Click here to view pdf version

Inside this Issue:

Black Plastic Gaylord Sales Through NRRA
E-Waste Google Map
Make Thanksgiving Greener
Classifieds
NRRA Calendar

____________________________________________

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR:

NRRA Members Receive Dividends:

It was my distinct pleasure to be able to assist with the presentation of rebate checks to the members that attended the annual meeting held on November 9, 2011 at the Red Blazer Restaurant in Concord, N.H. Thanks to the work of the NRRA staff, URT and the responsibility of SAMSUNG, NRRA is distributing rebates back to its members who qualify based on their recycling of electronics in 2010. This additional benefit is a direct result of an expanded weight quota for more material in 2010, and NRRA is pleased to reward these members for their programs. For those members who could not attend, their checks are being mailed this week; and additional presentations are being scheduled as time permits. Thank you again to URT, Samsung and you, the members.

From Left to Right: Michael Durfor, NRRA, Ken Filupa, Town fo Moultonborough ($2,287.50)  Michael Samson, Town of Canaan ($47.40), Adam Clark, NRRA, Scott Bradford, Town of Peterborough ($984.10), Chip Belyea, Town of Lee ($804.30), Joe Jesseman, Town of Tilton ($808.70), Steve Bennett, Town of Loudon ($3,132.50), Bonnie Bethune, NRRA, William Stuart, City of Franklin ($3,242.90), Justin Leavitt, Town of Gilmanton ($1,973.50), Marc Cote, URT, Marilyn Weir, NRRA, Dave Krisch, Town of Swanzey ($1,208.30), Steve Doumas, Town of Merrimack ($12,011.50).

 

 

China Sets the Bar Even Higher:

The following article from our good friends at Resource Recycling Magazine highlights the importance placed on a sustainable future by the largest or soon to be the largest economy on the planet. China already sets the market for a number of commodities, and its influence will continue to expand over time as it will need more and more recycled materials in lieu of virgin raw material. The 70% target by 2015 sets a goal in a very short time frame and would have the entire country in a league with San Francisco and Nantucket here in our country. While we seem to have settled in around 33% nationwide, we need to do much better – not because of China but because it makes sound economic sense, and it is just the right thing to do. Let’s hope we can pick up the challenge and do our best to at least keep pace if not surpass the Chinese goal. Having just celebrated our annual America Recycles Day with special events on November 15, I would like to see us celebrate attaining such an aggressive goal by 2015.

Click here to view complete article.

 

“ When positive steps occur we should all take heart.”

 

Sens. Carper, Snowe Celebrate Unanimous Approval of Resolution in Support of Recycling

WASHINGTON – Last night, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Co-Chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, celebrated the unanimous Senate approval of a resolution that expresses support for improvement in the collection, processing and use of recyclable materials throughout the United States. Joining Sens. Carper and Snowe on the resolution are Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.),Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), and Tom Udall (D- N.M.). On Tuesday – America Recycles Day – Sen. Carper attended the BlueGreen Alliance briefing on the economic and environmental benefits of growing America’s recycling industry.

The resolution reinforces the importance of recycling to the U.S. economy. It is estimated that recycling processors directly or indirectly employ over 450,000 Americans in local communities throughout the United States. These jobs account for more than $90 billion in economic output or roughly 0.6 percent of United States’ Gross Domestic Product, which is more than the fishing and forestry industries combined. Additionally, as expressed in the resolution, recycling is a key component of the U.S. manufacturing industry.

The resolution also highlights the environmental benefits of recycling. Recycling not only safeguards natural resources and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, but also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the use of recycled aluminum can save as much as 92 percent of the energy that would have been needed to make that product from virgin material.

See complete Press Release here.

____________________________________________

 

NRRA NEWS:

Is There a Turkey in Your Future?

Please note the NRRA office will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. If you have loads to ship, Please call the office early so we can accommodate you.

From all of us at NRRA – to all of you – Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

                                                 ***************

Black Plastic Gaylords for Sale thru NRRA   

Mills Industries of Laconia, NH custom-makes black corrugated plastic gaylords for NRRA Members.

There is a minimum total order of 40 (i.e. one member could order 10 and another 30 to make up the minimum order).

These lightweight/waterproof/long-lasting gaylords are 43”W x 36”H x 32”D and are great for storage of aluminum cans, steel cans, plastics and paper.

Potential Applications:

5-8 gaylords of aluminum cans = 1 bale in a vertical baler
10-15 gaylords of soda bottles = 1 bale in a vertical baler

Gaylords must be picked up in Laconia.

Prices:           Gaylord w/lid  $111.30/each         Gaylord w/o lid  $96.00/each

NH The Beautiful Grants are available. Please call NRRA Member Services 1-800-223-0150 to place your order or ask questions.

 

NRRA Exhibited the 2011 LGC (Local Government Center) November 16^th and 17^th.

This venue provided a great opportunity to meet with Town Officials to discuss recycling programs provided to member communities by NRRA.  NRRA/NH the Beautiful also provided the recycling bins for the event.

DES has added another day of initial training for Solid Waste Operators: Wednesday, November 30, 2011

In response to the influx of new operator applications since the dates for the renewed training classes were announced, DES has scheduled a third training day for November 30th at the DES offices, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord.

The November 4th session is full; all new applicants must attend the November 30th session. However, if earlier applicants would like to attend on November 30th instead of the 4th, they should contact Nelson Ordway at 271-2925 or nelson.ordway@des.nh.gov. Renewing operators may still attend, but unless they have already registered for November 4th, they should call or email to register for November 30th. They may also reschedule to November 30th.

Space in the November 10th session in Lincoln is limited. Priority will be given to new operators from northern towns.

Save the Date: 31st Annual Northeast Recycling Conference

The NRRA 2012 conference will be held on Monday, June 4th and Tuesday, June 5th at the Radisson Hotel/Center of New Hampshire in Manchester. The 2012 theme is “Being Greener — The Road to Success!” The School Recycling Conference will be held on Tuesday, June 5th! Check our website often for updates on this event!

____________________________________________

FROM PAULA’S DESK:

NH the Beautiful, Inc. Awards Grant to:

Holderness, NH

The Town of Holderness was awarded $1,200 towards the purchase of a used oil heater. The award was presented to Walter Johnson, Town Administrator, by John Dumais of Associated Grocers/NH the Beautiful. Also present were Selectmen Woodie Laverack and Peter Webster, Scott Davis, Operations Manager, Ernie Philbrick, Attendant, and Marilyn Weir from Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA).  According to Walter Johnson, Holderness voted last March to make improvements to the existing Transfer Station/Recycling Facility by constructing a 24’ x 40’ building that will  house an equipment storage area, staff office area, swap shop and storage area for other recycling materials. They plan to use waste oil they collect, which they currently have had to transport on a weekly basis to the DPW facility to be recycled, to run the used oil heater which will eliminate the weekly transportation and heat the new building.  What a win, win situation for everyone involved.

 

 

Town of Northfield

The Town of Northfield was awarded $ 611 towards the purchase of the purchase of a Self-dumping Glass Hopper. The award was presented to Highway Superintendent, Bob Southworth, by John Dumais of NH the Beautiful. Also present were recycling attendants, Corey Burton and Shane Dow,  road crew members Tom Jordan and Bruce Brown, and Marilyn Weir from Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA).  The Town will use this hopper to increase safety and improve the efficiency of glass recycling at the transfer station.  “Until now, the attendants were dumping barrels of glass into the bucket of the loader by hand, which created safety issues and also required two people to complete the task.  With the hopper, one employee can safely handle the glass”, says Northfield’s Administrative Assistant, Peg Shepard.  NH the Beautiful applauds the Town of Northfield for continuing to improve the efficiency of its recycling program.

 

Town of Milton, NH

The Town of Milton was awarded $5,500 towards the purchase of two new Recycling Compactors and two 42-yd storage containers. The award was presented to Patrick Smith, PW Director, by John Dumais of Associated Grocers/NH the Beautiful. Also present were Transfer Station Supervisor, Jim Freeman, Selectman Tom Gray, Town Administrator, Tony Mincu, and Adam Clark from Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA).  Milton’s current compactor was installed in the 1980′s. According to Pat Smith, the Town of Milton plans to start Single Stream Recycling and these new compactors are needed in order to increase weight of recyclables, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing hauling expenses. The two storage containers will help store the product until enough tonnage can be moved.

Loudon, NH

The Town of Loudon was awarded $2,000 towards the purchase of the purchase of a waste oil heater and tank/fittings. The award was presented to Loudon’s Road Agent, David Rice and Transfer Station Manager, Steve Bennett, by John Dumais of NH the Beautiful. Also present was Marilyn Weir from Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA).  The Town will use this heater to burn waste oil collected at the transfer station and highway garage. “This heater will be used at the highway garage to cut the cost of heating oil”, says David Rice.

BCEP Solid Waste District

BCEP Solid Waste District was awarded $3,800 towards the purchase of the purchase of a Yale forklift. The award was presented to BCEP representatives, Earl Weir, John Keane, and Lisa Stevens, by John Dumais of NH the Beautiful. Also present was Marilyn Weir from Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA).  The District will use this forklift to handle baled material, and it replaces an eight-year old machine which has become unreliable.  “This equipment will be used to handle recyclables accepted from BCEP towns (Barnstead, Chichester, Epsom and Pittsfield), as well as from some 30 other towns participating in NRRA’s Consolidation program for which BCEP processes materials”, says Earl Weir, District Administrator.  NH the Beautiful applauds BCEP for continuing to improve the efficiency of its recycling program.

 

 

New Hampshire the Beautiful Signs

New Hampshire Municipalities are all eligible to apply for signs (60 points each fiscal year or until funds run out).  The new fiscal year starts on November 1st, and each town/city will once again have 60 points.

For a complete list of signs available or to apply for signs, please visit www.nhthebeautiful.org. Just print the forms you need and fax them to Paula at  (603) 736-4402. Please NOTE!!! You can only order signs that are on the list. Words can be removed, but nothing can be added.

 

Grants

New Hampshire municipalities are all eligible to apply for grants toward the purchase price of recycling equipment. To apply for a grant, go to the NHtB website www.nhthebeautiful.org, print & fill out the form and fax it to Paula at 736-4402. If you do not have access to the internet, please give us a call at 800-223-0150, and we can fax or mail a form to you. The next NHtB board meeting is January 12, 2012.  All applications must be submitted by December 29th to be considered at the January meeting.

NH the Beautiful, Inc. (www.nhthebeautiful.org) is a private non-profit charitable trust founded in 1983 and supported by the soft drink, malt beverage, and grocery industries of New Hampshire. By offering municipal recycling grants (over $2.75 million) and signs, anti-litter programs, and technical assistance to recycling programs, NHtB is a unique organization that represents a voluntarily-funded alternative to expensive legislation intended to achieve the same end results.  New Hampshire the Beautiful, Inc. is now supporting the NRRA School Education Program (the Club).  The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (www.nrra.net) administers the New Hampshire the Beautiful programs.

____________________________________________

SCHOOL NEWS YOU CAN USE…

***Antioch New England is looking for a New Hampshire school to pilot a composting program.  If you are interested, please contact Caitlin at 1-800-223-0150 x.19 for details.***

*******************

Garbology Kids™ Where Do Recyclable Materials Go?

Named Best Book Award Finalist

 

 

“Where Do Recyclable Materials Go?, a children’s picture book, opens up the mysterious world of recycling to children by showing them what happens to recyclables after they are picked up at the curb.”

Toronto, ON—EcoAdventures®, an imprint of Firewater Media Group, is pleased to announce that Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? by Sabbithry Persad, the first book in the Garbology Kids™ series, has been recognized for its contribution to children’s environmental education and literacy.  Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? is now an Award-Winning Finalist at the USA “Best Books 2011″ Awards, in the Children’s Picture Book: Softcover Fiction category. The USA “Best Books 2011″ Awards is sponsored by USA Book News, and tailors to a variety of mainstream and independent publishing houses.

Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print, e-books and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2010 and 2011. “I’m thrilled that Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? was selected to be among the very best,” said Sabbithry Persad. “I feel honored.”

Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists. Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons and hundreds of independent houses contributed to this year’s outstanding competition.

Persad has since released a second book in the Garbology Kids™ series entitled Operation: Reuse It! Both Operation: Reuse It! and Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? are available for Retail Purchase at Amazon.com and through links at Garbologykids.com. Retailers may order the Paperback version of both books through Independent Publisher’s Group with Firewater Media Group, the publisher.

Persad is the founder of Green Solutions Magazine and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.

____________________________________________

VERMONT NEWS:

New E-Cycles Gaylord Label Templates Available

NRRA has developed a new series of Gaylord Labels for all its E-Cycles Collection Locations.  The labels are posted on the NRRA Website at www.nrra.net and can be emailed directly to any Collection Location requesting them.  The labels have been approved by the Agency of Natural Resources and we have been advised that they meet all current State and Federal standards for labeling of electronic devices/ e-waste.  There are five different labels available, each corresponding to a different potential sort method and should have the Collection Location and EW Number written on them for tracking purposes.  The labels can be printed on standard 8.5×11 printer paper, two to a page, or, the can be printed on Avery Labels.  They fit on both Avery Label 5126/8126 (standard 5.5×8.5” paper sticky-back labels) or Avery Label 5526, a special “Weatherproof” paper label.  NRRA and the E-Cycles program will not be providing the physical labels to its Collection Locations, but developed the templates to aid in labeling, compliance, and tracking.  Please feel free to use them at your E-Cycles Facilities and to share them with other E-Cycles Operators. See example below and visit www.nrra.net to print your own.

Not sure where the E-cycles Collections locations are? Find them on the new Google Map!

View Collection Locations in a larger map

 

The holidays are right around the corner along with the busiest shopping days of the year.  In all the excitement of buying and receiving gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to properly dispose of your old items.  Amongst this year’s top gifts are likely to be TVs, laptops, computers, and computer accessories, along with all the other latest  electronic toys and devices.   When disposing of electronics, remember that electronics don’t belong in your trash.  Instead, use one of more than 90 drop off locations in the state that participate in the Vermont E-Cycles Program.

The Vermont State E-Cycles Program provides free drop-off for the collection of computers, monitors, televisions, printers, and computer peripherals (e.g., mouse, keyboard, scanner) from Vermont Households, 501c3 Charities, School Districts and Small Businesses with 10 or fewer employees.  Other electronic devices, such as stereos, MP3 players, cell phones, and other electronics will also be accepted at these locations for a small fee.

See full press release here.

 ____________________________________________

MASSACHUSETTS NEWS:

SSRC Updates November 7, 2011    Printable version

• Board Meeting notes
• School recycling discussion
• Free E-Waste collections being scheduled
• Regional Disposal Contract
• SSRC awarded another DEP grant
• Norwell news: Veggie oil recycling, Composting demo, Cub Scout trip
• Senator Hedlund, Rep. Bradley urge release of UBB
• DEP seeks comments on regulatory reforms
• MassRecycle’s Annual Mercury workshop
• School Composting workshop
• YELLOW PAGES Opt-Out
• EVENTS

Board Meeting notes

School recycling discussion

Rosemary Nolan and Dan Balboni have worked with schools a lot. They have learned that schools don’t like kids to be “used” to send messages.  To establish or improve school waste diversion they recommended:

• Determine what is already in place.
• Find one enthusiastic teacher-champion in each school; don’t overwhelm them.
• Need Principal/Supt support to sustain.
• Need to engage custodial, food service staff.
• Seniors can do community service projects around school waste diversion.

They noted that it takes a few years for a comprehensive waste diversion program to get fully established.

The Green Team (through MassDEP) provides containers, curriculum, awards for teachers.  Bookmarks, stickers, pledge cards, contests.

The Kingston PTO got recycling bins, and an Abitibi container.  Recycle cardboard, cell phones, ink cartridges, fundraiser for PTO.

In Hingham, DPW Director Randy Sylvester connected Abitibi Paper Retriever with the School Business Manager.  DPW and Long Range Waste Disposal and Recycling Committee meets twice/year with teachers, custodians, PTO’s from every school.  They started green committees on every school, and did a friendly competition.  5 years later, all schools recycle everything except organics (a few have small compost operations).  The ongoing effort has really paid off.

The Weymouth DPW holds monthly recycling meetings that include a rep from the School Dept. (also SSRC, Capitol Waste, TriTown).  Public Works/School Dept partnerships are powerful.  Trash=cash.

Free E-Waste collections being scheduled

The SSRC is fortunate to have been contacted by Electronic Recyclers International, an accredited, State Contract-awarded processor, to host 3 free regional collections on the South Shore.  We were selected thanks to a long-standing professional relationship I have with ERI’s local manager, Terry Grady.

25 states require electronics manufacturers to take responsibility for the end of life management of their products.  ERI was asked to conduct these events by their client Samsung.  There will be no cost to the hosts; ERI will provide all staffing and promotion.

We are now working to schedule one collection on Sat. Dec. 3, and two on Sat., Dec. 10 from 9 am-3 pm.  We are scoping out potential collection sites that are conveniently located, with space for lines of cars and 4-5 tractor trailers.  One collection will take place at Abington High School.  We are also looking at locations in Norwell and Plymouth.

The collections will be open to all area residents, municipalities and small businesses.

Regional Disposal Contract

The working group for the regional disposal contract committee (Cape Cod Commission Solid Waste Contract Advisory Committee, or CCC SWCAC for short), to which I was appointed to represent the south shore towns, met last month.  The group consists of Patty Daley and Sandy Perez  (CCC), John Giorgio (Kopelman and Paige, legal counsel), Paul Tilton (Upper Cape), Neil Andres (Lower Cape), Rob Angell (Mid Cape) and myself.

SEMASS, Waste Management, EL Harvey and the Bourne ISWMF are the finalists for consideration of a long term disposal contract for up to 12 South shore towns and 13 Cape towns beginning in 2015.

Sandwich set up an enterprise fund, raising rates to offset future fees.  Mr. Giorgio noted that MassDOR has strict rules regarding “indirect charge” transfers from enterprise funds to General Funds.

Sandwich also implemented Pay As You Throw in July, which resulted in a 42% reduction in disposal tonnage.

Of particular note is that Yarmouth is considering privatizing its transfer station operation.  SEMASS made a proposal, which would include a separate disposal agreement with Yarmouth.   Yarmouth will go out to bid.

Use of the YTS is an important aspect of several Cape towns’ disposal arrangements.  Therefore, it was agreed that there would be no benefit to further discussions until the sale of the Yarmouth Transfer Station, on fast track and anticipated to be completed by the end of the fiscal year, is signed.

There is still 3 years until our Tier One towns’ contracts expire, so this is not an untimely setback.  Our 12 interested SSRC towns will continue to participate in the negotiation and regional procurement.

SSRC awarded another DEP grant

Last summer the SSRC applied for a Targeted Small Scale Initiative grant from MassDEP.  We were just notified that the grant request for $2000 worth of equipment was awarded.  It will include 3 additional compost bins for the Marshfield Fairgrounds and 20 additional wheeled carts for recycling at the Fairground.  The carts will also be available for use by member towns for special events.

The grant also provides for outreach materials that will reach thousands of area residents.

Norwell news: Veggie oil recycling, Composting demo, Cub Scout trip

Amenico will be delivering 2-55 gallon drums to the Norwell Recycling Center in time to collect the used vegetable oil from all those deep fried Thanksgiving turkeys (what a concept).  Norwell Recycling Committee Chairman Joanne Dirk learned about the company at the previous month’s SSRC Board meeting.  Amenico will pay by the gallon for the oil, and will process it for use as home heating oil and conversion to biodiesel.

Learn how to turn coffee grounds, tea bags, fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, yard waste and even paper towels into black gold that will transform your soil into rich, fertile earth.  Join the Norwell Recycling Committee on Saturday, November 19^th, from 10 am to noon for a free composting workshop at the Norwell Recycling Center, 310 Main Street, adjacent to the Norwell Middle School.  Dress for the weather (we’ll be outside.)

Ann McGovern of MassDEP will cover the basics of composting, different types of bins, indoor worm composting for apartment-dwellers, and how compost can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides in your yard and garden.  Compost bins will be available for purchase for $53, and one lucky participant will receive a free bin during the event.  The workshop is free and open to all surrounding towns.

* * * * * * * * * *

During a recent field trip to the Norwell Recycling Center, Bear Cub Scouts of Pack 66, Den 5, learned about the many ways Norwell residents recycle.  Recycling Coordinator Steve Perona explained how scrap metal, fluorescent light bulbs, oil paint, televisions, appliances, and yard waste get recycled though the center.  The scouts are working toward earning their “Take Care of Your Planet,” Bear badge.

 

Senator Hedlund, Rep. Bradley urge release of UBB

Pressure is being brought to bear from many quarters on the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee to expeditiously report out an Updated Bottle Bill.  Last week, 60 members of the Updated Bottle Bill Coalition, in a Halloween-themed event, showed up at the Statehouse in costume to “trick-or-treat” throughout the building.  They delivered 15,000 signatures in favor of the Updated Bottle Bill to legislators, and shared their views with lawmakers about legislation that would add a 5-cent deposit to bottled water, sports drinks and other non carbonated beverages.

Senator Hedlund went the extra mile at the request of the SSRC, sending TUE Chairman Senator Ben Downing a formal letter requesting the release of the bill, a version of which he and Rep. Bradley co-filed.  Rep. Bradley continues to advocate for its release in person to both Speaker DeLeo, who is cool to the deposit system, and to TUE Chairman Rep. John Keenan.

Other South Shore legislators, including Senators Keenan, Kennedy and Pacheco and Reps Calter, Cantwell and Nyman, are also speaking up for the bill’s release.  The TUE Committee has held the bill for fourteen years.

MassRecycle’s Annual Mercury workshop

If you or your staff handle mercury containing products, it is wise to understand how to handle it.  MassRecycle will host one of several free Mercury Training Workshops on Friday, November 19 at 10 am, at the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, 36 Miller Stile Rd., Quincy.  Covanta underwrites the workshops.  Register here

School Composting workshop

On Nov. 18, 2011, 1:00-2:30 pm Ann McGovern provides a hands-on workshop, Worm Composting Indoors & Bin Composting Outdoors at the annual Mass. Association of Science Teachers annual conference.  Set up a classroom worm bin or outdoor compost bin to teach Life Science Learning Standard 11, “Energy and Living Things” through organic recycling.  Bring a 14-gallon or larger plastic tote to make your own worm bin; worms provided! Easy outdoor compost bins available through DEP’s Green Team program will be demonstrated.

The MAST conference takes place Nov. 17-18, 2011 at the Boxborough Holiday Inn. For more information, visit www.massscienceteach.org.  Register by Nov. 7 (or add a $10 late fee).

DEP seeks comments on regulatory reforms

In April  MassDEP launched a Regulatory Reform Initiative to reduce staff time spent conducting programs while maintaining high standards for protection of the environment and public health.  The resulting Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at MassDEP is now available for public comment until Monday, November 21, 2011.

In the last nine years, MassDEP has been subject to significant cuts in both budget and workforce.  In 2002, the agency had an annual budget of $62 million and 1,200 full time staff. This year, MassDEP’s budget is $45.5 million with a full-time staffing level of 840 – a budget reduction of 25% and a personnel cut of 30%. During the same period, the state and federal rules MassDEP is tasked to implement have continued to grow. The result is a workload-resource imbalance that is no longer manageable.

In response, Commissioner Kimmell directed MassDEP to undertake three initiatives to re-balance resources and work. These are: 1) pursuing major information technology upgrades to increase automation and effectiveness of agency activities; 2) organizational restructuring to maximize efficiency; and 3) identifying regulatory approaches to streamline MassDEP’s processes and procedures.

Commissioner Kimmell’s Scope of Work established the following guidelines :

A) Reforms should not weaken environmental protection standards in any way;

B) All of MassDEP’s programs may be considered as potential candidates for regulatory or permitting reforms;

C) Changes should be aimed at helping MassDEP manage its responsibilities within current staffing levels;

D) Reforms not rely on changes to state or federal law; and

E) Reforms should not transfer new responsibilities to municipalities, which are strained by budget decreases.

Written comments should address the following questions:

• Are there regulatory reform ideas that have not been included in this Action Plan that should be considered?
• Should any of the proposed reforms be revised, eliminated, expanded or limited?
• What, if any, additional safeguards, auditing, or public process should be included?
• Do the proposed reforms have any impact on environmental justice considerations?

Please submit comments on the Draft Action Plan to  MassDEP.Commissioner@state.ma.us

 

YELLOW PAGES Opt-Out

Developed in partnership between the Local Search Association and the Association of Directory Publishers, www.YellowPagesOptOut.com provides an easy and secure way for residents to control the number of Yellow Pages telephone directories they receive or to stop directory delivery entirely.  It is a completely free service and the Local Search Association encourages efforts by state and local governments as well as community-based  organizations to make consumers aware of this important option.

The Internet-based tool is specifically designed to prevent directories from being delivered to anyone who doesn’t want one while ensuring that they are delivered to the majority of consumers who continue to rely upon and use the print Yellow Pages to make purchases supporting the local business community and economy.  It is a significant and unified commitment on behalf of directory publishers of which the positive impacts are already being realized in many communities around the country.

EVENTS

-MassRecycle Mercury Training Workshop, Fri., Nov. 18, 10 am, South Shore Chamber of Commerce, 36 Miller Stile Rd., Quincy register

-Composting workshop, Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 am-noon, Norwell Recycling Center, 310 Main St. (outdoors).  Refreshments will be provided.  Presented by Ann McGovern, MassDEP, hosted by the Norwell Recycling Committee.  Enter to win a free outdoor compost bin.

-SWANA Mass. Chapter Recycling and Waste Management Conference, Wed., Nov. 30, UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center. Contact Jay Viamari at 413-572-3281, or jpviamari@tighandbond.com

-SSRC Board meeting, Thurs, Dec. 15, 9 am, Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St.

 

Submitted by:
Claire Sullivan, Executive Director
South Shore Recycling Cooperative
1.781.329.8318; ssrecyclingcoop@verzion.net
Chairman, Mass Recycles Paper

 

____________________________________________

NATIONAL NEWS:

 

Make Thanksgiving Greener
How to eat local and travel smart this holiday season

By Adam Coughlin arts@hippopress.com, Jeff Mucciarone jmucciarone@hippopress.com, Angel Roy aroy@hippopress.com

Thanksgiving is a time when everyone from occasional to experienced cooks likes to give themselves a challenge. Perhaps you’ve done the fried turkey and maybe even experimented with different ethnic cuisines for your side dishes. If you’re looking for a fresh approach to this year’s meal, why not try, well, fresh — that is to say locally grown and sourced ingredients and dishes?

In this guide to a greener Thanksgiving, Angel Roy considers how to go about shopping for a feast from local farmers markets — yes, you read that right. Even though the snow has fallen, local farmers are still heading out to markets, specifically to the area’s growing array of winter farmers markets, to sell their local treats. Jeff Mucciarone considers the bird and native alternatives to the turkey. Feeling adventurous? Skip the farm all together and try a grouse. Adam Coughlin considers those hours spent in traffic trying to get to your holiday destinations — is there a greener way to go? And Karen Plumley looks at that age-old recycling question: how do you make tasty new meals out of your Thanksgiving leftovers?

Tasty menus and creative travel plans — here are some ways to add a little green to your fall feast.

 

 WASTECON 2012
SWANA’s 50th Anniversary
Where: Washington, DC, Area – National Harbor
Contact: DCPD@swana.org

Conference Theme: “Renewable and Sustainable Resources… Right in Your Back Yard!”

Don’t miss your opportunity to present during this very special WASTECON 2012, as we celebrate SWANA’s 50th Anniversary! The 2012 WASTECON conference technical program, while focusing on the theme of renewable and sustainable resources, will look to the past to build for the future. Keeping that in mind, we invite you to submit an abstract proposal in one of several available formats on one or more topics. Find more information at  http://wastecon.org/
Deadline to submit an Abstract is December 5, 2011

If you have questions regarding the submission of your abstract, please contact Jessica Haislip, Manager of SWANA’s Division & Conference Programs Department, at DCPD@swana.org.

For more information on WASTECON, please visit www.WASTECON.org.

____________________________________________

CLASSIFIEDS:

Glass Crusher in Pelham, NH

Heavy duty, portable, gasoline-powered glass crusher.

“Makes a great aggregate, can take a Bob Cat bucket of bottles at a time and also separates labels and caps”.

Please contact Ron Hannon at the Pelham Transfer Station (603) 635-3964 for details.

____________________________________________

NRRA CALENDAR: