Solid Waste EMS Program

icon for the solid waste environmental management systems showing a silhouette of the state of Iowa with bands of green, blue, and beige, with the title in grey text across the top.
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Solid Waste Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

The Environmental System (EMS) program is a voluntary, alternative to Comprehensive Planning for solid waste planning areas and permitted facility service areas actively pursuing environmental stewardship goals in six environmental areas.

Environmental Components

With DNR assistance, participating agencies develop their own EMS with a framework of ten elements that follows the proven plan-do-check-act method for continuous environmental improvement.

Graphic showing the six environmental components the environmental system program. Those are organics management, household hazardous materials collection, water quality improvement, greenhouse gas reduction, recycling services and environmental education.
Continuous improvement cycle showing that you start with a plan, then you do, and then check, then act, and plan once again.

By implementing the EMS framework across their organizations, EMS participants have reported increased operational efficiencies, better continuity and communication improvements. EMS participants are exempt from most comprehensive planning update requirements in Iowa Administrative Rule Chapter 567-101. Instead, under Iowa Administrative Rule Chapter 567-111, EMS participants demonstrate their environmental performance by submitting an annual report and undergoing an annual audit. DNR supports designated EMS participating agencies with trainings, conferences and networking opportunities as well as financial incentives, such as reduced tonnage fees and grant opportunities.

Solid waste planning areas and permitted facility service areas may apply for EMS designation before February 1 st of each year. Applicants approved by the Environmental Protection Commission become designated as Tier 1 EMS participants. Tier 1 participants receive twelve to eighteen months of specialized training from the DNR along with guidance from a Tier 2 mentor. An EMS becomes a Tier 2 participant after successfully implementing the EMS framework and demonstrating progress in pursuing their environmental goals by completing an audit and submitting an annual report.

EMS Designation Due Annually in February

Electronic Document Retrieval

Document Search Web Application which is a web interface connecting to OpenText. The search interface allows easy searches by a variety of meta data such as program, city, county, or facility name.

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Solid Waste EMS Participant Information

The Solid Waste Environmental Management System (EMS) program is a voluntary alternative to Iowa’s Comprehensive Planning program . Resources for EMS participants, including training information and example documents are provided below. All EMS reports and other program information may be accessed with the Electronic Document Search System.

Training Materials & Example Documents

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EMS Annual Report

Each EMS is to submit an Annual Report by every September 1st. 

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EMS Financial Assistance

EMS participants may request financial assistance by timely submitting both a pre-proposal and a grant application. Participants may apply in both the non-competitive Round 1 in the fall and the competitive Round 2 in the spring. For consideration, DNR must receive submissions by 4:00 PM on the due date. Applications will be evaluated by the review committee using the Grant Review Form.

Round 1 Due Dates

  • Pre-proposal: Sept 15
  • Application: Nov 1

Round 2 Due Dates

  • Pre-proposal: Feb15
  • Application: Apr 1

Forms

Additional documents to be submitted with applications:

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