Peoria County is looking for ways to further decrease waste, encourage recycling and promote composting of yard waste.

The county has been working with a Michigan-based consultant and plans to schedule three public hearings in upcoming weeks to present the plan and receive input from county residents.

Peoria County adopted a solid waste management plan in 1991 to meet state mandates. The revised plan seeks further reductions in the volume of material ending up in the landfills.

Changes will likely involve franchising some of the work.

“The plan involves not just looking at waste but looking at waste as a resource for development,” said Joyce Harant, member of the county committee researching the issue.

“Some communities create jobs by looking at waste as economic development.”