Kansas

Kansas is known for being the home of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” as well as its vast stretches of prairie land and wheat fields. The state is also famous for its contributions to aviation history, as it is the birthplace of companies such as Boeing and Cessna. Additionally, Kansas played a pivotal role in the Civil War and is home to several historic sites related to that period, including the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.

Kansas ranks relatively low in sustainability compared to other states. According to the 2020 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, Kansas is ranked 41st in energy efficiency. The state also relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. However, there are efforts underway to increase sustainability in Kansas, with initiatives focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency.


According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state’s overall recycling rate was 34.7% in 2019. This rate has remained relatively consistent over the past few years, with a slight increase from 34.1% in 2016. However, there are significant variations in recycling rates among different counties and cities within Kansas. Some areas have achieved much higher rates of recycling, while others are still struggling to implement effective recycling programs. Overall, there is room for improvement in recycling efforts across the state.

Kansas has several initiatives and programs aimed at increasing sustainability. For instance, the state has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that requires utilities to generate or purchase a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.

Additionally, the state offers various energy efficiency incentives, such as rebates for energy-efficient appliances or insulation upgrades. Kansas also has a net metering policy that allows homeowners and businesses to receive credit for any excess electricity generated from their renewable energy systems, such as solar panels. Overall, these initiatives and programs demonstrate Kansas’ commitment to promoting sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

How to Recycle in Kansas

Recycling in Kansas can be done in a few simple steps.

First, find out what materials your local recycling center accepts. Commonly accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.

Next, separate your recyclable materials from your regular trash and place them in a designated recycling bin. Make sure to rinse out any food containers before recycling them.

Finally, take your recycling to your local recycling center or schedule a pick-up. By following these steps, you can do your part to help the environment and reduce waste in Kansas.

Here are links to help you and your family recycle in Kansas:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment
CLICK HERE

Kansas Organization of Recyclers – recycling general information
CLICK HERE

Kansas City Recycling Drop-Off Centers
CLICK HERE

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