste-to-fuel process; or

(D) Other activities as approved by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.

(3) The waste stream reduction activities described in subdivision (c)(2) of this section also curb littering, illegal dumping, and abate the environmental risks caused by current solid waste practices.

(4) The General Assembly therefore mandates that recycling shall be integrated as a component of any solid waste management plan required under the Arkansas Solid Waste Management Act, § 8-6-201 et seq., and that these recycling plans shall be implemented under the terms of this subchapter.

(d) The department and the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission shall promulgate and implement policies, rules, regulations, and procedures for administering the terms of this subchapter.

(e) The terms and obligations of this subchapter shall be liberally construed so as to achieve remedial intent.