Missouri Statewide Rule

Missouri State Agency Recycling and Recycled-Paper Mandate

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Missouri (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: RSMo 34.032
Paper recycling minimum: 25% used or 50% disposed
Recyclable separation: Required since July 1, 1990
Recycled paper price: Within 10% of virgin cost
Oversight: Office of Administration

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Missouri requires every state department and agency to recycle at least 25% of paper products used or 50% of paper disposed of, whichever is greater, separate plastics, metals and paper, and buy recycled paper and motor oil.

Each department and agency of state government shall cause to be recycled a minimum of twenty-five percent of paper products used or fifty percent of the paper disposed of, whichever is greater... By January 1, 1990, each department and state agency shall develop, in cooperation with the office of administration, and implement a policy for recycling and waste reduction... Each department and state agency shall, to the maximum extent practicable, separate plastics, paper, metals and other recyclable items by July 1, 1990.

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Full Breakdown

Under RSMo 34.032, each Missouri department and state agency must recycle a minimum of 25% of paper products used or 50% of paper disposed of, whichever is greater. Agencies had to separate plastics, paper, metals and other recyclable items by July 1, 1990, and adopt a recycling and waste-reduction policy with the Office of Administration by January 1, 1990. Agencies must also purchase recycled paper when its quality is comparable and the price competitive, within 10% of virgin-material cost, buy at least 15% recycled motor oil, and recycle 75% of used oil. Proceeds from recyclable sales fund the Utilicare program.

Violations & Penalties

The statute sets no criminal fine; the Commissioner of Administration and the Office of Administration oversee agency compliance, procurement preferences and reporting, not penalties against employees or the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Missouri recycling law apply to households?

No. RSMo 34.032 binds state departments and agencies, not residents or private businesses. It mandates agency paper recycling, recyclable separation, and recycled-product purchasing, funded partly through sales of collected recyclables.

How much paper must Missouri agencies recycle?

A minimum of 25% of paper products used or 50% of paper disposed of, whichever is greater, under RSMo 34.032. Agencies must also separate plastics, paper and metals.

Sources

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