IMRA takes aim at solid waste; supports strong federal guidelines - International Mass Retail Association

Discount Store News, August 20, 1990

IMRA Takes Aim at Solid Waste; Supports Strong Federal Guidelines

WASHINGTON - The International Mass Retail Association has adopted a formal policy paper on solid waste management and product packaging.

The paper identifies three important areas for discounter action: minimizing waste from store operations; educating consumers about the proper disposal of products and packaging; and working with consumer product manufacturers to ensure that products offered by discounters are environmentally responsible and are supplied in packages that make wise and efficient use of natural resources.

IMRA also endorsed the establishment of federal goals for solid waste reduction and recycling, as well as broad-based efforts to establish uniform national packaging definitions and guidelines. The trade association is also lobbying for a federal system of product labels on hazardous or toxic materials contained in consumer products.

A special task force of IMRA member companies has been formed to create voluntary industrywide standards and to lobby state and federal governments "for a rational and responsible policy on solid waste issues, including product packaging and labeling," said Robin Lanier, IMRA's senior legislative representative and chair of the newly formed committee. "The association will be exploring consumer and discounter education programs," she added.

Members of the new IMRA Technical Committee on the Environment include: Wal-Mart Stores, K mart Corp., Target Stores, Hills Department Stores, McCrory Corp., Child World, Clover, F.W. Woolworth Co., Jamesway Corp. and Rose's Stores.