Region M Waste Management District

09/02/2026

Temporary Suspension of Yard Waste Drop-Off

Due to extremely dry conditions and increased fire risk, the City of Carthage Recycling Center has temporarily suspended brush, tree limb, leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste drop-off services effective September 1, 2026.

The suspension begins today and may continue throughout the week depending on weather conditions. All other Recycling Center services remain available during normal business hours.

For questions, call 417-237-7024.

08/28/2026

👏🏻very cool!

08/28/2026

Region M is sharing this important leadership update from the Missouri Recycling Association.

Kurt Schaefer will be leaving his role as Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to serve as Commissioner of the Missouri Office of Administration.

Region M will continue to follow developments and keep our communities informed about issues affecting solid waste management and recycling across Missouri.

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Kurt U. Schaefer as commissioner of the Missouri Office of Administration (OA). Schaefer currently serves as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a position he has held since the start of the Kehoe administration.

08/25/2026

🌎 Local Projects. Lasting Impact.

Last fiscal year, Region M grantees reported 5,532.98 tons of materials diverted from the landfill through projects funded by the District! ♻️

Those materials included cardboard, paper, plastics, metals, wood pallets, electronics, and glass.

We are incredibly thankful for the organizations and communities who turn these grant dollars into real, measurable results. We are also grateful for our Local Advisory Committee and Board of Directors, who carefully review projects and work to make the best possible use of every dollar awarded.

These investments are making a difference right here in Southwest Missouri—and we’re proud to support local solutions that keep valuable materials out of landfills. 💚

Learn more about Region M and our grant program at www.region.org

08/20/2026

Hope to see you there!

08/12/2026

Always a great event. Hope to see some friends from here in Southwest Missouri there!

We’re excited to have a final schedule for our Fall Forum in Jefferson City this November. The event is $50 and includes lunch. And if you’re in town the evening before, join us at the Capitol Plaza for some Trash Talk and Trivia 6-8pm.
www.mora.org

08/10/2026

08/06/2026

DNR informed us today they will be using the increase in tipping fees within the department, primarily for their wages.

🚨For Immediate Release:

Department of Natural Resources will adjust solid waste tonnage fees for landfills

Sanitary landfills and transfer stations will adjust from $2.11 to $2.18 per ton. Demolition and construction landfills will adjust from $1.40 to $1.45 per ton. The change does not modify local or county-level solid waste fees charged by county commissions or economic development authorities that are allowed under Missouri law.

08/03/2026

🍃 Monday Memo | Region M Waste Management District

Happy Monday, and happy August! We have a busy week ahead at Region M.

📍 We’ll be in Jefferson City for the Solid Waste Advisory Board meeting and meeting with solid waste management districts from across the state to discuss important issues impacting our communities.

🎤 Our Executive Director, Patty Overman, will also be representing the Missouri Recycling Association as a speaker during a session at the National Recycling Coalition’s virtual Recycling Congress.

📝 We’re kicking off planning for our Annual Management Council Meeting in September, and we’re looking forward to bringing together partners from across the region to share ideas, celebrate successes, and discuss what’s ahead.

As summer starts winding down, we hope you’re finding time to soak up these last few weeks of sunshine. ☀️

And one last reminder—don’t forget to vote!

Have a great week! ♻️

07/31/2026

📢 You’re Invited!

If you operate or support a recycling center, transfer station, or solid waste program in Barton, Jasper, McDonald, Newton, or Vernon County, we’d love to have you join us for the Region M Management Council Annual Meeting!

📅 Thursday, September 17
🕚 11:00 a.m.
🍽️ Lunch provided
🍕Old Chicago Banquet Room
📍3320 S Rangeline, Joplin

This year’s meeting is more than just annual business. We’re bringing together recycling professionals from across the region to share ideas, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another.

Highlights include:
♻️ A collaborative roundtable workshop where participants can exchange ideas, discuss what’s working, share vendor contacts, and explore solutions to common recycling challenges.
👕 Presentations on starting textile recycling, local glass recycling, and recycling center operations.
🤝 Networking with peers from communities across Region M.

There is no cost to attend, but we’d appreciate an RSVP so we can plan for lunch.

Email [email protected] with any questions.

We hope to see you there!

www.RegionM.org