The State of Illinois’ Solid Waste and Recycling Act requires that “each county with a population of less than 100,000 shall submit to the Agency an officially adopted plan for the management of municipal waste generated within it’s boundaries.” All counties in the State are required to go through a two step planning effort leading to the adoption of a 20-year solid waste management plan. Phase I was completed at the end of 1994 and Phase II was completed in the middle of 1996. As part of the implementation phase, the health department provides education and other activities to promote recycling and reduction.