INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PDF Version

 

• Last Call for Conference Presentation Proposals
• Don’t miss the 2012 Conference Golf Tourney!
• HHW News
• 2011 Annual Facility Reports Now Available
• Compost Bin Sale Reminder – Sign up Now!
• Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest
• VT E-Waste Webinar 2/17/12

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”

Rachel Carson, writer, scientist, and ecologist

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FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR:

NEWS FLASH:

Not unlike changes in the tectonic plates of the earth when earthquakes occur, every once in a while events happen that are of such significance they deserve to be noted. This article from Resource Recycling Magazine which hit the web this week describes a coalition working group chaired by the private sector that clearly recognizes the value of the material being recycled, and the additional value of the goal of making “recycling the norm, not the exception”, with  a specific goal of raising recycling rates by 20% by 2015. Should the national average reach this goal, one estimate indicates that over 1,400,000 domestic jobs would be created.  Given this development, the recent action by congress of support, and the renewed interest in the value of these materials in a struggling economy, there has never been a better climate for the improvement of recycling across the country. For those of you new to recycling this may seem to be a logical next step and a wonderment it hasn’t happened before. For those of you that have been in the desert for a long time trying to increase the rates by any means necessary this will hopefully be a real “Oasis” and not just another “Mirage”.

SIGNIFICANT NEW INDUSTRY INITIATIVE TO PUSH RECYCLING FORWARD

Under the banner of Action to Accelerate Recycling, nearly 80 corporate, trade group, environmental and governmental leaders met for two days last week near Dallas to devise a plan to push recycling levels higher.

The event was sponsored by Alcoa and was produced with the assistance of other “Founders Circle” firms and groups, such as Waste Management, Owens-Illinois and the National Association for PET Container Resources. The attendees represented more than 70 percent of the soft drink industry, 90 percent of the glass container market and all of the aluminum cansheet industry. Executives from paper and plastic recycling firms were also at the meeting, as were those representing recycling collection and processing firms, and local and state governments. Read more….

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NRRA NEWS:

Office closed February 20th in observance of Presidents Day. Please call ahead to schedule your recycling needs.  Thank you!

 

CONFERENCE:

Last call for presentation/workshop proposals!

Have a great presentation idea and want to attend our nationally recognized conference for free? Submit your proposal now! Click here

To PRESENT at a workshop please click here for more information or contact Adam Clark: aclark@nrra.net or (800) 223-0150, ext. 14.

Know who you’re golfing with already? Fill out this form and fax it back to 603-736-4402

HHW NEWS:

The HHW study is well on its way. Thank you to those who have provided data and cost figures regarding HHW collection events. We are still seeking information regarding Best Practices and cost figures for HHW events. If you have any information, you can reach Jackie at 1-800-223-0150, ext. 25 or email jalbanese@nrra.net.

The collection of HHW can provide many benefits to your community. This can range from reducing environmental liability due to improper disposal to reducing health risk to community members, transfer station employees and the environment. If you are interested in learning more about holding a collection event, NH DES has created “Guidelines for Organizing a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Your Community”, http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/publications/wmd/documents/wmd-04-1.pdf. This document provides a good overview of the types of collection events possible and factors to consider when organizing an event.

One-day collection events can be expensive. Many towns need to hire a professional hazardous waste hauler, who follows the Hazardous Waste Rules (http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/legal/rules/index.htm#waste). The cost of the events can vary from $3,000 to greater than $15,000 for a one day event. The amount varies based on the volume and type of HHW materials that are brought to the event as well as the specifics of the contractor responsibilities. Some contractors charge based on the materials brought to the event and others charge a flat fee based on attendance. NH DES does provide grant money for HHW events. The deadline for this year’s application was February 1. For more information about the grant, visit http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/hw/documents/hw-13.pdf. Other ways to reduce costs include considering a sponsor for the event, find town funding sources and limiting the amount of waste each household is allowed to bring.

Stay tuned for more information in each Full of Scrap Edition as we continue our research into the wonderful world of HHW!!

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MARILYN’S DESK:

2011 Annual Facility Reports for Solid Waste Facilities Now Available Online

Each year, permitted solid waste facilities are required to report their regulated activities to the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  The Annual Facility Report (AFR) forms have been amended for calendar year 2011 activity to include all components required by the Solid Waste Rules and are now available online at http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/waste/swmb/css/index.htm or click here for the Recycling Centers and Transfer Station form.  Please do not use the forms from last year because they do not ask for the same information.

Reports are due March 31, 2012 and can be submitted in the mail, by fax (271-2456) or electronically, either as a pdf or email attachment to: Solidwasteinfo@des.nh.gov.  Send questions to solidwasteinfo@des.nh.gov or call 271-2925.

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ADAM’S DESK:

 

Monthly Pricing Results:

The Monthly pricing ranges are in and attached (click here). Please note NRRA provides these ONLY as guide to general market conditions,  and prices are based on quality of product, weights, and location of materials. Be sure to contact your Member Services Representatives for pricing specific to your material.

 

Harrisville Goes High Tech!

Pictured below is Phyllis Tarr who manages the Harrisville recycling facility and is now helping the residents put material in the right location by use of the newly-installed monitoring system. When it gets hectic, as it often does, these cameras help Phyllis be in more than one place at a time.

Above, Phyllis points to the building-mounted, wireless security camera that overlooks the scrap metal holding area.

Here Phyllis points to the screen in her office where she can monitor multiple camera views.

 

The camera’s view of the scrap metal pile is shown in this photo.

 

Congratulations to Phyllis and the Town of Harrisville for their creative system.

If you have developed some creative ideas at your facility, please let us know so we can share with fellow recyclers!

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KRIS’S DESK:

Don’t miss out on the Compost Bin Sale!!! It can be a great fundraiser and it’s great for the environment!!!

Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale – New this Year – Compost Turners!

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Flyer and Participation Packet!

Using the principal of cooperative purchasing to leverage lower prices, the NRRA is offering municipalities, community groups or service organizations (one lead group per community) Earth Machine™ Backyard Compost Bins , Systern™ Rain Barrels, Kitchen Scrap Pails, and Compost Turners for sale.

They can be sold to homeowners at low, “buying power” prices:  bins at $47 (retail value of $100), rain barrels at $62 (retail value of $120), pails at $8 each, and Compost Turners at $18. Or you may choose to use this sale as a fundraising opportunity and sell the bins and/or pails for $52, $67, $10, and $20 raising $5/$5/$2/$2 from each sale.

Upon request, a sample Earth Machine™ and Rain Barrel will be sent to you to assist your sales!  Sorry, free samples of Kitchen Pails and Compost Turners are not available. Only one sample per participant! Please note: if you ordered a sample last year you will not be able to receive another one unless you pay for it. Please hang on to your samples so you will have them to use year after year.

-How the Program Works-

1. CONTACT the NRRA at (800) 223-0150, go to www.nrra.net for forms or email kstanley@nrra.net for Participation Forms/Packet.
2. REGISTER with Kris to participate in the sale and receive free promo material.
3. PROMOTE the Sale (master posters and order forms are provided for easy copying) and accept orders until April 2^nd, 2012.
4. RETURN the Final Order Form and check(s) to the NRRA by April 5^th.  In order to have items shipped directly to you, they must be made in exact multiples as follows:  Bins multiples of 20 (i.e., 20, 40, 60, etc.) Rain Barrels multiples of 15 and Kitchen Pails in multiples of 26 for direct delivery. Compost Turners require no minimum if also ordering Compost Bins. Orders for less than required multiples are accepted, but you must pick up your order at the NRRA Office in Epsom, NH.
5. ACCEPT delivery of compost bins/pails during the week of April 16th, 2012.
6. DISTRIBUTE the bins/pails to your residents in time for Earth Day!

Questions? Contact Kris Stanley at
kstanley@nrra.net or 603.736.4401 ext 10

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NH THE BEAUTIFUL:

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 fiscal year runs November 1-October 31.

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, and we can fax or mail a form to you. The next NHtB board meeting is April 19, 2012.  All applications must be submitted by April 5th to be considered at the April 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.

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SCHOOL NEWS YOU CAN USE:

Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest

Sense of “Water” Contest:

2012 is the 40th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, and this year’s Sense of Wonder contest will focus on water. To honor this anniversary, the contest has been renamed the Sense of “Water” Contest for 2012. The deadline for entries is June 1, 2012.

What’s the Contest About?

The U.S. EPA, Generations United, the Dance Exchange, Rachel Carson Council, Inc., and the National Center for Creative Aging announce a poetry, essay, photo and dance contest. Entries must be from a team of two or more persons – a young person and an older person.

We would like you team to share your love for water through a creative project that captures water around us. Capture what you hear, see, feel and taste as you explore and study water. Contestants will work across generations to share through one of these distinct mediums their own interactions with and reflections about the sense of water.

Dance video entries are not limited to the moving body. You can use live performers and/or capture movement and change visible in nature: birds landing, trees shaking in a storm, a river flowing….

Experienced and first time dancers and video makers are encouraged to participate.

Click here for more info.

Here’s my pictures.  What’s your sense of “Water” picture? ~ Caitlin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Does Healthy Sound to You?

By Maryann Helferty

When one visits a place, often one hears a language unique to that location. On a warm day last May, I listened to a team of interpreters in a Philadelphia park. We were not learning a spoken language but rather the language of healthy streams, diverse forest and plant communities, even the complex signals of birds.

Here in the mid-Atlantic, many families live in cities and suburbs. Land use patterns distance people from the natural world, making it too easy for youth to adopt sedentary lives, missing out on unstructured outdoor play. Among the many benefits of being outdoors is physical exercise. According to the White House “Let’s Move” Initiative, doctors, teachers, and other professionals agree that outdoor activity is one of the easiest and most fun ways to get–and stay– fit.

Federal agencies in the mid-Atlantic region are promoting new ways to connect youth with healthier lifestyles and with the environment. Environmental education can serve two purposes: training the next generation of environmental stewards and creating active learning opportunities.

See remainder of article here

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VERMONT NEWS:

To date, we have together collected over 3 million pounds of electronics at no charge to Vermonters!

New E-Cycles Operators’ Training Webinar

The Northeast Resource Recover Association, as part of its role as the contractor for the Vermont E-Cycle Program, is pleased to announce a new training program for all staff involved in the collection, transportation, and recycling of Vermont E-Cycles material.

The training will be offered as a web-based “webinar” and is free to all attendees.  We encourage Transfer Station Staff, Managers, Administrators, Recyclers, Drivers and anyone else involved in the E-Cycles program to participate.  The webinar will be offered multiple times over the remainder of the program year.

The first webinar will be held on Friday, February 17^th at 10:00 am.  It is expected to last approximately one hour.

Access information will be forthcoming.  The program is free but requires internet access to all who participate.

The program will also be adapted into an in-person training that NRRA staff will be offering across the state.

For more information on the webinar, or to schedule an in-person training at your location, please contact us at vtewaste@nnra.net or call NRRA at (800) 223-0150 ext. 19.

We will be soliciting input on content and format from all participants of this initial offering and welcome your feedback and suggestions.

• What:  E-Cycles Operators’ Training Webinar
• When: Friday, February 17^th at 10:00am (approximately 1 hour)
• Who:  All E-Cycles participant staff
• Where:  Internet based Webinar (via GoToWebinar)
• How:  Reserve your space now at, https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/389356199 

Space is limited After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

 

NRRA ANNOUNCES NEW E-CYCLES PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS

Vermont’s electronic waste law bans the disposal of certain electronic devices and provides for convenient collection of computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals, and televisions (covered devices) for, households, school districts, and small businesses that employ 10 or fewer individuals (covered entities). When disposing of electronics, remember that electronics don’t belong in your trash.  The FREE Vermont E-Cycles electronic recycling program has established 90 collection locations that are located statewide and operate year-round. All computers, monitors, printers, computer peripherals and TVs – regardless of brand, age, or condition – are accepted for FREE recycling. Other electronic devices are also accepted at these locations; however, there may be a fee to dispose of those items.

As of today, over 90 collection sites and special collection events have partnered with the Program, with more expected to sign up  to offer a convenient set of collection locations as required by the State Standard Plan. To date, the Program has collected nearly 2.8 million pounds of recyclable electronic devices, with a goal of collecting over  three million pounds by the end of next June. For an up-to-date list of the locations and collection events accepting electronics under the Free Program, please visit www.vtecycles.org and look for “Where Can I Recycle?”

SCHOOL COLLECTION AND EDUCATION FUNDRAISERS

NRRA and its recycling partners Good Point Recycling and the Association of Vermont Recyclers (AVR) have developed School Collection and Education Fundraiser Events as part of the NRRA VT E-Cycles Program.  Under this plan, NRRA and its partners will provide support and compensation for schools that are willing and able to host and staff Electronics Collections Events on their grounds.  During these events, any “covered entity” listed above will be able to drop off any “covered device” at no charge. Other electronic devices can also be dropped off and there will be a set charge for these devices.  The events will be coordinated with media exposure and educational opportunities for students and the community.  NRRA is particularly interested in marketing these events in towns without other permanent collection facilities.

SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

As part of its role in the E-Cycles program, AVR has developed a Vermont-specific School Workshop on Electronics Recycling. These workshops will be offered as part of AVR’s routine workshop scheduling and funding mechanisms and will be specifically marketed to members and schools as a new and important product offering. These workshops will be funded by AVR Members through their routine memberships.

For more information about E-Cycles Programs for Schools, please contact NRRA at (800) 223-0150 ext. 19 or email vtewaste@nrra.net. For general questions about the E-cycles Program or information about collection locations, visit www.vtecycles.org or call 1-855-6ECYCLE.

 

 

The next E-Cycles Operator Conference Call will be on Monday, March 12th at 10:00 am.

Free Conference Call
Conference Dial-in Number: (641) 715-3200
Participant Access Code: 279190#

PLEASE forward this message to any staff, operators, managers, or colleagues who may wish to participate.

As always, if there is something you would like to see on the agenda, a question, concern, or otherwise, please let us know at (800) 223-0150 ext. 19 or vtewaste@nrra.net.

Thank you all, again, for your work on electronics recycling.  We’ll look forward to talking to you all on the 12th  if not before.

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MASSACHUSETTS NEWS:

SSRC Updates Feb. 9, 2012    Printable version

• Satuit Hardware collecting thermostats
• Med Waste Disp Corp bought by Stericycle
• Best Buy takes home electronics and TVs for free
• Leave caps on, says recycling industry
• RIP DARP.  All muni trash now subject to load inspections
• State House forays
• Cape seeks Regional Recycling Planner
• DEP Assistance program is open for Business, and for Institutions 
• RE-THINK Waste for a Sustainable Massachusetts:
• MassRecycle’s 2012 Recycling & Organics Conference
• EVENTS

Satuit Hardware collecting thermostats 

Satuit Hardware is working with the SSRC to make thermostat and fluorescent light recycling easier for customers.

Area residents may now bring mercury containing thermostats to Satuit Hardware, located at 1 Cole Parkway in Scituate.  Store staff will accept them, and bring them to the Scituate Transfer Station, which also accepts mercury-containing items for recycling.  The Scituate DPW sends mercury-containing products from the Transfer Station to Complete Recycling Solutions in Fall River.  Covanta SEMASS, the facility that accepts Scituate’s residential trash, covers the cost.

To see the Boston Globe’s coverage of the SSRC announcement, click here.

 

MWDC bought by Stericycle

Whitman Board of Health Office Manager Elaine Williams notified the office that the State Contractor that was  managing medical sharps, Medical Waste Disposal Company, had recently been sold to Stericycle, its more costly competitor.  Stericycle’s billing department didn’t seem to be aware of the State Contract pricing.  The SSRC forwarded her the actual contract and terms, notified the state procurement office (Operational Services Division), and alerted the SSRC’s managers to pay attention to their next bills.

Elaine reports that Stericycle is honoring the contract, which unfortunately expires on March 31.  It is not clear whether or when the contract will be renewed, so if you have sharps, send them out before 3/31!

 

Best Buy takes home electronics and TVs for free

Best Buy will recycle up to 3 units per day, per household, of most consumer electronics at all U.S. stores starting Feb. 15: televisions and monitors up to 32”, desktop and laptop computers and notebooks, small electronics, VCR and DVD players,  phones, keyboards, mice, small electric items, fans, vacuums, and remotes at no charge. Some items have trade-in value.

Leave caps on, says recycling industry

By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling

The Closure and Container Manufacturers Association, a packaging trade group, and the Association of Post-consumer Plastic Recyclers are asking consumers to leave “Caps On” when residents recycle their bottles.

The two organizations launched the “Caps On” initiative to increase recycling of caps with plastic bottles and will be developing educational materials, while also working with haulers and MRFs to get their support. The duo stresses that although its message is contrary to long-standing recycling requirements, there are domestic markets that are hungry for materials used in caps. Backers  expect it to be a long-term project as communities make the shift, particularly with processing equipment.

 

RIP DARP.  All muni trash now subject to load inspections

When Waste Bans were new and municipal recycling was young, the MassDEP helped it “learn to walk” with DARP.  Municipalities that followed MassDEP guidelines for Department Approved Recycling Programs were exempt from comprehensive load inspections for Waste Ban materials at disposal facilities.

MassDEP raised the bar every couple of years, while providing assistance (we now call them MACs) and incentive grants (do you remember MRIP?).

DARP has worked well over the years, with half to ¾ of municipalities being “DARPed” at any given time.  There are  now 175 that are known to be qualified, with many or most others likely in compliance but not participating.  Some municipalities actually don’t want to be exempt from inspection/rejection, to have a “stick” to discourage residents from trashing their recyclables.

Twenty years later, municipal recycling programs are more mature, and managers now understand the cost benefits, so encourage recycling over disposal.

At the January DEP SWAC meeting, Waste Prevention honcho Greg Cooper announced that DARP has accomplished its mission and is being retired.  All municipalities will be subject to comprehensive load inspections beginning July 1.

State House Forays

I went to the State House 2 weeks ago to do some advocacy for the Updated Bottle Bill (H1650/S890), which languishes in Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, and for revision of the industry-written Ewaste Producer Responsibility bill Senator Pacheco is shepherding, now in Senate Ways and Means (S2078).

First, Ewaste Producer Responsibility (S2078):

I have been working closely with MassRecycle, MassDEP, the Mass. Product Stewardship Council and Product Stewardship Institute to revise the bill so it significantly improves the current collection system, and effectively shifts responsibility to the manufacturers , and provides flexibility to adapt to changing markets.

Senate Ways and Means, Chairman Brewer’s:    Gave Scheduler  Jon Thibault our 2 page comments and some background about the municipal perspective, our well developed collection system, and how the bill (written by Dell) in its present form does little to improve the existing system. I requested a meeting with Chairman Brewer on behalf of some MassRecycle stakeholders and the SSRC, now scheduled for Feb. 14 at 1 pm.

Senator Kennedy: On SW&M, represents several SSRC towns.  Spoke with his Chief of Staff, Sarah Yunits, about EWaste bill, provided him with SSRC’s comments on S2078.  Forwarded tracked Ewaste bill with comments.

UBB (S1650/H890): 

(The addition of non-carbonated beverage containers to the Deposit/redemption system was included in the Governor’s budget for the … seventh year, but again will not be included in the legislative budgets)

Senator Kennedy:  is a cosponsor, gave the 2 pager to his COS, asked that he to talk to Sen. Downing.

Rep. DeMacedo:  He is opposed to the UBB, I stopped by his office and left our 2 pager anyway.

Senator Mike Rush:  My hometown Senator sent a letter to both TUE Chairmen requesting that the bill be reported out promptly.

TUE Senate Chair Downing:  Spoke with staffer, who said the House side was holding it up.  I reminded her that it was reported out on the Senate side last session.  She said the Committee chairs must agree before reporting the bill out, and  “there are not enough votes on the Committee right now”.  A few months ago there appeared to be a comfortable majority in the TUE Committee.  My interpretation on that is the Speaker is holding sway over some House members who had indicated support previously.

TUE Chair Rep. Keenan: Legal Counsel Chris Eicher told me the Committee was holding Stakeholder Meetings to find “common ground”.  I told him that the SSRC was a stakeholder which had testified at the hearing, yet we had not been included in these meetings (which I knew about).

Last week, Kingston SSRC Rep. Doug Buitenhuys and I met with Chairman Keenan, Chris and analyst Liam Holland.  Chairman Keenan had the industry opponents’ script memorized.  He would like to find a more “efficient” way to manage this waste stream, and is awaiting a better proposal from industry.

In an interview on WBZ NightSide last week, Chairman Keenan noted that he worked for the Speaker (podcast is here, statement is at 14:00), and repeated what he had said the day before.  Host Dan Rea, an ardent UBB supporter, and several callers, pushed Keenan hard.

Speaker DeLeo:  Spoke with Barbara Bishop, who had met with me for about 90 minutes last fall and remembered me.  I asked her why the Speaker opposes the UBB, she maintains that  she still doesn’t know.  I noted that it doesn’t appear the Speaker is allowing the legislators who were elected by all the people in Mass. to vote on this long-debated and voter-supported bill.  She said she would give the Speaker my number so I could talk to him myself.  I followed up on that promise the other day, still no call.  I’m not holding my breath.

 

Cape seeks Regional Recycling Planner

With SMRP funding from MassDEP, the Cape Cod Commission has posted a position for a regional recycling planner to work with Cape municipalities on waste reduction, PAYT, and recycling.

Applications must be received by March 2, 2012.  website, go to  “Regional Waste Reduction Planner”

 

DEP Assistance program is open for Business, and for Institutions  

If a business calls you for recycling help, Recycling Works in Mass. is up and running. Hotline (888) 254-5525 and e-mail info@RecyclingWorksMA.com offer live support, and a website will be functional in about a month.

MassDEP contracted business recycling assistance to the Center for Ecological Technology, through the Sustainable Material Recovery Program.   Funding is provided through Class 2 Renewable Energy Credits from the six qualifying municipal waste combustors, including Covanta SEMASS.

 

MassRecycle’s 2012 Recycling & Organics Conference – RE-THINK Waste for a Sustainable Massachusetts    

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 | Holiday Inn Conference Center, Boxborough

Click here to visit the Conference Website and sign up to join with over 400 other industry professionals and recycling enthusiasts to RE-THINK Waste for a Sustainable Massachusetts.

The plenary session will feature Commissioner Ken Kimmell, MassDEP; Lynn Rubenstein, NorthEast Recycling Council;  Phil Goddard, Town of Bourne – ISWM, and Daniel Moon, Environmental Business Council.

The Conference & Trade Show will be preceded by a Compost Marketing Workshop on Monday, March 26th, and followed by a series of recycling and organics facilities tours on Wednesday, March 28^th

Educational workshops include:

• Where Do We Go from Here? Reaching Zero Waste.
• Textiles Reuse & Recycling.
• Building an Organics Facility in your Community.
• Rigid Plastic Containers: Local and International Markets.
• PAYT vs. Automatic Collection.
• Single Stream vs. Dual Stream.
• Common Problems and Solutions to School Recycling: Roundtable Discussion.
• Getting Ready for the e-Waste Bill.

Members of MassRecycle receive a discount on their registration fee – $65 per person for individual, K-12, municipal, and nonprofit members, $100 per person for corporate members. Nonmembers pay $85 and $125 respectively. Each registration includes an exhibit hall pass, lunch and access to the coffee break.

 

EVENTS

SSRC Board meetings, Thurs., Feb. 23, 9 am, Whitman Town Hall, 54 South Ave.; Thurs., March 22, 9 am, Hingham

Southeast Municipal Recycling Council, Wed., March 14, 9-12, Textile recycling, Wrentham Library

MassRecycle Recycling and Organics Conference and Trade Show, Tues., March 27, Holiday Inn Boxborough

 Submitted by:
Claire Sullivan, Executive Director
South Shore Recycling Cooperative 
781.329.8318; ssrecyclingcoop@verizon.net
Chairman, Mass Recycles Paper

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NATIONAL NEWS:

“From Coast to Coast – Skills for American Workers”

By Nancy Stoner

During his State of the Union address, President Obama spoke about the need to develop skills for American workers, to ensure our students and workers get the education and training they need so that we have a workforce ready to take on the jobs of today and tomorrow. This is particularly important right now, because as the President said, this is a make or break moment for the middle class and those trying to reach it.

As EPA and its partners work to protect the environment and public health, we are also working to ensure that American workers have the skills to participate in the burgeoning environmental technology industry, which generated approximately $300 billion in revenues, $43.8 billion in exports, and supported almost 1.7 million jobs in 2008. I recently saw two outstanding examples in Atlanta and San Francisco.

First I visited the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, which works in environmental justice communities in the city. I toured the organization’s nature and educational center, where community members are engaged in various activities, such as trash removal from streams, rain barrel and rain garden construction to reduce water pollution and urban aquaculture and gardening. The alliance also provides educational activities for local teens, such as interpretive urban forest nature hikes and summer camp experiences. Partially supported by environmental justice and urban waters grants from EPA, these activities are exposing youths and local residents to new skills and career possibilities in environmental protection and community revitalization.

On the other side of the country in San Francisco, I visited a center that demonstrates green building, renewable energy and water protection. The EcoCenter at Heron’s Park, which was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, treats its wastewater using constructed wetlands and ultraviolet sterilization lamps. It also features a green roof, a plant-based wastewater treatment system, rainwater harvesting, and native landscaping, which conserve water and prevent stormwater runoff. I learned that the center partners with San Francisco City College, which provides technical education and a degree in sustainability. Also in an environmental justice community, the EcoCenter offers students and community members the opportunity to gain skills in environmental technology and explore future careers.

These efforts in Atlanta and San Francisco are precisely the type of approach the President is calling for – they will keep our environment, our economy and our people thriving for many generations to come.

About the author: Nancy Stoner is the Acting Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Water
To see Original article click here.

 

Replacing Your HVAC System?

By Abigail Daken

Several of my coworkers have asked me for tips when they are thinking of replacing their HVAC (heating, cooling and air conditioning) system. Each situation is different, and it can be challenge to think about the best and least costly ways of saving energy. Still, there are some tips that I find apply in almost every instance:

1. Find a good contractor. Keep in mind that the lowest bidder or a poor installation job could cost you money over time. Look for recommendations from sources of consumer advice in your area.  EPA’s ENERGY STAR has some good tips for hiring a contractor.
2. Use EPA’s handy checklist to compare bids from several contractors.
3. Once you pick a contractor, ask them how you can lower your energy bills. Your contractor should evaluate your home to determine your needs and diagnose any current efficiency or comfort problems. Make sure they check to see if you can get a smaller system than your old one since many existing systems are too large for the homes they are in.
4. Whatever type of system you get, consider ENERGY STAR equipment—in most climates these systems will save you money in the long run even if it might cost more up front. The type of system that is right for your home will depend on a lot of factors. If you have a tall, skinny space like a townhouse, or rooms that are rarely used, consider zoning. If you have electric resistance heat, a heat pump will almost certainly save you money.
5. Set up a service contract after your new equipment is installed. A new HVAC system is an expensive investment, like a car, and about a third of your annual energy bills depend on how well it’s working.  Like a car, it needs maintenance to stay efficient.
6. While you are at it…..A major system replacement is a good time to check that your walls and ceiling are well sealed and insulated, and your ducts aren’t leaking into your attic or garage. Many utilities and state energy offices even have programs to help you do so. The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR website has lots of great tips, too.

About the author: Abigail Daken has worked at the EPA since 2008.  She manages setting requirements for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling products, as well as water heaters and dehumidifiers.
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NRRA CALENDAR:

• Feb. 20th: NRRA OFFICE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

• March 1st: Waste in Schools: Trayless Tuesdays Webinar,  at  1:30pm EST (details above)

• March 14th: M.O.M. Meeting (9:00-10:30) & Workshop (10:30-1:00pm), NRRA Office (details above)

• April 11th: M.O.M. Meeting, NRRA Office

• April 11th: NRRA Board Meeting, NRRA Office 11:00am – 1:00pm

• May 9th: M.O.M. Meeting, NRRA Office

• May 28th: NRRA OFFICE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

• June: No M.O.M Meeting due to Annual Conference

• June 4th & 5th: 31st Annual NRRA Recycling Conference & Expo (details above)

• June 5th: 3rd Annual School Recycling Conference & Expo