'.w .o fw-
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protedon
Agency
Waste Management Division
Region 1(HER-CAN6)
Boston, MA
EPA/901/5-
Research Ubrary lor Solid Waste
Compendium of m m
Materials on Municipal
SoljdWaste
COMMUNITY RECYCLING
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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A COMPENDIUM OF MATERIAL ON MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
* COMMUNITY RECYCLING *
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
A GUIDE TO RECYCLING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Planning the Program 4
Designing and Starting the Program 5
Evaluating the Program 18
PUBLIC EDUCATION
by the MA Department of Environmental Protection
Recycling Public Education 20
COOPERATIVE MARKETING OF SECONDARY MATERIALS
by the New Hampshire Resource Recovery Association
Identifying Markets for Recyclables 25
(An approach to recycling in rural communities)
INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Integrated Solid Waste Management 36
OPERATING A RECYCLING PROGRAM: LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND
THE PRIVATE SECTOR
from the Proceedings of the First U.S. Conference
on Municipal Solid Waste Management
Local Government Recycling Program Design:
Integration of Existing Recyclers
by Deanna Ruffer and Susan Schaefer, of
Roy F. Weston, Inc. 39
RECYCLING AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
by INFORM Environmental Research and Education
Two Planning Checklists . 50
EDUCATIONAL FLYERS FOR CITIZENS
Examples . 55
WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE? 64
SOURCES USED IN INFORMATION PACKET #1 66
Please Note: Since documents in this compendium are only
partially reproduced, there will sometimes appear references to
appendices or other sections that are not included in this
reproduction. Users are encouraged to obtain the full document
from the organization which originally published it.
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Introduction:
The question, "How do we set up a recycling program?" is
frequently received from municipal officials, schools,
businesses, community groups, individuals, and many more. There
are so many possible answers to this question that it is simply
not possible to provide one complete answer.
This Compendium of publications is intended to assist community
members in planning, establishing, or modifying municipal
recycling programs. It is intended to provide some things to
consider, present potential answers to problems, identify some
resources to use, and mostly to save people time in their search
for answers.
From the publication "A Guide to Recycling in Your Community" by
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, information on
things to consider in planning, designing, starting and
evaluating a recycling program is presented. Issues in
economics, collection possibilities, siting, materials handling,
transportation, and storage are discussed. The basic concern,
however, is the economic viability of a program.
The second publication from the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection titled "Massachusetts Regional Recycling
Program: Public Education" focuses on the key factor of getting
the public involved and supportive of a municipal recycling
program.
Rural communities oftentimes have a different set of problems to
overcome in establishing and maintaining recycling programs. A
publication from the New Hampshire Resource Recovery Association
titled "Recycling in New Hampshire: An Implementation Guide"
reviews the cooperative marketing approach that they have taken
to market many recyclable materials.
From the EPA publication "Decision-Makers Guide to Solid Waste
Management" it is seen that recycling cannot be considered as the
single solution to municipal solid waste management. The waste
management hierarchy advanced by EPA places recycling in a
necessary context. Source reduction, landfilling, and
combustion, the other three major means of management, must be
considered by municipalities as well. Recycling alone cannot
solve the "solid waste dilemma."
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Planners of recycling programs can often save time and resources
by researching activities that have preceded their own plans in
their community. One component of this is integrating existing
recyclers into the program or plan. The importance of private
sector contributions are set forth in the document from the
Proceedings of the First United States Conference on Municipal
Solid Waste Management, titled "Local Government Recycling
Program Design: Integration of Existing Recyclers."
Two checklists titled "Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste
Program: A Planning Checklist" are included from the
organization INFORM, Inc. These checklists may be of value to
municipal planners in identifying the preliminary tasks necessary
to establish a program to collect the components of municipal
solid waste; metals, glass, paper, bulky wastes, construction
debris, yard wastes, and household hazardous waste. Although
plastics are not specifically mentioned', readers are encouraged
to consider this material as a separate waste stream component as
well.
In the fall of 1991, the Northeastern University American Society
of Civil Engineers' Student Chapter Recycling Committee presented
the study "The Path of Recycled Plastics From the Greater Boston
Area" to EPA. The report included examples of flyers used by the
Cities of Cambridge, Roxbury, and Somerville of Massachusetts to
educate their citizens about the towns' recycling efforts. These
flyers are provided in the section, "Educational Flyers for
Citizens," and may provide municipal planners with examples of
how to communicate with their own citizens, and what to include
in distributed materials.
Finally, the section, "Where Do You Go From Here?" offers
resources and tips for further information.
This Compendium is intended to serve as a resource for developing
and maintaining successful recycling programs at the community
level. We hope that you will find the information contained
within useful.
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A GUIDE TO RECYCLING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
PLANNING THE PROGRAM; DESIGNING AND STARTING THE PROGRAM;
EVALUATING THE PROGRAM
from the publication titled
A Guide to Recycling in Your Community
[N.D., Circa 1989]
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Resource Recovery Section
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
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INTRODUCTION
Solid waste disposal is a growing problem for
communities. The traditional method of dispos-
ing of solid waste—by landfilling—is becoming
more expensive and less acceptable politically,
economically, and socially. The costs of collec-
ting and landfilling solid wastes are rising and
available land is becoming scarce and more
expensive. Furthermore, many citizens are be-
ginning to oppose using available land to bury
solid waste.
As landfills near capacity, many communities
have begun to look for ways to reduce the
amount of solid waste for disposal. One proven
option is source separation (recycling).
Source separation is the setting aside of one
or more materials such as paper, glass, and
cans from refuse. Source separation program
crews collect the separated materials in two
ways: 1) by providing centers to which residents
can bring materials; and 2) by collecting the
recyclables at curbside on a house-to-house
basis. The materials that are collected are
transported to a site for processing, and then are
delivered to a manufacturer who uses them as
raw materials to manufacture new products. In
general, a source separation program requires
participating residents to keep recyclable
materials separated from waste materials
destined for disposal.
This report presents an overview of some of
the issues involved in a source separa-
tion/recycling program. It outlines various con-
cepts a community may wish to consider when
deciding upon the feasibility of a source separa-
tion/recycling program. Some of thse concepts
include: the options for materials collection;
necessity of a comprehensive public education
campaign; and expected cost considerations in-
volved in the program.
This report deals with the general costs incur-
red by a source separation program, however, a
detailed assessment of costs and benefits is
beyond this scope. It is important to remember
that the key to developing a successful residen-
tial waste materials recovery program is careful
organization and planning.
STAGE I. PLANNING THE PROGRAM
When planning for a residential waste re-
covery program, there are several steps to
follow:
Step One: The first step in planning, is to
assess the marketplace and research what
waste you can sell. To start, you can contact and
talk with scrap buyers, paper buyers, your local
solid waste management department, and
others involved in waste collection and sale, and
find out exactly what is saleable and what the
mar-ket is for each type of waste. There have
been, many groups that started recycling pro-
grams and later found there was little or no
market for their materials, and thus had to pay to
have items hauled away. Some questions to
keep in mind when talking to people about
markets are:
a) What are the quality requirements for each
price?
b) Is the price high enough for the program to
function economically?
c) Will your program have the ability to prepare
materials to the degree of purity required by
markets?
d,\ What is the long term history of the price of
fhe materials?
e) What are the contaminants and what
percentage is allowed? •
f) What is the basis for rejection of a load?
g) What is the minimum load?
h) Are there seasonal variations in price?
i) Will they send certified weight tickets on the
load?
Other things to consider in assessing a mar-
ket is the location: If the market is close by you
can cut down on storage space and transpor-
tation cost. If it is at a distance, are the prices
high enough to offset additional costs?
Step Two: Step Two of the planning stage is
to decide what materials will be collected. To
make this decision, you must first determine
what materials are available. You should also
determine the authority legally responsible for
waste collection. Cities, counties, or townships
may ftave this responsibility, but may have
delegated or hired a solid waste board or private
waste collector for the job. The most logical ap-
proach is to call or visit with your city or county
waste management department or Department
of Public Works.
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Once the appointment is made, be sure to ask
about local laws and regulation regarding waste
collection. You may even want to work directly
with their solid waste planning staff. Others to
contact to get an idea of what materials are
available and how they are currently handled in-
clude local dumps or landfills and private waste
collectors.
Another way to get information on materials
availablity is to contact companies that sell
directly to the consumers. For instance, news-
paper purchasing agents know the exact amount
or number of tons of p^per they buy each month.
and how many subscribers they have in the com-
munity. They should be able to tell you how much
of their monthly tonnage.ordered is left over,
which will indicate approximately how much
paper is being put out into the community. The
same holds true for food and beverage distrib-
utors, they know the number of cans or bottles
that are used:each month. All of these steps-may
help you in estimating the potential recovery of
the waste you want to collect.
Step Three: You must understand the com-
.munity in which the program will be started.
Understanding the community is important in that
people own the waste that the program wishes to
recycje.There are also three major reasons why
one should understand the community:
a) To determine the degree of existing public
interest;
b) To assess public attitudes and concepts
regarding recycling;
c) To learn who will be the best targeted group
for recycling.
Understanding and communicating with your
community can be accomplished in several
ways, including:
a) Public service announcements regarding
what you want to accomplish with a local
contact person-ahd telephone number;
b) Plan speaking tours throughout the com-
. munity oh recycling;
c) Mail-out questionnaires;
d):Door-.to-door: questionnaires;
O-Stage a one-day recycling event; those in-
terested will show their support by recycling
that day.
Determining what-the public knows about the
soiid waste problem, and if they are willing to
fieip or participate, will help you in deciding on
target audiences and promotion strategies.
Step Four Establish a solid foundation for the
program. In this process, one has to secure sup-
port for the program, whether ft be public or
private, supported by public officials or com-
munity groups. Working with others in the com-
munity can lead to a stronger program and open
the path to a more socially accepted recycling
program. In addition, working with others re-
duces the risk of program duplication and pro-
motes good will throughout the community. A
group or individual in the beginning stages of
developing a new project can benefit by contac-
ting local government groups such as the city or
county waste disposal/recovery departments.
This is beneficial in that government support is
needed to obtain use permits and other permits
necessary to start operation. Other local groups
include community groups like the Chamber of
Commerce, churches. Urban League, and ser-
vice groups. Many of these groups may be in the
process of establishing their own recovery pro-
gram, but lack certain elements needed to get
started. In conjunction with your group, the lack-
ing element could be provided, and vice-versa.
For example, the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources' (MDNR) Resource Recovery
Section and the Michigan Recycling Coalition
work with ecology centers and recycling groups
in establishing community curbside recycling or
drop off site programs.
Step Five: Decide what areas of the communi-
ty your program will cover. This decision should
be based on the information gathered from Step
Three-Understanding Your Community. The
questionnaires, interviews, etc. should tell you
which groups or areas of the community are most
interested in the program. Naturally, it is best to
initially operate the programjn the areas showing
the highest interest and willingness to parti-
cipate. During this step, you will also want to seek
out other recycling programs to make sure there
is no overlap in areas covered. It is also a good
idea to assess other communities of similar
demographics to determine types of programs
currently existing, and which type of program
works best for a particular community. (See Ap-
pendix A. Recycling Program Summaries).
STAGE II. DESIGNING AND STARTING
UP PROGRAM
1. TYPE OF PROGRAM & SITE: There are
several types of programs that can be establish-
ed in a community. This booklet has divided
recycling systems into three basic classifica-
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lions, however, this should not limit your ideas
for establishing various other types of programs.
These three classifications are to help focus on
the scale that is most appropriate for the needs
of the community.
Type A - Drop-off Program (non permanent
sites) - This type of program is the simplest to
organize and manage. Recyclers bring their
recyclables to a central place established by the
coordinating organization. The materials are
,then sorted according to type (glass, paper,
(etc.). This program format has the option of tem-
porary locations, such as schools and shopping
center parking lots. Most of the companies pur-
chasing the recyclable materials will provide
your organization with containers and trans-
portation of materials. A good example of this
type of program is the monthly "brop-off" site
sponsored by the Recyclers of Greater Lansing.
This Michigan non-profit organization sets up a
drop-off site once a month in a shopping center
parking lot. Recyclers drive through the roped-
off area where volunteer workers unload the
cars and separate the materials before putting
them into containers. This type of program is
ideal for several groups working together, and
does not leave the responsibility for providing
labor with a single group.
Type B - Drop-off Program (permanent lo-
cation) - The Type B recycling program has two
options, a permanently located drop-off site with
no mechanical equipment or a permanently
located drop-off site with motorized equipment.
The first Type B option is the permanently
located site with no mechanization. In this type
of program, containers are permanently placed
where people can drop off their recyclable
materials. There may also be satellite centers
located in other areas of the community. This
option usually does not have any motorized
equipment on site. The materials that are col-
lected are stored until a load is ready for
transportation. They are then taken to their
markets or to other dealers 1o be properly
prepared for final marketing.
The second Type B option is the permanently
located site with motorized ecu>pment to
prepare the materials for market. Tr.is site would
have the same type of containers as the first op-
tion, but would include a newscaoer or pacer
baler/shredder, glass crusher. ior*-ii?ts and
other equipment that might be neeoec to c-e-
pare recyclables for markets.
Type C - Drop-off Program with uoiiecnon
Routes - This last type of program consists of
more complex forms of recycling. This type of
recycling program could include the collection
of multi-grades of paper, routing for homes and
businesses, and the collection of local "exotic
materials" (materials unique to the area or com-
munity). An example of this may be the recycling
of scrap lumber from lumber companies.
All three of these recycling programs include
four basic steps:
1) collection
2) processing
3) materials handling
4) transportation
They also depend on three other factors for ef-
ficient operation:
1) staff ing .
2) site
3) equipment
There are various ways to collect recyclables.
One of the more common forms is the drop off
center. These are centers where the public or
businesses can drop off their recyclables. These
centers are either permanently or temporarily
established in a specific location like a shopping
center parking lot or school lot. They can be
staffed or non-staffed. This type of collection
center is good for rural areas on a monthly col-
lection basis, or as often as necessary. It can
also be used as an alternative to house-to-house
or business-to-business collection. The center
can range from an unsupervised center to a 24
hour per day supervised center. In a collection
or drop-off center, the collection area is divided
into sections, one for each type of material.
Each section should be clearly marked. You will
need to determine the amount of space needed
for parking, delivery and pickups. The center's
functions could also include the receiving, tem-
porary storage and shipping of one or more ma-
terials. You may also be responsible for handling
and/or delivery of materials to a processing
center, or delivery of the processed product to
buyers.
Some things to consider upon designing such a
center are: the location, space requirements,
storage and equipment, protection of materials.
maintenance, traffic flow, and room for expan-
sion. Listed below are some of the advantages
and disadvantages of both a supervised and un-
supervised drop-off center.
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Unsupervised Center
Advantages
•possible 24 hour accessibility
•no pick up service cost
•little or no labor
Disadvantages
•may cause poor sorting of materials
•{no assistance to public)
•travel to center may be inconvenience to public
•possible noise and traffic congestion
•possible vandalism
•less public feedback
-small amount of material usually collected
Supervised Center
Advantages Disadvantages
•personal contact -higher cost (wages etc.)
-paid personnel to assure proper attention to
materials and customers
-on-site educational programs
Curbside Collection
This method requires participating .individuals to
place recyclables at the curbside or alley for col-
lection arid the retrieval of any empty storage
containers on a prescribed day. There are five
basic questions to consider when deciding on
the start-up of a curb-side recycling program.
Question #1
Will the pick up of recyclables be in-
tegrated with general refuse collection or
not?
Answer
This depends on the type of program to be
established. However, it is best to work with
Ihose handling general refuse collection; you
may want to coordinate your schedule around.
or with, theirs in order to reduce the risk of con-
tamination ol materials.
•Question #2
When two or more recyclables are being
collected, wilMhey be picked up together or
will each recyclable material be picked up
separately?
Answer
This also depends on the type of program
established, I (you have limited equipment and
crew. yog;may want to start-put with the collec-
tion pT just brie'material arid .expand later. The
less effort it takes to participate, the more
response you will get.
Question #3
How often will pick up be made?
Answer
The frequency of collection is a very important
aspect of any source separation program. It is
most important to make sure the public is aware
of the schedule and frequency of pick ups. In
determining the frequency of collection, one
must consider the following factors: sanitation,
collection cost, fuel consumption, and availabili-
ty of storage space. Monthly pick up may be fre-
quent enough for some residential area's needs,
but the participants may forget from one month
to the next. There.has been, sufficient data
gathered by the Environmental Protection Agen-
cy, demonstrating that overall participation is
greater for programs that collect weekly or bi-
weekly than programs collecting on a monthly
basis. Although participation may be higher for
weekly and bi-weekly collection, the cost is also
higher. You will have to weigh the additional cost
against the increased benefits of monthly versus
shorter collection periods. The Grand Rapids.
Michigan program has bi-weekly collection.
In order to receive complete coooe-aiion from
the home or business participar.:. you must take
collections on a regular basis. Tne-oarticipants
must consistently be made aware of what: is ex-
pected of them and when collection will take
place. Some things to consider ana keep irvrruna
during collection:
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—Tell people exactly how you want the material
prepared;
—Be sure you have informed participants of
when collection will take place;
—Be safe; watch for broken glass, jagged cans.
and any other safety hazards;
—The customer should be treated properly .at all
times;
—Maintain a good public image;
—Develop a policy to deal with scavengers who
take the materials intended for you;
—Develop and maintain a maintenance sched-
ule on all collection vehicles and centers;
—Have alternate plans for collection vehicle
break-down, time and personnel absences.
Question #4
What type of collection vehicle should be
used?
Answer
The type of collection vehicle used depends
on what type of materials are collected. For ex-
ample, il you are collecting newsprint only, then
you would not need a truck with various com-
partments. On the other hand, if you are collec-
ting several materials, you may need some type
of truck or vehicle with separate compartments.
This makes it quicker and easier to prepare the
materials for processing.
The size of your vehicle should be based on
the amount of materials recovered and on" the
number of participants. It is also wise to start
on a small scale with room to expand later, as
needed. Il is also cheaper over the long run to
buy rather than rent vehicles, unless a vehicle is
to be used for a very small pilot lest, or em-
ployed for only one or two days per week or
month. (See Appendix B for more details on
equipment and vehicles).
Question #5
Should participation be voluntary or man-
datory?
Answer
The type of participation will depend on the
type of program you want to establish. If you
decide to go with the mandatory participation
program, you will have to obtain some type of
local ordinance,-Jhe ordinance would require
that recyclables be source separated, and that
all households participate. These ordinances are
necessary to signal citizens that the program re-
quires and expects participation. In areas where
an ordinance has been adopted, a large in-
crease in participation has resulted with minimal
enforcement needed. You may also want to in-
vestigate Anti-Scavenging ordinances. These
ordinances make it unlawful for others to pick up
materials set aside for curbside collection.
Scavenging can be a big problem, especially
when material marfcet prices are up. (See Appen-
dix A for examples of mandatory ordinance pro-
grams and others).
Once the questions are answered, you will
have to decide which approach lor collection is
best for your program.
Recovered materials can be picked up simul-
taneously with general refuse using the same
vehicle or independently from general refuse
collection. The recycled materials may be col-
lected on either the same day or a different day
than the general refuse.
a) Pickup with Municipal Collection
This approach is possible if compartments
and/or trailers for recovered materials can be
added to collection vehicles. This system offers
maximum integration with overall waste man-
agement systems, lowest startup costs, and
maximum convience to, residents. However, it
requires residents to separate their refuse which
in turn demands alertness on the part of the col-
lection crews. Also, different compartments may
fill up at varied rates, requiring drop-off spots for
certain materials along the established route.
b) Pickup Independently of Municipal Collec-
tion
The independent pickup of recyclables with
the same or different day approach is generally
more successful, because collection crews do
not then have the problem of distinguishing be-
tween separated and general refuse items. Also,
separated materials set out apart from refuse act
as a visible advertisement for the recycling pro-
gram, thus encouraging increased participation.
2. PROGRAM COORDINATOR AND
STAFFING: Many organizations fail to realize
the importance of their staff to the outcome of
their operations. Each person in a recycling
center is a sales person or public relations per-
son. The public is not required by law to conduct
business with your center, but if people are
treated with respect and cojrtesy. most are
willing to make the extra effort to recycle.
Upon staffing your community recycling
center, you should try to secure staff members
that are concerned about providing a service to
the community and to individual households,
and that possess the ability to worv efficiently.
x r
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The first position to be filled is the program
coordinator. This person, with the help of others.
is primarily in charge of developing and planning
the entire program. The coordinator and the rest
of the staff will also be responsible for putting the
program into operation and managing the pro-
gram on a day-to-day basis. In some situations,
the staffing may depend on the type of program
funding available. Many government funded pro-
grams, and others, are staffed with unemployed
workers funded through programs such as CETA
(Comprehensive Employment Training Act).
3. LOCATING A SITE: Regardless of Ihe type
of program you decide to establish, you will need
a site or location in which to operate. Again, this
decision-will depend on the area you want to
concentrate on, or the area with the highest in-
terest. Site location will also depend on the type
of program established and on the quantity of
materials you expect to handle.
When selecting a site, you will want to con-
sider the following:
a) Accessibility - be close to people, but not too
close where people will complain about noise.
b) Space - make sure you have room for storage
and room for expansion. There should be ade-
quate parking and a good traffic flow pattern
for loading and unloading.
c) Security - review safety measures for em-
ployees and participants, security to discour-
age vandalism, and fire emergency measures
(sprinkler systems).
d) Zoning - make sure the area is zoned for re-
cycling operations.
A covered or sheltered space is best, but is
not always the easiest to obtain. You may want
to seek out a local school, church, or community
center as an operating location. These areas are
usually' equipped with storage areas, safety
measures, and sprinkler systems. You may also
wani to ask your local Chamber of Commerce if
they know of available spaces, and check with
local businesses who are often willing to donate
trie space or a shelter for a recycling center.
4. PROCESSING:' Processing includes or
can include size reduction and separation. Pro-
cessing systems have two primary purposes:
a) Size Reduction - Size reduction equipment
reduces material particle sizes. Generally, size
reduction includes shredding and smashing
cans, smashing glass, and baling papers.
* =-es-o Cojniy. Recycling in Your Community • A Guide to
Ve-f •
b) Separation - The major differences in
physical properties by which solid waste may be.
separated include: color, luster, size, shape.
brittleness, structure, texture, surface
characteristics. Separation will be geared
primarily to the market. Processes incidental to
separation may include: crushing and grinding,
sizing, screening and .classification, sorting,
washing, magnetic separation and electrical
separation.
Separation is used in various salvage and re-
cycling operations. Paper is sorted by type and
grade. Metals are sorted by types and glass is
separated by color.
Processing Steps
After collection, the basic processing steps usu-
ally involve:
a) Unloading
b) Weighing
c) Separation (although much of this is done in
the collection process)
d) Reduction of volume (such as the baling of
paper, flattening cans, crushing glass)
e) General preparation for shipment to the buyer
f) Loading
Processing Strategy
The strategy of how you will address process-
ing generally is determined by four factors:
1) Financing available to purchase capital
equipment.
2) The markets that exist in your community.
How the buyer wants the product to be de-
livered and the increased price for pro-
cessing.
3) The size of the operation and the potential
amount of recycled materials available.
4) The availablity of labor, particularly labor
from government agencies and programs
such as CETA (Comprehensive Employment
Training Act). If labor is readily available, the
program may be more labor intensive than
equipment intensive.
Points to Remember When Processing
Materials
a) Keep supplies on hand;
b) Separate processing from collection;
c) Keep different types of materials physically
separate from each other;
d) Handle material only as much as needed,
avoid double handling or moving material
several times;
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) Keep regular maintenance schedules:
» Keep good ecjuipmeni records;
i) Keep bales tight.
Arterial Handling*
The basic objectives in material handling are:
I) Minimize handling;
2) Every time H is handled. It should be con-
vened to a more marketable form or its
quality should be improved.
MatariaU Placed In Small Containers
A small container is any container that will fit in groups of 2-4 on a four foot square pallet.
Being Filled
1} one at a time
Being Stored
1} in groups on hand surface
Being Loaded
1)s)litt on manually
b) use lorklift with a barrel gripper
c) use truck with a power tailgate
d) use forklrtt with a barrel rotation
2) set r- a pE«e!
2) on pallets
2) a) load on a flatbed
t>) load in a van
(pallets must be
less than A leet
to load two)
3) on a loading dock
3} a) roll in flatbed
or van by hand
b} use a pallet jack
and bottomless pallets
c) pour into roll-off
bin or dump truck
""Fresno County Recycling tn YOJ'
A Guioe to
/
-------
Advantages
i) Availability of containers
2) Close quality control
3) No forklift required
Disadvantages
1) Handling small amounts
2) Dangerous
3) Requires large number of containers
4) Circular shape is not efficient:
Materials Placed In Rotatable Medium Cont»tn»rs
Wooden or meial containers from 32 to 100 cubic feet.
A'DEEP
Being Filled
Being Stored
one at a time
JK:
4Jc
J-ki
Ji^
Being Loaded
1. stack on a flatbed
2. rotate into a:
a. ro'l-bff bin
b. dump truck
stacked 3-5 high
,«nlofmaiipn on 1h« Wje OBi8m«0 ttom "Fiesno County. Recycling
Community - A GoiOt 10 W»W il Happen".
//
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aniages
) Very Quick system
) Handles large amoJms
advantages
) Requires a lorklift
I Containers are expensive
terUls Placed in Large Roll-Oft Bins
eing Filled
1) throw ovet sioe
over live leei high)
2) walk up steps (not over
eight leet high)
Being Stored
i) no handiihc 101 storage
2) no handling lor storage
Being Loaded
i) pulled up on a roll-oil bin
truck or trailer or transfer
trailer
2) pulled up on a roli-otl bin
truck or trailer or transfer
trailer
»rtom«iion on ma pa}* ootames ttom "f fesno Couniy, Recycling m Youf Communny • A Guo« 10 M**e n «»o?en".
-------
3) place bin along a dock
(not over eight feet high)
3) no handling for storage
3) pulled up on a roll-off bin
truck or transfer trailer
—Caution! Watch out for overhead wires-
Advantages
l).Minimalhandling
2) Handles a large volume
3) Brokers will furnish bins
4) Security
Disadvantages
1) Lack of quality control
2} Expensive to have handled
3) May noi gel serviced when lull
Materials Placed in Bulk Bays
Being Filled and Stored
l)manuaiiy filled
Being Loaded
i)aii loading with'a scoop loader
trrtormation on tfttt page ootainefl trom "Fiesno Couniy. Recycling m Your Community • A Gu4e to Make n Happen".
-------
chine
t>eU conveyor
scoop loader
gravity feed
needs
pisadvantages
Hih «nlVial C0
it control
,. r.
*{
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5. TRANSPORTATION: Commercial trans-
portation is regulated by various public utility or
public service commissions in each stale, which
determine various commodity freight rates to be
charged within the state. You should sit down
and discuss rates with members of the staff of
these bodies. Generally, there are inconsisten-
cies in freight rates. Truckers in many cases will
come down on their rates, if they can legally do
it. They want your business. If you are going to
use shippers, the advantages in using close
markets are many; transportation costs are the
most obvious. Even if the buying price for mate-
rial is somewhat less in a close market than a
distant one. it may be stiU more economical to
go with the close market. Remember, transpor-
tation is expensive.
When a market is c'ose. aTangemems other
than commercial shipping can more easily be
made. The buyer may be willing to pick up the
material himself. Even if he buys at a tower cost
because ol this, you may still be saving money
and will be saving yourself from the problems
that occur in transporting materials. For close
markets, there is also the possibility of rental
trucks. This will probably be cheaper than com-
mercial trucking. Check the prices of rental
equipment. Make sure, howevei .that you have a
vehicle that you can handle.
When a ;: -ryo'>g company S^TS to a city, th
may net have z loei coing beck to their ov.-n city.
Tnis can oe used to your advantage. As an ex-
ample. suppose a company has a shipment o1
paper sent to them from a recycling center. They
could then return matenai to the center from
that same community. Many times trucking
firms will donate services to non-profit groups.
Another way Of cutting down transportation
costs is the use of a co-op system. It there is
another recycling center or some other com-
pany shipping to tne same place you are. you
might pool transportation costs. Generally, the
more that is shipped, the less the per unit pound
rate. This could also be done when the center
does its own transporting.
Points to Remember'
1) Transportation is expensive. You should
check out all possibles in onset to cut
costs. These possibilities include truck rerv-
tals. owning and maintaining your own
equipment, rail shipments, and cooperative
arrangements.
2} Make sure the load is secure. When ship-
ping paper or loose material, an material
should be tarped down.
information oDiainefl ifO "Fresco County. Recycling in
Your Communiiy • A GuiOe to Make fl Happen".
3) Make sure that all arrangements are checked
well before the shipping time.
4) Not only should you schedule the shipping
time, but you should schedule the loading
time. This will save a lot of unnecessary pro-
blems and will cut costs.
5} Use back hauls whenever possible.
6) Transportation units should be completely
filled. Do not send a naif-loaded truck to the
market. This will minimize the amount of
handling needed and will save money.
7) Know when the material should reach the
market.
8} Set aside a transportation allowance.
9} Ship in 10-20 ton lots; this will give you the
best rates.
6. PUBLIC EDUCATION-PUBLIC RELA-
TIONS: Public education is the key to high ac-
ceptance and participation in a source separa-
tion/recycling program. Eiuca^on sr.oulo begin
at least two or three months before programs
are in place and continue as a major program
activity. Education can account for a substantial
portion of a program's budget, but the return is
worthwhile. The county and local pilot program
communities should plan an extensive public
educational effort. Public education should be a
major continuing component of the operation of
programs.
Education of the public is critical to any sue-
cesstui program. Initially, the education informs
people of the program and how to participate
Continuous "feed-back" education reminds peo-
ple to continue to participate and updates the
results of their efforts.
High per-capita materials recovery in a source
separation program depends on residents in the
program area being a-.vare of unders*.2"dtric
ano having concern for the goats of tne program.
To achieve this end, an all-out effort is required to
design and conduct an effective publicity cam-
paign. The importance of publicity prior to and
during start-up, and after the program is in opera-
tion, cannot be over-emphasized.
The manner hi which you approach your pub-
Ircity campaign is to a great extent dependent
upon existing public recycling awareness, and
available publicity mechanisms. Your endeavors
can range from posters and newspaper an-
nouncements concerning collection dates or
centet location, to comprehensive and lengthy
explanatory meetings with city officials and
omer community leaoers.
-------
As w'rth any other new business, you must be
irepared to spend consioerabie time and effort
forming the public of who you are. what you
lo. and how you wit! be a beneficial addition to
he community.
The following is a listing of a variety of public-
j end education techniques that are available
tor a community, and how each technique should
be carried out. When working with the media as
B means of educating the public, there are cer-
tain guide-lines to follow:
Using the Mass Media • The news media is
the means through which you reach your public
€n masse—most of which does not tall under
your control. The mass media includes news-
papers. m£;&: -.fc*. rac c. ano ie*vis
-------
Some Cost Assessment Factors
Collection
Handling
Transportation
Capital
Costs
Vehicles:
hydraulic lift
& installation
Baler purchase &
installation;
forklitt;
electrical, rewiring:
handling containers
Operating
Costs
Labor*, vehicle
fuel, registration.
insurance; labor
overtime for missed
pick-ups
Labor*, bale
straps: propane:
site rent.
utilities; insurance
Container bulk-tin
fees
Maintenance
Costs
Labor, vehicle
parts, lubrication;
washing compounds
Labor, equipment.
parts & lubrication,
site upkeep; supplies
Revenue and Cost Savings
Revenues arise from the sale of recovered
materials. To estimate revenues, multiply the ex-
peeked'number of tons of each material to be
recovered by the price per ton quoted by buyers.
Definition' Revenues result from the sale of
gcccs or sn'e providing of services to customers.
and they produce an inflow of assets.
* tons/material x P/ton = Gross Revenues;
p s. Price; f = Per
(See Appendix C tor sample format for record-
ing recovery and revenue)
Generally speaking, cost savings are costs
not incurred and/or reduced costs tnrough a
source separation/recycling program. Such cost
savings may be:
a) Disposal site entrance fee savings (tipping
fee): f of tons recovered (divered from land-
fill) x tipping = $ savings.
b) Vehicle maintenance and fuel cost savings
(fewer trips to jandfill. and reduced labor to
haul materials to landfills). •
c) Disposal site operating costs (less labor and
equipment requirements).
d) Disposal site capital cost savings (extended
iandfiii life).
e) Reducep potential tor future groundwater
contamination clean-up.
There may-.be drtticulties in quantifying cost
savings.,however, they should not be excluded
from program cost-consumption fof tn«t reason.
Revenue Lest by Not Recovering Recycling
Materials at a 100 Ton Per Day Facility
In Michigan. 50 percent of the waste •strearr-
contains recyciaote materials: Tms breaks oown
to:
34Ve - Paper 4% • Glass
6% - Plastics 6% - Metals
Oui of this total, it is feasible that about half
could be source separated before entering the
waste stream and market: By source separation.
the total volume of waste entering landfills would
be reduced by 25 percent and thus, increase the
life of the landfill by 25 percent.
Tne following is a cost breakdown of all recy-
ciabies in the Michigan waste stream:
Average price for paper: $30/ton
1 yea; • 5.304 ions x S30 = S159.120
5 years - 26,520 tons x S30 « 5795.600
Average price for plastic: $l50/tpn
1 year»936 tons x £150 ;= $140.400
5 years - 4.680 tons * StSO = $702.000
Average price for metal: $20/tpn
1 year-936tons x $20 = $18.720
5years*4,680tons x $20 = $93,600
Yearly totals of paper, plastic, glass, and
metals which could be 'recycled out of a 100 ton
pei day waste stream:
Thus, some $340.080 of revenues from the
sale of source separated recyciabies is lost
annually.
•tnciuws
««ura«vt. workmans compensation and any •adrtionai employee benefits.
-------
onslderations
The cost of e source separation program is
difference between the costs of program ad-
inisiration. tabor. collection equipment, recy-
ling facilities, maintenance, transportation,
ic.. and the revenues that are generated from
ie sale of recyclable materials. Also included in
ny cost computation must be the cost savings
^suiting from the lowered incinerator or landfill
pacity requirements. Landlill tipping fees are
iso reduced because of the fraction of the total
aste stream that is recycled.
Feasibility Concerns
Among some Of the issues concerning source
separation pi og rams is the perception that such
programs may not be profitable, ot that they may
not even pay for themselves. Tnis cemcern Ig-
nores the fact that no other means ot disposing
of solid waste pays for itself.
Another concern is that the level of citizen
participation in a source separation program will
not be high enough. Unless there is a relatively
high percentage of participation in proportion to
the actua! costs of the source separation pro-
gram r*c-..C£C :^e c*cr-£T •>•-••-. fce exiiems'-y
cosUy. Mgnccio-y O'omences can play a key
role v.-ner. pfo.-ecting Ds^ir: -.;:ion rates for the
program.
A third concern about the cost effectiveness
of source sesc-cvc- P'OC-C-T.E stems from the
lack of experience of most communities. Such
inexperience may result in short-term high costs
'. Dublic ace"c;e£ rr.ey ic' be xvi'inc to bear.
tt is important to realize that precise esti-
mates o' C'Dcram CSE'.I ca^ o^.iy be rr.ade \vhen
1ina: choices for prog'am teetjres have been
made, and when decisions on staffing, equip-
ment. marketing, arrangements, etc.. have been
worked out among county ano iocc< o'hciais and
private sector participants.
STAGE III. EVALUATING THE PROGRAM
Once the program is established and oper-
ational. the third, and perhaps mosi often over-
looked stage, evaluation, must begin. This
process is critical to the improvement of the
efficiency and viability of the program. Each
point that was analyzed during the planning and
Start-up of the program must now be reassessed
10 determine:
1) Did it meet the needs of the program?
2) Did it work as expected?
3) What adjustments could be made to Improve
efficiency or productivity?
4) Have chances occurred In the market for .
materials which require adjustments in the
program?
5) Has the target audience received the
message the program needs to convey?
Does the message need to change?
6) Are costs at projected levels? Can adjust-
ments be made?
7} Can changes be made in the processing
system to produce more marketable mate-
rials? Increased revenues?
A recycling program, like any business, is a
dynamic process. It requires constant end con-
sistent effort and attention to be successful and
achieve the desired goal.
SUMMARY
Source separation or recycling programs can
be a-
-------
to solid waste management. Many of the helpful
tiints on strategies and approaches, are just thai.
helpful hints. None t>l these hints can work with-
out people like you being involved. Each com-
munity is unique and your own creative ideas
may work better thanianythmg m this booklet.
The actual establishment of your center wW
probably have a number of crises as you get
started This seems to be normal and,It should
not be discouraging. Your program depends on
people's cooperation and H is very important to
create a good public image. The most diflicult
part of recycling is to actually get staned.
whether it can be something simple or complex.
Most of all, keep in mind that your efforts can
have a lasting effect on your community.
Editor's Note:
One concern expressed about the draft copy
of this guide was that it addressed primarily
community recycling programs. In so doing, it
didn't adequately address the advantages or
feasibility,for a private project or non-profit
recycling organization.
There are successful non-community sponsor
programs now operating in North America. Eco-
cycle. Boulder, Colorado and Total Recycling.
Kitchner. Ontario. Canada are two successful
samples. Sheltered workshops ar«> aiso be-
coming involved in recycling programs. Such
programs provide meaningful employment for
handicaDped persons and meet the environmen-
tal neeos of the community.
The analysis of the feasibility for such pro-
grams is beyond the'scope of this report. How-
ever. Appendix E contains a list of persons who
can provide technical assistance to private
organizations. Also, the Local institute for Self-
Reliance has produced a "Business Guide to
Community Recycling Enterprises ".which would
be helpful to entrepreneurs considering recy-
cling ventures. See Appendix E for more details.
Glossary
BALING—the comp'essicn o< medial ;-.«c a
large closely-compressed package. Newspapers
are the most commonly baled material.
BUY BACK—programs where material is pur-..
chased from the public.
GULLET—broken or refuse glass usually-added
to new material to facilitate melting in making
glass.
COLLECTION—to gather material from a num-
ber of sources and people.
CONTAMINANT—material of one type that is
an impurity for .another type. As an example.
metal is a contaminant in newspaper, recycling;
DROP-OFF CENTER—centers where material
can be brought in for recycling.
DROP-OFF SYSTEMS—a center or place
where material can be taken to be recycled. This
is simitar to the drop off center.
EPA—
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RECYCLING PUBLIC EDUCATION
from the publication titled
Massachusetts Regional Recycling Program: Public Education
1988
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
1 Winter Street, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
-------
RECYCLING PUBLIC EDUCATION*
INTRODUCTION:
effective public education is essential to the success of
any recycling program. The experience of every successful
program has demonstrated that an effective public education' w
campaign can have a dramatic effect on participation rates. The
wore people know about recycling and its benefits, tbe *ore
likely they are to recycle. The r.ore people vho recycle, the
greater community's solid waste savings.
Public education for recycling doesn't have *to
excessively costly. Zt does* however, require a .definite
commitment of both funding and staff time to run a successful
public education program. That's a small cost when cne considers
the benefits of recycling: averted disposal costs* a cleaner
environment* and longez landfill life.
As a part of the Massachusetts Regional Recycling Program*
participating communities vill conduct local public education
campaigns. Those campaigns vill be funded initially by each
community's share of the $100*000 allocated to each Regional
Program for public education. Part of the Commonwealth's
assistance vill be the services of recycling consultants vho have
designed and implemented successful public education programs.
Eventually, responsibility frv,on:v>ing public education vill
rest with each participating 'community.
PART ONE: THE MESSAGE
A public education campaign should convey a few basic
messages:
1. Bow to participate. Participants Bust be given essential
facts on how to recycle: how to separate recyclables from the
rest of their waste, how tc use their set-out containers* and
vhen their recyclables are collected are three of the key facts.
2. Why to participate. Participants should be told vhy they
are being asked to take a few ninutes a veek to recycle. Typical
reasons include: longer landfill life* solid vaste savings for
-the town* and conservation cf resources are some of the aany
reasons which »ay motivate people to participate.
3. The program's success. It's very important to let people
know what their efforts— which *ay seem small or even
insignificant to the individual— have indeed fiade a difference.
They should knov vhat their collective contributions have
resulted in for their community: natural resources conserved
tax dollars saved, for example. This kind of feedback is an
important motivator to keep people in tbe recycling habit.
-------
PART TWO: GETTING THE WORD OUT
HEDXA:
Media coverage—newspaper articles and mentions en
television and radio news anows—can be txtrenely helpful in
letting participants know about the recycling program. Best of-
all, it's freeI
Reporters and editors are likely to be Interested in
recycling at predictable tines: vhen the recycling ordinance ia
passed, when the program starts, or at yearly.•anniversaries.*
At these tittes, it pays to have information, and a spokesperson,
readily available* *
There are other vays to use the »edia, Radio and television
stations usually run public service announcements, or PSA's.
These are a relatively cheap form of publicity! they cost nothing
to run, and are inexpensive to produce. Kany stedia outlets, and
especially newspapers, run community calendars which can run
recycling information. As well, advertising can be purchased.
Khile this is a store expensive route, carefully designed and
placed advertising, especially at tides of peak interest, can be
cost-effective. Local businesses can often be persuaded to
.underwrite advertising costs,' with appropriate credit. Local
cable television stations can also be h*lpful» uost have a local-
access provision in their contract wit** ".he Bunicipality, and can
be persuaded to allow recyclers to get their aessage across.
COMMUNITY CROUPS
The cooperation of community groups can be extremely helpful-
in a successful recycling program. They can be useful in a number
of 'ways:
—The leaders of community groups are frequently 'opinion
leaders*, and their support can be important in convincing others
to recycle.
—The groups themselves can be a aource of volunteers for
labor-intensive tasks, such as delivering collection schedules.
—Host groups have a regular newsletter which can carry
recycling news.
The support of community groups is usually obtained by
Baking a presentation to a oeeting, and then maintaining regular
ties. Many groups, such as the League of Women Voters/have been
active in recycling in the past, and are willing to get involved
again.
-------
FLYERS AND BROCHURES
At some point, it is helpful to communicate directly with
residents in their hones. Usually this is done just prior to
program start-up, and then annually afterwards to deliver the
year's collection schedule. A letter to residents (on recycled
paper!) proaoting the recycling program, aigned by municipal
officials, representatives of community groups and other civic
leaders, can also be very effective. Other items which can be
distributed include stickers to identify the recyclable set-out
containers.
CURRICULUM
Integrating recycling into school curricula is also an
effective public education tool. fcany states and school districts
have developed good recycling curricula, which can easily be
tailored to a school's existing curriculum. Elementary school
students, in particular, can be avid recyclers. Recycling la the
schools has three benefits: first, since children are often the
ones who actually take out the trash, they're likely to be hands-
on recyclers; second, over the long term, it encourages recycling
behaviour; third, it carries the message home yet another time—
and kids get a kick out of telling their parents what to do.
COMMERCIAL SUPPORT
Karry programs have been successful *n gaining the
cooperation of local merchants. That cooperation can range from
putting a poster in a store window to including a recycling
message in their advertising or contributing to the cost of
printing up flyers.
RECYCLING EOT LINE
Residents and businesses which recycle usually have many
questions about the program, especially just after it starts*
Giving people a number to call for information can help.
KEWSLETTER
Keeping people informed is important. After the cooperation
and support of the City Council and coaaunity leadera has been
secured, they can be kept informed about the progress of the
program through a newsletter. If you keep people informed, it's
easier to keep their support.
SURVEYS
Surveys can be helpful. Many useful surveys have been run
using volunteers and phones. There are two times when surveys can
be usefuls before the program begins, a survey can determine
people's attitudes towards recycling, and suggest ways to
motivate their participation; after the program has been running
** '.
-------
for come tine, a survey can detersine what problems residents are
having, and, If they're not recycling, find out why.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION XVENTS
Events and contests can help increase interest in the
program. Before start-up, a logo* slogan, and poster contest can
be run. Thei program kicfc-ofI Itself can be an event. Workshops'"on
subjects cuch *s composting, householdhazardous traste, ,and vastt
oil recycling can be held. Public participation events dually
attract «»edia attention, increasing their impact to store people
than just those in attendance.
SDT-OUT COKTAIKERS
Perhaps the BIOSt effective public education tool is the set-
out container which is distributed to each household. It's large
and can be colorful* Recycling instructions can be printed on the
side. It announces a household's participation* and encourages
neighbors to recycle.
SAMPLE MATERIALS
Several examples of successful public education naterials
are attached. The Kontclair,'Kev Jersey and Groton, Connecticut
flyers were 'distributed to each household. The Kontclair flyer
contained a collection schedule. The press cli'-vinge Iron
Woodbury, New Jersey are examples of the type of press coverage
vhich can be .expected. The 'Join the Tean* c&apaigh from •
Well.esley, Kassachusetts is an example of the using conaunity
leaders in public education. A large range of other public
education naterials are on file at the Bureau of Solid Waste
Disposal.
-------
COOPERATIVE MARKETING OF SECONDARY MATERIALS
Identifying Markets for Recyclables
from the publication titled
Recycling in New Hampshire; and Implementation Guide
1988
NEW HAMPSHIRE RESOURCE RECOVERY ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 721
Concord, NH 03302
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RECYCLING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: AN IMPLEMEKTAT10S GUIDE
Identifying Markets for Recyclables
4.1 Market Identification
Reliable markets for secondary (recycled) materials are essential to the
operation of a successful recycling system. Fluctuating market conditions
and the lack of a basic recycling framework throughout New England have
spelled failure for many recycling programs.
Marketing recyclable* can be a successful venture, providing the right
questions are asked of potential markets prior to implementing a recycling
program. Asking the right questions will eliminate any unwanted surprises
once a recycling program has been started. The following questions should
be asked when calling or writing to any potential market for recyclables.
Once answers are obtained, the criteria should be reviewed and used to
make a decision on which market will be receiving recyclables.
1) MATERIALS - What recyclables are purchased/accepted by your
company?
*»*
2) PROCESSING - How does your company require recyclables to be
prepared for purchase by your company? How should they be processed and
stored? Does your company provide storage containers?
3) QUANTITY - What is the minimum quantity of recyclables which con-
stitutes a shipment?
4) TRANSPORT - Who pays transportation costs? Does your company
provide a vehicle to transport recyclables, or must they be delivered?
5) PRICE - What do you pay for recyclables? Do prices vary depending on
quantity of materials or transportation?
6) CONTRACT - What type of contract does your company offer to
guarantee our program a long-term market for our recyclables?
4.2 Introduction to NHRRA's Cooperative Marketing Programs
To take away the uncertainty of recycling markets, the New Hampshire
Resource Recovery Association, at the direction of its membership, has
developed a Cooperative Marketing Program.
Given the rural nature of many New Hampshire municipalities,
-------
ATM HAMPSHIRE RESOL'KCE KECOVLKY ASSOCIATION
individual recycling programs typically cannot generate a large amount of
recycled materials, thus making marketing those materials a difficult and
uncertain task. Through the Cooperative Marketing Program. NHRRA acts
as a broker for individual programs and sells recycled materials to specific -
material buyers. By acting as a broker representing a number of NHRRA
members' programs, NHRRA can guarantee large amounts of quality
materials to buyers. Simply put, there's strength in numbers.
The Cooperative Marketing Programs work something like this.
NHRRA works with recycling industry representatives to identify material
markets. After reviewing market options, NHRRA staff, in conjunction with
the Marketing Committee, recommend specific buyers to the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors then enters into a signed contractual
agreement with the buyer. Once this process is completed, the marketing of
materials begins. Municipalities collect specified recyclables at their local
facilities. NHRRA coordinates pick-up routes from communities whose
recyclables meet market specifications, and handles all marketing, transpor-
tation, billing and payments. This coordination of pick-up routes increases
the program's economic efficiency by ensuring that full loads of materials
are being sent to market. In some casts, one municipality may be able to
produce a full load of material alone. tDther times, it takes materials from
number of municipalities to produce a full load.
By guaranteeing material buyers both quality and quantity recyclables,
NHRRA's Cooperative Marketing Programs can earn better revenues for the
sale of municipal recyclables, and more importantly, can guarantee a stable
market and reliable pickup service for the sale of recyclables.
4.2.1 Glass
The Cooperative Glass Marketing Program provides a steady market for
the major glass categories — clear, green and brown jars and bottles. The
primary market for NHRRA's Cooperative Glass Marketing Program is
CRINC (Container Recovery, Inc.) of North Billerica, Massachusetts.
Municipalities choosing to market their glass through this program simply
contact NHRRA. General guidelines for marketing glass bottles and jars
through this program:
• Separate glass according to color — clear, green and brown
• Rings, caps and labels are acceptable
• Glass should be crushed for volume reduction
• Storage in divided concrete bins is the preferred method
-------
KECTCUNC IN A'FW HAMPSHIRE: AN IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
• Recycling center must have the capability of loading the buyer's 12 ft.
.•high truck
• Glass contaminated with mixed colors or unacceptable items such as
mirrors, ceramics, drinking glass, light bulbs or window glass cannoi be
marketed,
Currently (as of November, 1988), revenue for full 20-ton loads of
recycled glass are: clear - $25 Aon, brown • $20/ton and green - $10/ton.
Revenue for loads of glass produced by two or more programs drops
SB/ton for each color. These prices include pickup and hauling, less a fee
for marketing services.
Other market options available are listed in Appendix C. These
markets require individual recycling programs to make arrangements for
transportation and payment.
4.1.2 Baled Paper
NHRRA's Cooperative Baled Paper Marketing Program provides a *
reliable market for baled paper in four major categories — newspaper, old
corrugated cardboard (OCC), mixed paper, and high grade office paper. •
A signed contract for the marketing of baled paper has been in
between NHRRA and North Shore Recycled Fibers, Inc., Salem,
Massachusetts since December 1984. All marketing details for paper to be
marketed through this program are handled by NHRRA staff. Through this
contract, baled paper is transported to one of North Shore Recycled Fibers'
Massachusetts paper mills, or in the case of northern New Hampshire loca-
tions, are shipped to Canadian mills at North Shore Recycled Fibers* discre-
tion. Marketing Program guidelines include:
• Bales must be stored in a dry place
• Bales must be standard industry size (600 Ib. minimum
weight per bale)
« Recycling center must be able to quickly load a 40-45 foot
box trailer
• All bales must have less than 2% non-paper content (such
as plastic, staples, tic.)
• Baled newspaper can have up to 10% slick magazine
content
• Mixed paper from municipalities includes junk mail, food
boxes, office paper, and any other clean paper.
• Transportation costs are covered by buyer
-------
KEW HAMPSHIRE KESOUKCE KECO\1Kr ASSOCIATION
Revenues for baled paper fluctuate depending on paper demand. The price
structure set up in the NHRRA/North Shore Recycled Fibers contract is
based on the "Yellow Sheet" (the weekly industry price-setting guide).
However, the contract also sets a floor price to be paid for paper, which
protects municipalities when prices drop lower. These floor prices are:
newspaper (including iip to 10% magazines) - $15/ton, OCC - 520/ton,
mixejci paper - $5/ton, and office paper - $25/ton (depending on type, may
be higher). Typically, revenues are higher than these floor prices, and in-
clude transportation of paper to market. NHRRA receives a fee for
marketing services.
Other companies will purchase baled paper sent to their mills, but
transportation and arrangements are up to the individual recycling program.
These markets are listed in Appendix C.
4.2.3 Loose Paper
Municipalities and businesses wishing to market loose (unbaled) recycled
paper can do so through NHRRA *s Cooperative Loose Paper Marketing
Program. This program provides a market for newspaper, OCC, mixed
paper and high-grade office paper. NHRRA's buyer of loose paper is Man-
chester Recycling Corp., Inc., of Manchestei, ;5Jew Hampshire. Guidelines
for the Cooperative Loose Paper Marketing Program are:
• Paper must be stored in a dry container, such as z closed
top roll-off container or live bed trailer
• Paper must have less than 2% non-paper content (such as
plastic, staples, etc.)
• Newspaper can have up to 10% slick magazine content
• The municipality or business is responsible for arranging to
haul paper to Manchester
• Paper must be able to be quickly unloaded from storage
container
Revenue paid to municipalities/businesses marketing loose paper through
this program will be higher than the current street price paid to the
general public. NHRRA receives a fee for marketing services.
Other buyers of loose paper are listed in Appendix C.
-------
*£CTCL/.VG I.V A'£H HAMPSHIRE: AN IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
4.2.4 Scrap Metal
Given recent market instability for scrap metal, this material can be one
of the most difficult recyclable* to market. NHRRA's Cooperative Scrap
Metal Marketing Program provides a guaranteed market for the three major
categories of municipal and commercial scrap metal:
1) #1 light iron - sheet metal, metal furniture, toys, tools, and
appliances
2) #2 light iron - empty metal drums and cans, wire and
cable, and auto exhaust systems, including empty mufflers,
gas tanks anjl oil filters
3) high-grade metals - aluminum scrap, cast iron, heavy
unshreddable metals, copper and brass
Appendix D contains a men* detailed list of market specifications.
Through the Cooperative Scrap Metal Marketing Program, NHRRA has
a contractual agreement with Jewell Logging, Inc., of Lebanon, New Hamp-
shire, to process (bale) metal with its mobile baler and haul it to market. .
#1 light iron is processed into #1 logs, which are hauled to local shredders.
#2 light iron is made irac Jfl bundles, which are shipped overseas. High-
grade metals are hauled by special arrangement to market and sold separ-
ately. Terms for processing (bafeg and marketing) scrap metal piles are as
follows:
• NHRRA staff schedule processing as soon as possible
« Municipality pays 53/mile to bring baler, to site from
previous site
• Municipality pays $75/hour for scrap metal processing
• Municipality pays $50 each time the truck is loaded to
remove baled metal
• Municipality pays SB/loaded mile to haul metals to market
• Municipality pays NHRRA a fee for marketing services
• Revenue from the sale of metals is deducted from service
fees. The sale value of materials varies, but experience dic-
tates an average range of $20 to $35/ton of metal
Processing fees for scrap metal piles which have been managed, that is,
separated into categories and free of unacceptable contaminants are lower
than charges for unmanaged piles. In some cases, a net profit has been
realized after all charges have been deducted from revenues.
See Appendix C for other markets for #1 light iron or special high-
grade metals.
-
-------
an tunniiiu ttWKt ucmtn 4ttocuno.v
HDPEHaaic
Plastk represents the fanes growni compoaea of today's waste
Wean. One type of plastic which is mily iwydtd « hifh-deniity
polyethylene, or HDPE, HOPE ptok ovrludoeontiiam Uke milk twl
wuer jugs, onnjt jukt bonlc4v«aonK>bik p^ua'bboJa (ofl, antifreeze),
dish aad laundry soap eomiincn and '•''
a phow of ftryeteble HOPE pUnies.)
NHRRA't Coppentiyt HDPE Plastic Mwfceiiaj Protnre provide* •
•Bartrt for granulated sad baled HDPE pl*«ia. (Graaalnad plutie ixe
flakes prwlvjced when w*»le eonuinen art procewed in a m»ttdpf. a
fnnulator, «-hidt ciai the pUnic into V,," biu.) NHRRA't buyer for these
naierials u Midwea Pl*«ici, Stoughioa, Wuconim. Recyctoj ^ progrtms
wishing to nurket HDPE pUitic through KHRRA'i program, should oomaet
NHRRA ctafT for program specifics. Marketing guideline! indudt:
• HDPE plastics can be mixed by color
• Plank or meta) opt must be removed
4 If granulating, granules (fltkei) mua be */i»*'
• Cranulaied plastic should be stored ia gtylord (industria]
sized) boxes
• Municipality must be able to load bales or gaylord boxes
onto box trailer for transponaiion to market
The current market price (as of Noverrt-r' 1988) is SwlSflb for rpmulated
HDPE plastic. S.18/lb for bal^ HDPr >as6c less a f« for NHRRA
marfceting services. Thete rrvcnuev include •transporttiipa. Additionally.
through the Cooperative Marketing Prpgram..Mid»^«R Piastin wfl|reimf
burse any recycling program-that, purchases.;! ^^ plastic granulator SlOl'/tb.
(up to $3,000) for each pound of grartuUted HDPE plastic sold to
Midwest Piastics.
Set Appendix C for other markets for HDPE plastics.
-------
RECYCUNC /A' ATH1 HAMKH!RE:-AN IMPLEMEffTATlON GUIDE
4.3 Marketing Guidelines for Other Recyclable*
The eleven materials listed on the following pages are recyclable in
some capacity. Market information is provided for planning purposes, and
constitutes no endorsement by the New Hampshire Resource Recovery
• Association or any affiliate organization.
4.3.1 Aluminum
Aluminum used beverage containers (UBC's) are a commonly recycled
material in New Hampshire. Lightweight and easy to handle, aluminum
generates a high revenue per pound. Prices and specifications depend on the
market used. Prices are adjusted according to the amount of contamination,
how containers are processed, whether UBC's are delivered or picked up,
and size of load. The typical range of prices, given market trends, is be-
tween $.25 to $.70 per pound. Primary markets for New Hampshire are
listed in Appendix C.
Aluminum 'foil and pie plates are also valuable recyclables, but are
usually marketed differently than UBC's. It is best to check with UBC
buyers about these materials. Also, some scrap dealers are willing to buy
aluminum foil and plates if .large quantities are generated.
4.3.2 PET Plastic
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) soda bottles are easily identified, and
constitute a steadily growing portion of the waste stream. PET plastic can be
marketed to a variety of buyers, which will determine revenues and
specifications. Markets will accept PET granulated or baled, color separated
or mixed, with or without base cups, and with or without metal caps.
Primary markets are listed in Appendix C.
4.3.3 Tin Cans
Tin food cans are actually made of steel which is then coated with a
thin tin coating to prevent rusting of the steel and the subsequent spoilage of
food. Tin can market specifications vary by buyer, but roost buyers agree on
these: no aluminum contamination from bi-metal cans, no paper labels,
remove can ends to flatten cans, and remove food residues. Appendix C in-
cludes the primary buyers of post-consumer tin cans.
-------
ATCW HAMfSHIRE KESOUKCE KECOVEKY ASSOCIATION
4.3.4 Used Oil
•
Markets for used oil are available. However, whereas used oil was once
a valuable commodity, the drop in international crude oil prices has changed
oil recycling economics. Used oil haulers charge a per gallon fee for pickup
of used oil. See Appendix C for a list of used oil haulers and their Hauling
specifications.
Another market option for used oil is to purchase a used oil heater to be
operated in a local garage or service station. Check with the Air Resources
Division of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in
Concord prior to purchasing any heater to make sure the heater unit meets
current air emission standards.
4.3.5 Textiles
Currently the biggest demand for textiles is the wiping cloth market,
which categorizes textiles into various wiping cloth grades. Clean, dry ab-
sorbent cloth can be recycled at the market listed in Appendix C.
Dry, wearable clothing can also be donated to rummage sales, the local
Goodwill, Salvation Army or other service organizations.
4.3.6 Batteries
Used wet-cell batteries from any vehicle are recyclable, providing New
Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services regulations are met (see
Chapter 5). Companies purchasing or accepting used wet-cell batteries are
listed in Appendix C.
Dry-cell (household) batteries, like their vehicular counterpart, contain
heavy metals and chemicals that can harm the environment as leachate from
landfills or through incinerator emissions. A variety of recycling programs
are designing ways to remove these batteries from the waste stream. The
only such program currently in existence in the Granite State is run by the
• New Hampshire/Vermont Solid Waste Project located in Claremont.
Currently, only silver oxide and mercury oxide button cell batteries
from cameras, watches and hearing aids are easily recyclable. Other
household batteries collected are safely disposed through household hazar-
dous waste programs, The primary market for silver and mercury oxide
button cell batteries is listed in Appendix C.
-------
KECYCUNG IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:. AN IMfUMEVTATlON GUIDE
4.3.7 Organics
Organic food and yard waste comprises up to 30% of a municipal waste
stream. Composting is the controlled biological decompositon of organic
materials which include, but are not limited to, leaves, yard waste, vegetable
matter, paper waste, manure, and sewage sludge. The end-product of the
composting process is compost, a dark, crumbly, earthy material possessing
valuable soil-building properties. A successful composting program will re-
quire land, equipment, labor, plan approval, residents* cooperation and a
steady end-use.
Primary markets for compost include home gardeners, public works
departments, greenhouses, nurseries, landscapes and farmers.
4.3.8 Stumps/Limbs
Given the rate of land development in New Hampshire, tree stumps and
smaller tree limbs are a problem at many disposal facilities. Instead of pay-
ing costly disposal fees, using valuable landfill space or siting lined stump
landfills, tree stumps can be easily recycled.
Equipment that can grind tree stumps and limbs into small wood chips
is available on a mobile and stationary basis. Mobile stump grinders will
travel to a site where a large number of stumps are stored, such as a large
land tract that's being clearcut, or a municipal stump transfer station. Sta-
tionary stump grinders operate in a single location, and require that stumps
be brought to their site.
Wood chips can be marketed locally to home gardeners, public works
departments, nurseries, landscapes and contractors to be used for landscap-
ing material, fuel, and a compost or sludge additive. Local companies which
have mobile chipping equipment, or accept stumps at their facility, are listed
in Appendix C.
Homeowners with stumps originating from their own property should be
urged to look in the local phone book yellow pages under "Tree Services*'
to locate private contractors that will grind stumps.
4.3.9 Tires
* At present, there are few economically feasible tire recycling options for
waste tires generated in New Hampshire. Listed in Appendix C are known
permitted lire disposal/processing options presently available for tires.
-------
ATM HAMPSHIRE RESOURCE RECOVERY ASSOCIATION
4.3.10 Demolition and Construction Debris .
Demolition and construction debris includes materials such as construc-
tion nibble, used road beds, fire-damaged buildings, and a variety of other
wood and concrete materials. While these materials constitute a large per-
cent of the municipal waste stream by weight, ways to recycle them are just
beginning in New Hampshire.
Equipment is available that can process old pavement into new ag-
gregate to be recycled into new roadbeds. Furthermore, clean wood demoli-
tion products can be ground into wood chips and used as a fuel supplement,
a mulch or sludge additive for composting.
Loca] companies with such demolition debris processing equipment are
listed in Appendix C.
4i3.ll Household Hazardous Wastes
Although household hazardous wastes are for the most part
unrecyclable, removing them from the waste stream decreases the possibility
of environmental contamination from landfill leachate or incinerator
emissions.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Waste
Management Division, currently provides modest financial assistance to
municipalities, solid waste districts and regional planning agencies to set up
household'hazardous collection programs around the state. On collection
days, residents are allowed to bring certain hazardous materials to the col-
lection facility. From there, the wastes are properly shipped to facilities
equipped to properly dispose of them. For more information on setting up
such a program, contact the Department of Environmental Services*
Household Hazardous Waste Program at (603) 271-2902.
For a list of household hazardous wastes and safe substitutes which can
be used instead of household hazardous wastes, see Appendix F.
-------
INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
from the publication titled
Decision-Makers Guide to Solid Waste Management
November, 1989
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
401 M Street, S.W., OS-301
Washington, D.C. 20460
-------
Integratea wane
INTEGRATED SOLED WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Integrated solid waste management involves
using a combination of techniques and programs
to manage the municipal waste stream. It is
based on the tact that the waste stream is made
up of distinct components that can be managed
and disposed of separately. An integrated
system is designed to address a specific set of
local solid waste management problems, and its
operation is based on local resources,
economics, and environmental impacts.
The idea behind integrated solid waste
management is that a combination of
approaches can be used to handle targeted
portions of the waste stream. Instead of
immediately driving the development of big,
high-technology programs, or setting unrealistic
expectations as to what portion of the waste
stream can be recycled, decision makers
implement a series of programs, each of which
is designed to complement the others. Source
reduction, recycling, combustion, and landfilling
can all have a positive impact on the local
municipal waste management problem.
This Decision Makers Guide to Solid Waste
Management is designed to assist in the
understanding and development of an integrated
solid waste management plan. It shows that a
well-designed plan can improve
system economics and reduce environmental
impacts while fostering public support and
involvement in municipal solid waste
management.
There is no universal, step-by-step method for
selecting and developing integrated waste
management components and systems. The
success of integrated solid waste management
depends largely on the dedication and expertise
of local decision makers. The purpose of this
Guide is not to provide a blueprint of what to
do. Instead, the purpose is to provide a list of
factors that should be considered in framing
municipal solid waste decisions. In addition,
the Guide also presents information and data
helpful in making these difficult decisions.
HIERARCHY OF INTEGRATED
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Consistent with the principles described in
EPA's Agenda for Action, to reduce our waste
management problem at the national level most
effectively, states, municipalities, and the waste
management industry should use the hierarchy
described in Figure 1.1 for evaluating the
components of integrated waste management
against the community's needs. Although each
community will choose a mix of alternatives
that most effectively meets its needs, the
hierarchy is a useful conceptual tool for goal-
setting and planning.
SOURCE
REDUCE
-------
The elements of the hierarchy are all
interrelated and can be designed to complement
each other. For example, a recycling program
can have a positive impact on the development
of a waste-to-energy facility. One purpose of
this Guide is to show bow municipal waste
management alternatives can positively affect
each other.
1.1 .
Hierarchy of Integrated!•-%:&.
•• • • • • • • ••" "v-o:v:m
Management
•iSobrce redaction k at the top of the I
•(and b disco-curd is more detail in CbaptaS.
•.'.'Source reduction -programs are-'designed tb/W:|.#;
redoce both tbe lose constituents in products: ;:^x--
and quantities of waste generated. -Source *,..:'.::;..' .!•;
reduction is a iron-end wasteinanapanert^^fi;;:^
.'approach that m^ coon- ttoougb the des^pi"::;:::?
. aod "***^rf»f'---\
•;«•
•prodocti and jnateriaH.'-':::.""vv:K-..,:;:'.;i..,::*',:-?'.';';.•%'..'&
Reeydine. indoding comporting.«tbe trmaci .,::::.;:
step of the bJenrcby. These options can redact >i
the depletion of landfill space, tawe energy aad '-f-^
.•natnral resources, provide useful prodoctt, and.-;;';jif'
prove ecooofflkally beoeCcial.'.These:options :.';-:'.;.
are frno,nv«1 in more detail in;Chapien So.and .'
Seven. •' '-..'•'. • •.'"•'" .' "
Betow ioorce reduction aod recycling are wjrte;
combvmjoo and laiv^ning. '!"EPA does not ianX
ooe of these options higher than the other, as •'•• •;;
both are viable compoocnu of an integrated V .\.-v
fystezn. Wiile coobuHioa, disoasod m '•'..' '•.•'•••/.'.".:
Chapter PSyVtt reduces ibc bulk of municipal :•;•'•'-.:---!'
•waste and .cu provide the added benefit of '.;•';•,-x;-
energy production. State ifHbe-irttedinologks '•<*•
O^VCJOpCQ tD'FCCCOl yC3LT3 &8VC'CnB3lJFy fCQOCOO '"''.•'.•'.'.
tbe:*dviase^^ enviroamental impacts associated ?J:-:-':
with Indneraiioo in tbe pact and, although ';'v;::^-•••;-.
^rafle combustion it not risk^ree,many .•:;i^/f^
commtmiiies are retyi&g on this watsre
&a&a£eoest alletiutivc. ":'••.'. : ••
discottod to Oiapter TGoCt ^ .^.••i. •/
oeocssaty to mrnajc Doo-recyciabb mad .• . •. 4. : .- ,-
Doocoobiutibk wattes, uid b the only actual ;:
waste "dhpooT Bxabod. Modem lod£Ik air','
more secure a&d bive n»c«e eiabcme poQutioii
cootrpl and mcailcring devices than in the
Environ mm Hi I ccmuaus at pn^uly maatjal
are yeatiy reduced. Abo, maqy acw
lechnologies to develop a marketable prodicL "••'-•"
j.^..^^,^...^^
>> • '•'•••' ,'v'No Miracle'-Solutions B?'^:'J'i':'
;• v .'.:'.'-,'.:...::•. ; :\:;':.:'J:'r;,X.:-:;;'-.''-:;--':,;.::':'';;?;::'vM^*
'•:•'•' '''-••' •.'•'.•' :'''i'-^.'':.:-\:J::-'^^.i^.-:f-:'.':^':-'^
^."Decision' makers must;.l»'-:ial^^m'.::.:';';;:^
*":what• they expect:their '•waste 7^''.':^^^?
management system to accomplish,^.
.: municipal waste management planning
; will jequire the n rnakers:must
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Strategic planning is a concept that is reiterated
throughout this Guide. It refers to the concept
that decision makers must plan for the long-
term, and that tbe planning process should
involve anticipating the changes that are likely
to occur in the future. It is crucial to build
flcdbtiiiy into all elements of the waste
management system. Strategic planning
demands a dedicated staff and leadership at the
local level that must assume the responsibility of
managin&jhe community's municipal waste.
The accompanying flowchart (Figure L2)
provides some structure to the planning process
by highlighting key stages. These steps should be
followed only as an outline! Municipal waste
management is an ongoing process that has no
sa beginning or conclusion. Review of new
alternatives and evaluation of operations should
be performed continually. Although a flowchart
is provided here, ii should be noted that all
stages of the process are interrelated. Decision
makers should not put pan of the process on
hold whQe developing a particular option or
working on a particular activity. Planning,
developuieui, inouiioriiig, and evaluation of
options take place simultaneously.
-------
OPERATING A RECYCLING PROGRAM:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Local Government Recycling Program Design:
Integration of Existing Recyclers
by Deanna Ruffer and Susan Schaefer, Roy F. Weston, Inc.
June, 1990
FIRST UNITED STATES CONFERENCE ON MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT
by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
the Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal Association
-------
LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECYCLING PROGRAM DESIGN
INTEGRATION OF EXISTING RECYCLERS
INTRODUCTION
Markets are essential to local government recycling programs. 'When assessing the
feasibility of recycling and designing recycling programs, local governments typically (and
rightly) place priority on determining what markets exist In many instances this results in
the identification of local recyders who have been in business for many years. It is also
fairly common lor local governments to look to these local recyders for help in the
marketing of recydables collected from municipally sponsored programs. Yet, too often,
the capability of local recyders to process as well as market materials has been overlooked.
As a result, recycling programs are designed and facilities are built which may duplicate the
capabilities of the local recyders. In some instances, unneeded materials recovery facilities
are constructed, costing local governments both time and money, and ultimately competing
with private recyders.
While it may be that existing recycling firms are not providing the materials
collection services needed for many local government recycling programs, the use of existing
recyders to process materials collected through other means versus government sponsored
development of a materials recovery facility may be crucial to the long term success and fast
track development of recycling programs. Local recyders can, if considered, be valuable
partners with local governments and provide an important component of successful
municipal recycling and composting programs while at the same time saving the local
government capital costs and implementation time.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR - THE BACKBONE OF RECYCLING EFFORTS
• Collection, sorting and processing materials, which would otherwise be disposed of
as waste, for reuse as raw materials has been happening for decades. Thousands of
companies throughout the country and world have been the backbone of these recycling
activities. These businesses, some of which have been passed down through several
generations of family members, possess valuable expertise in separating, processing,
marketing and reusing metals, paper, glass and other materials.
Before addressing the services these companies may be able to offer to a local
government recycling program, it is necessary to define who "local recycling firms" are. This
can be done by characterizing the type of service these companies provide. These include:
• Brokers • are essentially commodity movers who have limited involvement in the
collection, sorting, processing or end use of recovered materials.
-------
-------
issue
costs
MEETING
3Tevilueina«e«fcl»ve ovanmo? fe,£beu!vcthUU»»«*
>,„ ol eonanunm^l^J^letosietv.ces.^JLa for «na.y o«
-ftftft ;eoic^ of tnatenais
^SSfflP***8**
oFLOCALREaa
cxpcnise w
-------
cost effective than can be provided by government or newly created recycling entities. And
finally, if given the opportunity the existing recyder is usually more than willing to work
with local government in the development and enhancement of local recycling activities -
it only makes good business sense for them to do this. •
The strengths of local recyclers/processors do not come without potential weaknesses
• at least from a local government perspective. Often the local recycler/processors have no
firm contracts for the sale of material! Rather, deals are worked through a network of
processors, dealers and end use markets. This may seem threatening to local governments
who are more accustomed to requiring long term contractual relationships. However, this
isn't an unusual situation even for local governments developing MRFS, but these networks
can often result in better ™*<«rn^ revenues and more reliable markets for the materials
collected. In addition, as more materials come into the marketplace, the long term
relationships these firms have with markets can be beneficial to the negotiation of materials
sales contracts.
Another potential weakness from a local government perspective is that the
government ZDJV* have lir's direct control over how materials are processed. Typically, the
processors knowledge in uas area will far exceed that of the local government. In addition,
the processor may consider some aspects of their operation to be proprietary. As a result,
the basis of an arrangement between the processor and local government will more than
likely be performance and incentive based rather than based on specific processing
requirements,
The existing recycler is above all else an autonomous, independent, entrepreneur.
He/she is probably not used to reporting to anyone, let alone to a public sector entity. This
could cause concerns about program reporting requirements. Typically these concerns can
be addressed through the clear delineation by the local government of what will be required
for program reporting and open discussions with the recycler/processor about how this
information can be gathered, compiled, and reported.
Concerns about involving private, traditionally independent and proprietary firms as
an. integral partner in a government program should be discussed openly. And finally,
measures to alleviate any nervousness about a public/private partnership should be
established and should be clearly delineated in the contractual arrangement between the
local government and the recycler/processor.
Regardless of the final decision about using local recycling processing capabilities,
a thorough identification of processor capabilities end costs, and a comparative analysis of
the capital and operating costs of development of a municipal materials recovery facility
should be undertaken earfy io the process of defining local government recycling programs.
This analysis should also include an evaluation of institutional issues such as the desirability
of private sector involvement, allocation of risks, and contractual requirements of each
approach. Table 1 summarizes ohe .strengths and weaknesses of recyclers/processors.
-------
TABLES
RECVCLERS/PROCESSORS STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Strengths
Weakaeue*
aeon
* • Often innovative and flexible
• Typically forward looking a processing *nd
• Broad base of knowledge about;
Markets;
Market cpcdfieations;
Commodity pricing:
Recovery techniques and costs;
Processing equipment;
Collection equipment;
Operations and costs;
.Recycling business fluctuations/trends,
• Long pindtng relationships with end nsers
• Can offer more timely implementation of
programs
• Utiully willinJ"uS'v/ork wuh local governments
in the development and enhancement of local
recycling activities
• May have proofing equipment in place, with
e*cc» capacity.
• Often km 90 fira coatracu lor sale- of
ttaterial (however can resub in better aateria]
teveaue and more reliable narkets)
• . Local government may have finle direct control
ever ho* materials art preceded
• Often sot «ct«tomtd to formal reporting
Often aot aenmomed to working with a public
sector entity
ecperience with public seaor
procurement
IDENTTPYING PROCESSOR CAPABELmES
There are several parameters and criteria that can be used to identify processor
capabilities. Some of the most important are as follows:
• Financial community, surrounding private community and market perception of the
recycler/processor;
• The length of time the recycler/processor bas been in business;
• The types and quantities of materials handled and the ability to expand the type
and quantity of materials;
• The willingness of the firm to work - as a team - with ihc local government:
-------
• Individual visits to the local recyders' facilities and visual inspection and evaluation
of capability;
• Formalized solicitation of qualifications/capabilities, possible through a Request for
Oualification/Capabiliiies and Request for Proposals (RF?) process; and,
• Utilization of an independent third party to assess capabilities while still maintaining
confidentiality of individual firms and their business arrangements.
One important point to keep in mind throughout this process is that just as local
governments can be characterized as the new kid on the recycling block, local recyders
typically have limited experience with public service procurements. As a result, the dialogue
that is established with the local recyders must truly be a two way dialogue, with the
recyclers helping local governments learn about recycling and the local governments helping
the recyders learn aboul providing services to the public sector.
CONTRACTING FOR SERVICES
As pan of the process of defining the local government recycling program the types of
material to be collected, and collection and processing requirements must be determined.
To this point our discussion has focused on how processing requirements will be met and
what role local recyclers might have in the provision of this service. An equally important
consideration is how the recyclables will be collected. In actuality, the provisions for
collection services must be defined before the provisions for processing services can be
defined.
One of the first decisions that must be made is where materials will be collected: at the
point of use; at drop-off points; or at the point of consolidation/processing for marketing.
For those programs in which collection will be at the point of use, ie "curbside", there are
three basic approaches that can be taken to the collection of recyclables. These are: the
local government can collect the materials; collection services can be franchised; or
collection of materials can be provided through a contract with a private company. If the
local government is collecting the recyclables, the local government usually will provide for
the processing of collected recyclables. If collection is franchised or contracted, the local
government must decide whether the franchisee or private collection contractor is
responsible for processing and marketing of materials or if the local government will take
responsibility for the provision of processing and marketing services.
There are reasons for either approach, and local circumstances may dictate which
approach is used. At minimum, the local governments must assure themselves of adequate
ability to monitor performance of each element of the service provided and recognize the
imeruepcnucncjci between collection and processing and the different skills required for
each. Some of the factors which may be taken into consideration in making this decision
include:
• administrative requirements;
-------
• finding solution sbould problems occur with the overall recycling program,
marketing requirements, or processing seeds and capabilities;
* reporting the information necessary to allow the local government to adequately
monitor the recycling program; and
• suggesting refinements to the program or processing arrangement
• The con, pricing, and accounting arrangements proposed for providing services.
One of the questions raised by local governments wishing to evaluate the capabilities of
existing local recyclers is how to get the information, support and cooperation ceeded to
thoroughly assess capabilities. The inability to get substantive information which can be
confirmed has been an impediment to local recyclers' involvement in government sponsored
recycling activities. As would be expected, the information .requested by the local
governments should provide & detailed profile of the local recyder** ability to perform and
be competitive and successful as a private sector business in a free and competitive market
place. As a result, there Is a natural and legitimate reticence on the pan of the'local
recycle: to share what is considered to be proprietary information with the public sector.
Particularly since, even if the local government elects not to utilize the capabilities of the
recycle: or if the capabilities do not match needs, the recyder wants to stay in business,
doing -what they have been doing well for years.
While there is no simple answer to this situation, the best approach is to openly
acknowledge the concerns of the local recycler and the needs of the local government
Experience indicates several approaches or combination of approaches can be used to
effectively satisfy- both part>.* A commonaliry is the importance of involving local recyders
in the early planning of re , .-ng programs. Here again, their experience and knowledge
can be very helpful to the local governments in realistically assessing what types of programs
best fit local needs and what waste reduction expectations can realistically be achieved.
The local governments sbould communicate to existing local recyders their interest in
developing recycling programs, their interest in invoking the private sector, the need to
understand the capabilities of the private sector, and their objectives and concerns. In turn
the local recyders need to indicate their interest in working with local governments to
community leaders and program planners, to participate in, solid waste and recycling
planning and study groups, and to make people aware of their capabilities. This
communication must be open and honest at all times. Private recyders are more likely to
participate in program planning if they know that the local government is interested and
committed to & partnership than they would be if there is & belief that the government will
end up in competition with the recyder.
Communication and information gathering can take a variety of forms induding any
or all of the following:
• Informal "round table" discussions;
• Formulation of advisory committees including recyders;
-------
• local finn capabilities individually or in joint venture relationships;
• 'desired competitive environment; tnd
*•
• program monitoring tnd evaluation objectives.
In general, separating the provisos of collection and processing services may increase
the administrative costs of the recycling program. However, in & program which utilizes the
private sector for collection &nd processing, the local government *ill hive increased
oversight over program results and may realize cost sayings if these services are contracted
for separately. In addition, competition may be increased due to the larger number of
companies; that would bidden providing for either collection or processing than would bid
on priding both services. \
If collection arid processing contracts are separated, attention must be given to contract
provisions in bptb contracts and to acknowledging the inierrelauoaships between tie ty.-o
contracts. Recognizing this interrelationship isof particular importance to the processing
contraa as the ability of the processor to perforrn can be directly related to how and v/hat
materials are delivered to the processor. At minimum, the procurement of a processor and
the 'processor contraa must address:
1. The terms of the contract
Z The requirements of she local government, including specification to the processor
on: .._
• bow the material will be collected and delivered to the processor;
• the quantity and type of materials that the processor will process and market or
a guaranteed minimum quantity,
* • the method of payment for services;
• the treatment of materials revenues; and,
• the right of the local government to audit the operation and all records related
to the program.
3. The requirements of the local processor concerning:
• providing adequate services needed upon receipt of material at the processing
facility, may include:
- truck Turnaround time (may specify maximum);
• weighing of materials;
• operating schedule; and,
-------
• processing turnaround time (mey specify maximum);.
• provisions for processing the recovered material to the degree accessary to be
marketable ai the greatest rate of return. •
• reject specifications and residue disposal requirements;
• Accurately weighing all proceed material by type;
• marketing all materials delivered end processed;
• accurately accounting for all materials sold by type, quantity and price received;
*
• provisions for the return or sharing of revenue caned from sale of material;
• reporting to the municipality the amount of recovered material delivered,
processed materials, residue produced, processed materials sold and unsold, price
received for materials, and material rejections;
. • the period of service needed; and,
• contract termination conditions.
4. Future options open to the local processor including:
• other residential programs; •"•«'•
• addition of materials;
• commercial programs; and,
• government programs
The local government will also want to request references, a confidential listing of
markets used and, of course, a cost to process the material Subsequent contract
negotiations win often focus on revenue sharing with the processor, indemnification from
any hazardous waste that may inadvertently be delivered to the facility and a guaranteed
minimum amount of materials delivered to the facility to protect the processor should
quantities not reach thai expected. There are really no set standards for these negotiable
items. The two parties must simply negotiate until they become comfortable with the terms
and conditions of the contract that they both must live with.
After the program has had time to stabilize, it is often beneficial to have an independent
parry monitor the provision of service by both the collector and hauler. Contract with
processor may even include an independent audit clause for which there could be specific
remedies if unfavorable. The goal of the collector assessment should be to assess the pick-
up and delivery of items to the processor. The assessment of the processor should assess
-------
the ability of the contractor to receive, process, and market the recydables. The approach
taken to the review may include reviewing the proposals and contracts of the collector and
processor and developing a list of questions, conducting an onsite inspection of the
processing facility, reviewing with the processor the procedures for marketing materials,
terms and conditions and current pricing schedule. Reports submitted to the local
government from each of the contractors should also be reviewed Tnis process has been
seen as providing com/on to the local government that the program is running as it should, *
and as a way to provide both the collector and fumnsor with feedback «s to-their
performance and possibly suggestions for improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
Recyders, brokers, processors and dealers have been the backbone of recycling activities
for decades. To avoid overlooking a significant amount of processing capability and
expertise, local recyders/processors should be considered by local governments when
designing recycling programs. Processing capabilities or material recovery facilities (MRFs)
are an essential pan of a recycling program. Development of MRFs by local governments
can too easDy lead to putting governments: into a business that they often do cot want to
and do not have the expertise to be in; and, in competition with a critical link to essential
markets. Looking to local recyclers, where possible, for processing capabilities can avoid:
.capita] investment; design, construction and procurement time; risk of development of a
new facility; and, risk associated with processing and marketing resulting from being a
relative newcomer to the local recycling community.
*
Along with the benefits realized from using local recyders/processors there may be
some potential drawbacks. However, these drawbacks can be overcome by thoroughly
identifying local processor capabilities and carefully i~ jcturing procurement and contract
documents through the methods and guidelines outlined in this paper. Being honest about
the local government's intentions throughout the process and soliciting the same open
discussions from the local processor is important in assessing the capabilities of local
processors.
.Local governments and local processors can create e partnership that can provide an
essential component to successful municipal recycling programs while saving the local
government valuable implementation time and large capital costs.
-------
RECYCLING AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
Two Planning Checklists
from the publication titled
Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Program:
A Planning Checklist
[N.D. Circa, 1990]
INFORM ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
381 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
-------
RECYCLING AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM
-A Planning Cheddtst .
Starting a Recycling Program
In planning and setting up community recycling and household hazardous waste
programs a first priority is to create an office of solid waste planning and recycling. This
office then needs to undertake, or arrange to have taken, the following specific steps:
1. A waste composition analysis to define the quantity and types of various materials
available for recycling
Metals
Oversized bulky wastes (eg. appliances, sofas-.)
Glass
Paper
Construction debris
Yard and other composteble wastes
Specific household hazardous matedals
2. An evaluation of the levels of current recycling. If recycling is going on
Who is collecting and hauling materials
What quantity of various materials is being collected
Where are the materials being taken
Does the community have contracts with specific waste brokers, materials
recyders. for what durations and what costs -
3. An evaluation of the potential to expand recycling
What room is there for expanded recycling by existing recyders already
under contract
Are there other readily accessible recyclers
Does your county, region, or state have a comprehensive recycling program
Are there intermediate processing center near your community
Are there other recycling programs within reath tn-whichyour community
can participate, thus marketing your recydables more cost-effectively
-------
4. Establishment of organized procedures forhouseholds enabling them to recycle their
wastes, indicating
The types of wastes that should be separated
How these wastes should be bundled or sorted that would be acceptable to
vendors
The schedules for pick-up (collection) of various materials
Any central places materials may be taken to for recycling and during what
hours •
5. Definition of equipment needs
Trucks
Household use containers
Street drop-oil containers
6. Planning of public education and awareness programs
Programs In schools
Clty/town/vlllagfr-wlde placement of posters
Contests/awards
Local newspapers/radio stations
Program logos and slogans
Other
7. Maintenance of compliance records
8. Establishment of mechanisms for receiving and handling public complaints, Inquir-
ies, and suggestions
9. Establishment of an independent citizens* program to monitor implementation of the
recycling program
10. Definition of funding needs, including liability insurance
11. Exploration of sources of program funding
Income from sale of recyclables
Local governmental support
Funding from the county
Funding from the state
-------
a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
The community solid waste planning and recycling office needs to take the following steps
to develop an effective household hazardous waste collection program:
1. Development of a list of household hazardous materials to be separated for collection
2. Establishment of collection procedures and schedules
3. Determination as to -whether currently used equipment is sufficient or new or
additional equipment is needed
•4. JdentiflcatlooofwherecoDectedinateilalswffl be ta3cenaridhowtheywfllbe disposed
of, stored, or recycled
5. Exploration of waste management tons who wffl collect and/or dispose of collected
materials
6. Planning for public education programs and publicity regarding collection days
Definition of funding needs and sources of support:
Local government support
County, region, or state support
-------
EDUCATIONAL FLYERS FOR CITIZENS
Examples
from the Cities of Cambridge, Roxbury, and Somerville
Massachusetts
[N.D. Circa, 1991]
5-1
-------
COMMON
QUESTIONS
WHAT IF MY RECYCLABLES ARE NOT PICKED UP?
Your recyclable* must be at the curb hx 7 Do a.m. on your trash day. If your
rccyclables have not been picked up by 4-.OO p.m.. call J49-400S or 149.4860.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE TO RECYCLE THAN WIL1 FIT IN THE BLUE BIN?
Make extra space by flattening plastic and metal containers so that they lake up less space.Put
extra recyclables in a separate container clearly marked "RECYCLE* and place it next to the
blue bin.
WHAT IF SOMEONE OTHER THAN LAIDLAW TRUCKS TAKES MY RECVCLABLES OR MY BIN?
Call 549-4005 or 149-4660 immediately and report the license plate number and description
of the vehicle anJ person. City law prohibits the collection of your recyclables from the
curbside by any«»ne other than the rity's contractor. Laidlaw Waste Systems.
IF I MOVl. SHOULD I LEAVE THE BIN?
Yes. you must leave the bin and this flyer for the next resident. If you do take the bin. you
may be charged a fee for replacing it.
WHY AREN'T LARGER APARTMENT BUILDINGS INCLUDED IN CURBSIDE RECYCLING?
Larger apartment buildings will be phased into the recycling program over the next 18
months. In the meantime, apartment dwellers can bring their recyclables to the drop-off
center at the Department of Public Works. 147 Hampshire St.. Cambridge. Those interested in
coordinating rending in their building should call 349*4009 for more information.
B
II
II
n
MANDATORY CURBSIDE RECYCLING BEGINS JULY 15,1991
Mandatory curbside recycling for residences in
the City of Cambridge begins on July 15. 1991.
Why is mandatory recycling a new law?
Because we can all help keep the environment
clean. AnJ because Massachusetts landfills will
stop accepting:
• yard waste by the end of 1991.
• recyclable aluminum, meulv and glass
by the end of 1992.
• all grades of recyclable paper and recyclable
plastics by the end of 1994
By recycling some of your trash, you help
reduce the problem oi solid waste disposal.
RECYCLING IS IMPORTANT ... ANO EASY!
Once you learn the basics, recycling becomes
second nature. After you receive your blue bin
from the city, all you have to do is:
1. Write your address and apartment number
in the white strip on the bin.
2. Keep the bin in a place that makes recycling
easier, like next to your kitchen wastebasket.
1. Clean your recyclables and4put them in the
bin. (See the hoxv-to chart on the other side
of this sheet.)
4. On your street's scheduled trash day, put
the bin and bundled newspapers outside
next to your regular trash.
5. Bring your bin back inside after the
recyclables have been collected.
Nip jwen tridikton Kreyol MPT* •'!• ••" CHAMA.
105 Windsor St.. Cambridge.
Poderi ebter copies ditti lelhtto im Pertuguos nt
COPA. 1046 Cambridge Street. Cambridge.
Her edpias de estt lolleto traducidos al tspiAol an el
• Centre Pretente. W Essex St.. Cambridge
• Concilio Hispeno. 1C Cherry St.. Cambridge
-------
Material
What to Recycle
Mow to Prepare
DoNoiktetude
Glass
• Bottles and jars only
(dear and colored)
'Depositand non-deposit
• Rinse dean.
• Remove all corks and metal or
plastic lids and rings.
• Remove styrofoam and metal toil
neck wrappings. / ,
• Labels may be left on.
• No broken glass
• No piate glass or other glass
items (hgntbulbs, Pyrex, crystal.
•ndsoon)
• Milk, water, ft juice jugs
• Rigid comainers {yogun. etc.)
marked on the bottom with a
• Rinse dean.
• Remove metal or plastic caps and
rings.
• Comatnen may be crushed or
nested!
• labels may be left on.
• No unmarked containers
• No containers wrtt 3.4,5.6, or 7
• on the bottom.
• No plastic bags
Aluminum
• Deposit art non-deposit
akmwm cans
'•Pie plates
• Clean toil
• Aluminum trays
* Rinse dean.
• No bottle and jar bds
• No other aluminum Hems
Metal Cans
Meal tin' cans only
• Rmse dean.
• Remove labels.
• Cans may be nested or flattened.
• No cans with plastic or paper
parts (such as frozen juics cans)
• No paint or aerosol cans
• No other metal items
Newspaper
Newspapers
(advertising inserts and Sunday
supplements ok)
• Pui m paper (not plastic) bags or
use twine to tie in bunoies.
• Place next to recycling bin.
> No magazines'or other glossy
papers
> No soiled newspapers
> No other paper items
Yard Waste
(begins October 7tn. 1991;
Leaves, grass dippings, weeds.
hedge trimmings, garden waste.
and twigs and branches (ess
than 2 feet-long and one nail
inch in diameter.
> Place all yard waste m 30 gallon
biodegraceabie. paper bags (avail-
able in mpsrsupermarkets in
October 1991) Of barrels clearly
marked fot yard waste recycling.
• No tree limi,a
• No food scraps
SAVE TOMORROW BY SORT I NG TODAY!
Place all recyclable* except
newspaper inside the blue
bin. Put bundled newspaper
next to the bin.
Include only the items listed
in the chart above. It is im-
jportant that you prepare them
as described in the chart.
-Materials not accepted for
rei'Ycling will be left in.the
l»iu« bin with an orange.
sticker describing why the
.rr.aterijl was rejected. iYou
•van throw rejected items into
your regular trash.)
If you have more recyclable*
than will fit in ihe Inn. put
the extras imo a second con-
tainer (Mich as a plastic basket
or sturdy box) clearly marked
•RECYCLE.'
If your bin is less than hall
full, please xvait until it is
completely full before putting
it at curbside.
Your recyclables must he at
curbside before 7:00 a.m. on
four street's scheduled trash
dav each week.
The Laidlaw recycling trucks
do not come at ihe same time
of day as the Public Works
irucks. One Laidlaw truck will
collect glass, plastics, and
metals. A second Laidlaw
truck will collect newspaper
bundles. The Cambridge
Public Works trucks will still
pick up your regular trash.'
CAMBRIDGE
RECYCLES
6 < v I 'Ou«t«»JH » 11 v i
-------
MISSION HILL RECYCUNG CENTER
Starting September 28
Open every Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
BOSTON BUILDING MATERIALS COOP
100 Terrace St., Roxbury
442-2262
BRING: NEWSPAPER Tied with string or in paper bags
PLASTIC Only clear water, juice
and milk jugs
Expanding to other
materials soon!
Volunteers needed:
Call GiUy at 738-1783
MISSION HILL
JAMAICA PLAIN
Roxbury Community
Colltge
FORT HILL/
HIGHLAND PARK-
Sponsored by: • Mission Hill Recycling Coalition • Mission Hill Community Center
• Boston Building Materials Coop • Boston Public Works Department
•
Please recycle this paper Labor Donated Printing courtesy of MASCO
-------
CENTRO RECtCLADQ DE MISSION HILL
URA
Comenzando Sept 28
Abierto todos tos Sabados 9:00 -a- 3:00
BOSTON BUILDBNG MATERIALS COOP
100 Terrace St., Roxbury, MA
442-2262
TRAIGA: PERIODICOS Pongalos en bolsa de papel
amarrelos con una cuerda.
PLASTICOS Solamente claros
jarros de agua, leche jugos.
EXPANDtENDOSE PRONTO A OTROS MATERIALS
&\
HOPE
ONLY!
Necesitamos voluntaries, por favor llame a Gilly al 738-1783
MISSION HILL
JAMAICA PLAIN
UmirvSS'
Roxbury Community y^_
O
FORT HILL/ If
HIGHLAND PARK IS
v>
Promovido per' * Mission Hill Recycling Coalition • Mission Hill Community Centers .
• Cooperative de Materiales de Construction de Boston • Boston Public Works Department
• r
Por Favor recrcle este boJetin Trabajo gratis Impreso por cortesia de MASCO
-------
AT THE SOMERVILLE RECYCLING CENTER...
We want to recycle as many materials as we possibly can. However, there are a few things th;
limit our abilities to accept certain materials. The most important of these is the markets for
recydables. We can only accept certain items because they are what we are able to sell. A mat
is riot truly recycled until it is used again in a manufacturing process.
When we ask you to take your telephone books, magazines, cardboard, window panes, etc. ba
home with you it is because they cannot yet be recycled in Somerville. If you give them to us
they will only be thrown away as we have no storage space while seeking markets for them.
Please help us by only bringing materials we are able to recycle. Sorting through and disposin
non-recyclable materials costs us time and a lot of effort. Thanks for your help.
Anybody interested in working with the Somerville Recycling Committee, call Roger Geller (
7962) or Judy Goldberg (625-6600 x2500).
We Accept: We Do Not Accept:
Please Keep All Below Categories Seperate Telephone bOOkS.
Newspapers bound with natural twine or GlOSSy Magazines, such as Time. S^o;
in brown paper bags. Please, no plastic bags! I[|u?frated, CPSprPPppMan, etc.
Newspaper Magazines (Parade. Boston Globe Cereal BOX6S Of Other household
Magazine, etc.) are okay. Cardboard.
White Writing Papers; which include: Drinking Glasses.
xerox paper, notebook paper, envelopes with WindOW GlaSS
the plastic window removed, printing paper, L|ght
Computer Paper. Ceramics.
Colored Writing/Printing Papers. Pestle bags, Yogurt Containers <
Glass; bottles and jars only, please f.ny type of plastic other than tho;
remove all lids and rings from bottle necks listed at left.
and please sort by color.
Plastic. We can now only accept milk and
water jugs (HDPE-"high density
polyethylene"), detergent bottles, and empty
motor oil and anti-freeze bottles. Please
remove and discard all caps !!
Returnable beverage containers.
Why we no longer accept all plastics:
We used to be able to accept a wide range of plastics, and in future months we may again be
to. The mixed plastics we accepted were melted and molded into plastic lumber. However,
company that accepted our mixed plastics sold their plastic lumber machine. As a result, the
no longer accept mixed plastics and neither can we. So, until we re-establish markets for m»
plastics, please do not bring us unacceptable plastic materials.
THANKS FOR YOUR ENTHUSIASTIC RECYCLING !!
•
THE SOMERVILLE RECYCLING CENTER OPERATES THE 2nd SATURDAY OF EVER
MONTH FROM 9 am • 3 pm. Next dates: July 8 and August 12
-------
Somerville's Environmental Programs
Mayor Michael E. Capuano has developed a unique plan to put
municipalities in a position to be active participants on environmental
issues. This "Municipal Approach to Environmental Problem Solving"
places the environment at the top of Somerville's urban agenda. The
resourceful and innovative environmental programs illustrate the success
of this philosophy.
Pilot Curbside Recycling Program
Approximately 50% of Somerville residents participate in a
weekly, pilot curbside collection program. Four recyclable items
are accepted: clear glass; colored glass; metal "tin" cans; and
* aluminum cans.
Used Motor Oil Recycling /Collection Program
With the assistance of the Massachusetts Water Resources
Authority, the City has established a collection center for used
motor oil at the Somerville Recycling Center. Hours of operation
are Saturdays, noon to 4 pm.
Somerville Environmental Strike Force
Created by Mayor Michael E. Capuano in March of 1990 to
combat the increasing incidence of illegal dumping of solid
waste in Somerville. The Strike Force has been expanded to an
interdepartmental team that works together to investigate all
environmental abuses. A 24-hour hotline has been established
for reporting of any violation. Call 623-6878.
Pilot Collection Center for Special Residential Waste
With the assistance of the Massachusetts Water Resources
Authority, the City of Somerville will host a pilot collection
center for special residential waste in the Fall of 1991. Special
residential waste includes chemical household cleaners, oil-based
paint, varnishes, spent batteries, automobile products, etc The
pilot collection program will accept waste during six consecutive
weekends in the Fall of 1991.
Material Recovery Facility — MRF
A MRF is a comprehensive processing facility that removes
recyclables from the solid waste stream (from trash), prepares
the recyclables to industry standard, then, finally, markets the
recyclables to vendors as building blocks for a new product. A
MRF has been proposed for construction in Yard 21 in Somerville.
..••""'• v
/ • • I* • \
V,.,,, •>
Somervillc Recycles
Somcrville Recycling Center
10 Poplar Street
Somerville, MA 02143
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 4-7 ptn
Saturdays 12-4 pm
Cosed on City Holidays
Open to Somerville Residents Only
-------
Location of Recycling Center
Michael E. Capuano, Mayor
Directions
Car Route: Washington Street to Joy Street to Poplar Street
(look for green and white city signs)
Mus Routes: 80, 86, 87, 80 and 91
for More Information
Call: The Somerville Environmental Protection Office
al 625-6600
Thv Recycling Hotline at 625-2171
(24-hour recorded message)
or Wrile: The Environmental Protection Office
City Hall
93 Highland: Avenue
' Somerville. MA O2143
Materials Accepted at Recycling Center
NEWSPAPER
• Accepted, newspaper and all Inserts In brown paper bags or tied
in natural twine
• Accepted, brown paper bags
• NOT accepted magazines, phone books or paperback books
GLASS
• Accepted, clear and colored bottles and Jars
• NOT accepted, drinking glasses, window panes, pyrex or cerami
• Remove all lids, metal rings and lead tape (on wine bottles)
PAPER
• Accepted, white paper, colored paper and green-bar computer pa
• Remove self-adhesive labels and envelope flaps
• Remove plastic windows in envelopes
ALUMINUM
• Accepted, aluminum cans, foil, trays and containers
SCRAP METAL
• Accepted, food cans
• Accepted, objects made entirely of metal
• Remove labels around food cans
PLASTICS
• Accepted, manufacturing code 1, 2, 3, and 5 containers
• Accepted, compressed, unmarked milk and water jugs
• NOT accepted, plastic bags, automobile product containers,
and wide-mouthed containers
• Remove all lids and caps, empty and rinse containers
REDEEMABLE*
• Massachusetts Bottle Bill Returnable*
USED MOTOR OIL
• SATURDAYS ONLY
• Accepted, 5 gallons per resident
• NOT accepted, antifreeze, transmission fluid, gasoline,
hydraulic fluid, etc
-------
Dear Somervftle Resident.
Welcome to eurbside recycling! Since my flnl day in office. I have worked for and
1 looked forward to the implementation of this program. I am convinced that recycling is
one of (he most important thing* you and I can do to protect our environment.
I would like to extend my special thank* to all the volunteer! and the member* of
the Somerville Environmental and Recycling Volunteer* for their assistance with
distribution of the blue recycling bint. Their effort* and support have enabled this pilot
program to gel off to a smooth tfart.
This pilot program It • step toward • comprehensive eitywide curbtlde program.
The program is designed for expansion, that Is. In the future we hope to collect more
recyclable material* and we hope to Involve all Somerville resident*. In addition, the
administration is working toward development of a Material Recycling Facility (MRF) to
process the collected ntcyUbles. I need your support to make both effort* successful.
Acknowledging the City's fiscal difficulties. I would like to share the pilot program's
financing mechanisms. First, the blue recycling bin you have received was provided by
the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as part of an equipment
grant award. Second, the operations costs of the program will be defetted through the
money saved in landfill feet and through the sale of some of the collected recylables.
The pilot curbside program targets recylable items of the highest economic benefit.
Unfortunately, presently, newspape* is not an economically benefidal material to collect
at curbside. hence. II was not included in our pilot curbside program.
Finally, a menage to parents — don't be surprised If your children become the
"recycling patrol" In your house. At my home, my older son. Michael, reminds me not
to throw recyclable Items Into the trash and my younger son. Joey, looks forward to our
Saturday visit* to the recycling drop-off center.
I truly believe that the positive Impact of sound environmental policies and practices
goes well beyond any term in office or any one lifetime. A healthy environment is the
gift we leave our children.
Sincerely.
Michael E. Capuano
Mayor
SOMERVILLE RECYCLES!!
Welcome to
Mayor Michael E. Capuano's
PILOT
CURBSIDE RECYCLING
PROGRAM
PIUOT PROJECT
coordinated by the
Somerville Environmental Protection Department
FIIOTtD ON RECYCLED PAPW
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Welcome to
Curbside Recycling
Beginning the week of
Monday/ September JOth.
Ihe.City of: S\>mervi1le,wil1 •
institute a bold new pilot
curbside recycling program.
The pilot program involves approximately
50% of lly City's residents and is designed
lor future expansion. Curbside recycling
i* convenient and easy. It helps control
disposal costs, helps the environment,
.iml helps Somerville meet the Stale
nf Massachusetts' recycling goals.
Collection of
Materials
Each household in the
. pilot collection program
has been issued a
special blue recycling bin.
This .bin is to be used to
store glass'tbotiles-and jars.
• aluminum cans and metal cans.
On your regularly, scheduled trash
collection day. simply place your
lull bin at the 'curb. Ills important lo
rcmrmber that lull bins should be set nut
before 7 am in order for the material
to •!»«• picked up that day.
Recycling Makes Sense
R Reduce — Recycling reduce* pollution.
The more we recycle, the lets garbage •»»
'have to tend to • landfill or burn.
E Energy' — Making • product from recycled
material* eirpendi let* energy than making
• pnxlucl from virgin material!.
C Conservation — Recycling cun*tn*»
valuable re*ourc*t. It u«*< our nation's
. natural reiource* and our energy iuppl)^
Y Ybu-r-Hw Mtrea of Somervllle't pilot
progmn lie* «lln you. Pleate partklpate hi
thl« valuable program and prepare material*
properly.
C Convenient — Th* pilot curbttde recycling
program h Aligned to be convtnlenl. |u»l uw
your blue bin to ftore your torted recyclable
material*, then put the full bin at tht curb
for collect lofi.
L Landfill — Recycling M«M landfill tpaot.
E Environment — to ensure the future of
our environment, recycling I* the right
thing to do.
Damaged or Missing Containers
The recyclable materials are the property
of the City of Somerville. If you see
someone other than one of the City of
Somerville drivers lake your recyclables
or bin, please call the recycling hotline
(625-6600) with the vehicle license
number and/or a description of the
person or people Involved, If your bin
becomes lost or damaged, within
30 days, you must provide a suitable
replacement of similar size.
What goes in the bin?
You can recycle the following materials at your curb. Follow these easy
Instructions when you place the items In the bins:
REOCU
THESE
MATERIALS
Clear Cla a*
Bottlerfcjim
Empty. Unbroken
OIUWM and Green
Clau Bottle*, ft (an
Empty,
Steel (tin-).
mixed metal cans.
food cam
Depot* and
Non*oeposit
aluminum can*
HOW TO
PREPARE
MATERIALS
Remove mtul Hngf
Rbiw clvafi
lid*
Rvroow
•nd l««d tape
KlftflY Cvfflft
RffflMJAff UDfTC
RlflM CvMVk
EXCLUDE
THESE
MATERIALS
Questionst Problem?
Compliment*?
Call the Recycling Hotline:
625-6600 ext.
Michael E. Capuano
Mayor
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WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?
You have read this information packet and are wondering, "Now
what?" There are many additional sources of information that you
might try.
First, contact your community agencies, municipalities, county
agencies and other levels of government. If recycling efforts
are already underway, plug in.
Second, at the state level, each New England state has a
recycling information contact, and in most cases, a great deal of
useful and relevant information to help you to get started.
State contacts include:
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Solid Waste Division
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106 '
(203) 566-8476
Maine Waste Management Agency
Office of Waste Reduction & Recycling
State House Station 154
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 289-5300
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Solid Waste Management
1 Winter Street, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 292-5988
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Waste Division
6 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3306
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Waste Management Branch
291 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 277-2797
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
Solid Waste Management Division
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05676
(802) 244-7831
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Third, many nonprofit and for-profit trade associations have
information on various aspects of recycling. At least four New
England states also have associations of recyclers who can often
assist you with information bearing on some specific localities.
These are:
Connecticut Recyclers Coalition
P.O. Box 445
Stonington, CT 06378
MassRecycle
P.O. Box 3111
Worcester, MA 01613
New Hampshire Resource Recovery Association
P.O. Box 721
Concord, NH 03302
Association of Vermont Recyclers
P.O. Box 1244
64 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05601
Fourth, many for-profit consultants are in business to assist you
in establishing a recycling program, from doing a small piece of
the planning process to doing it all for you. There are even
some for-profit consultants specializing only in providing you
with research information.
Fifth, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has documents on
the subject of recycling: marketing, promoting, publicizing,
transporting, contracting. It also has publications about the
technical processes involved in recycling various substances, in
using various types of recycling methods, and concerned with how
to organize the necessary resources. To obtain a complete
listing of all documents available, contact the RCRA Hotline by
calling 1-800-424-9346. When these documents are sent to the
National Technical Information Service for distribution, they may
be purchased from NTIS by calling (703) 487-4630.
Also, try calling EPA Region 1, Solid Waste Program at
(617) 573-9670 or the Research Library for Solid Waste in
Region 1 at (617) 573-9687. The Research Library has put out
other compendiums on solid waste and recycling topics.
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A COMPENDIUM OF MATERIAL ON MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
* COMMUNITY RECYCLING *
SOURCES USED
A GUIDE TO RECYCLING IN YOUR COMMUNITY by Michigan Department of
Natural Resources, (Lansing, Mich.: DNR, N.D.).
MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL RECYCLING PROGRAM: PUBLIC EDUCATION by
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Boston,
Mass.: DEP, 1988).
RECYCLING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: AN IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE by Mary
Kohrell and the New Hampshire Resource Recovery Association
(Concord, NH, 1988).
DECISION-MAKERS GUIDE TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT by U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA/530-SW-89-072,
November, 1989.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECYCLING PROGRAM DESIGN: INTEGRATION OF
EXISTING RECYCLERS by Deanna L. Ruffer and Susan J. Schaefer,
Roy F. Weston, Inc., in Proceedings of the First United States
Conference on Municipal Solid Waste Management, Washington, DC,
June 15, 1990 cosponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal
Association, Silver Spring, MD.
RECYCLING AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM: A PLANNING
CHECKLIST by Inform Environmental Research & Education (New York:
Inform, N.D.).
INFORMATIONAL FLYERS FOR CITIZENS from the Cities of Cambridge,
Roxbury, and Somerville, Massachusetts, [N.D. Circa, 1991].
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