Environmental Management System
Everything we do at DMASWA is focused on the environment. We own and operate an environmentally sound landfill and facilitate well-planned, community-driven, sustainable waste reduction and resource conservation alternatives to that landfill. And we do it all because improving the environment is priority number one.
Environmental Management System
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) established its Environmental Management System (EMS) in 2008 as part of a statewide program that encourages responsible environmental management while promoting environmental stewardship and continuous improvement. Iowa's EMS program promotes six areas of emphasis:
- Organics management
- Household hazardous waste collection
- Water quality improvement
- Greenhouse gas reduction
- Recycling services
- Environmental education
Annual Report
The EMS is based on the continual improvement cycle of "plan, do, check and act." Each year the DMASWA sends a report about its EMS to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The report includes information about how its operations affect the environment and details the progress that has been made in improving its environmental performance.
Documents
Contact Us
For more information on the DMASWA's Environmental Management System, contact the Agency using the online contact form.
Ways We Improve the Environment
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DMASWA works with area pharmacies to collect medical sharps for safe disposal. To find a location near you, go to our Reuse and Recycling Guide.
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Landfill gas (LFG) is created when organic waste in a municipal solid waste landfill decomposes. This gas consists of methane, carbon dioxide, and non-methane organic compounds. Instead of being allowed to escape into the air, LFG at the Dubuque Metro Landfill is flared, which helps to reduce odors and prevents methane from migrating into the atmosphere and contributing to local smog and global climate change.
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Portable solar pumps are used at the landfill in the Methane Collection System.
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Litter Fences prevent debris from leaving the landfill.