The Missouri Recycling Association says Missouri’s ahead of the curve, but more can be done.

The legislature is taking up measures that would place advance recycling fees on tires and producer responsibilities on television sets. Both would contribute to the future recycling of those goods.

Steve Fishman, president of the Missouri Recycling Association, says our state has forward-thinking legislators, and that he foresees mandates extending to other commonly used consumer goods such as paint, carpeting and — hopefully — glass bottles.

Missouri puts out a comprehensive report on recycling opportunities throughout the state. Click here to see what’s available in your area.

Fishman says Kansas City should be looked at as a model for it’s "pay as you throw" program. People pay for a limited amount of trash pick-up. Those who exceed the limit pay more. However, they can recycle an unlimited amount.

Fishman says he sees St. Louis making progress as well.

Even so, he says, each person is responsible for an average of four pounds of waste per day, which adds up to nearly 100 thousand pounds in a lifetime.

Jessica Machetta reports [Download/listen MP3]