United States
Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 1
Common Sense Initiative-
Computer and Electronics Sector
EPA-901-R-98-002
February 1998
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Residential Collection of
Household End»o£-Life Electrical
and Electronic Equipment
Pilot Collection Project
EPA
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 1 ,
JOHN F. KENNEDY FEDERAL BUILDING
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02203-0001
OFFICE OF THE
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
L. As the Information Highway becomes more and more a part of our everyday life, it seems that computers and
electronic equipment are on every office desktop, in every retail store and, more and more, in every home.
F The ingenuity and productivity of the computer and electronics industries produce machines that do more
,;L work than ever before, and do it faster! However, this amazing technological proliferation raises a new
concern: What happens to all of this equipment when it is no longer useful?
ii j'
j_ One promising solution — a solution EPA is taking a close look at — is the recovery and recycling used
electrical and electronic equipment. Unwanted or unneeded equipment can be used to provide a number of
p benefits. Functioning equipment can find new homes in schools and with community groups. Equipment
J_ that doesn't work can be taken apart or "demanufactured" so that the component materials — glass, metal,
plastic etc.— can be recycled into new computers or other products. In fact, there is a growing industry that
does just that -- providing thousands of pieces of useful equipment by recycling components of older
electronic products.
P Unfortunately, little information exists on what happens to computers and electronic equipment at the end of
| their useful life, making it difficult to establish effective measures to promote their recycling, hi order to
"" generate data about the fate of such equipment, EPA sponsored a series of residential collections of used
electrical and electronic equipment that took place is 1996 and 1997 in Somerville, Massachusetts and
I Binghamton, New York. As a result of these collections, for the first time there is now data on the type and
L amount of material collected, transportation and demanufacturing costs of the material, and the percentage of
__ recyclable materials in such equipment.
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i- This report provides detailed information on these efforts. Additionally, it provides essential information on
how communities might undertake electronics collection project - helping communities and entrepreneurs
P determine the economic viability of residential electronic equipment recycling.
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This project is part of the Computer and Electronics Sector of the Common Sense Initiative (CSI), EPA's
r* flagship program for developing more flexible, innovative approaches to environmental protection. Launched
L., by EPA Administrator Carol Browner in 1994, the Common Sense Initiative involves bringing together
representatives from federal, state, and local governments, environmental advocate organizations, labor, and
r" industry together to create cleaner, cheaper, and smarter ways to protect public health and the environment.
I am pleased to present this report to you and encourage you to use the information included within to help
,- make America a safer, healthier, more beautiful place.
i ' • -"
¥
John P. DeVillars
Regional Administrator
EPA's New England Office
Recycled/Recyclable.Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Recycled Paper (40% Postconsumer)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS r
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Page
Acknowledgments 1 j~"
Executive summary 2 »
1.0 INTRODUCTION 9 __
1.1 Background j
1.2 Goals of the Pilot Project '
1.3 Project Team ^
2.0 PILOT COLLECTION AND PLANNING 11 j
2.1 Community Selection and Profile
2.2 Regulatory Issues r-
2.3 Equipment Specifications and Data Collection |
2.4 Fee for Collection Services
2.5 Outreach H
2.6 Onsite Logistics L
3.0 COLLECTION EVENTS 27
3.1 Commodities Collected
3.2 Somerville - November 2,1996
3.3 Binghamton - November 9,1996
3.4 Somerville - April 19,1997
3.5 Binghamton-May 10,1997
3.6 Summary of Participation
4.0 DEMANUFACTURING/REUSE/DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL
COLLECTED 37
4.1 Transportation
4.2 Demanufacturing
4.3 Reuse
4.4 Final Disposition p
5.0 ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE PILOT L
COLLECTIONS 44
5.1 Costs and Revenues Included in Economic Analysis
5.2 Unit Market Value of Recovered Materials
5.3 Transportation Costs
5.4 Labor Costs
5.5 Somerville Economic Evaluation
5.6 Binghamton Economic Evaluation
5.7 Summary
6.0 CONOUJSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 51
6.1 General Conclusions
63. Improving the Economics ^ •"• ^" *"' '• F v '"*" _ •"'"'"'.' '"'"['
6.3 Recommendations
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APPENDICES
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Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Appendix 7
Appendix 8
Appendix 9
CSI Involvement and Development
CSI Detailed Workplan for Pilot Projected
Information on Binghamton and Somerville Recycling
Generator Survey
Manifest
Flier (sample)
Sample Press Releases, etc.
Training Packet
Organizing a Household Electrical
and Electronic Equipments Collection
TABLES
Table 2.1 Pemographic Profile of Binghamton NY
Table 2.2 Demographic Profile of Somerville MA
Table 2.3 Somerville MA Equipment, Staffing and Supply Needs
Table 2.4 Binghamton NY Equipment, Staffing and Supply Needs
Table 3.1 Summary of all Equipment collected
Table 3.2 Somerville Fall 1996 Collection Summary
Table 3.3 Binghamton Fall 1996 Collection Summary
Table 3.4 Somerville Spring 1997 Collection Summary
Table 3.5 Binghamton Spring 1997 Collection Summary
Table 3.6 Weight Comparison
Table 3.7 Number of Participants
Table 3.8 Number of Items Collected
Table 3.9 Origin of Participant
Table 3.10 Effective Communication
Table 3.11 Households vs. Vehicles
Table 3.12 Participating Households vs. Community Households
Table 4.1 Summary of Weights of Separated Post-consumer Electronics
Table 4.2 Somerville Fall 1996 Materials and Weights Collection Data
Table 43 Somervffle Spring 1997 Materials and Weights Collection Data
Table 4.4 Binghamton Fall 1996 Materials and Weights Collection Data
Table 4.5 Binghamton Spring 1997 Materials and Weights Collection Data
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Table 5.1 Average Market Value
Table 5.2 Demanufacturing Labor Analysis
Table 5.3 Somerville Fall 1996 Values and Costs
Table 5.4 Binghamton Fall 1996 Values and Costs
Table 5.5 Somerville Spring 1997 Values and Costs
Table 5.6 Binghamton Spring 1997 Values and Costs
Table 5.7 Summary Values Including Resale
Table 5.8 Summary Values Without Resale
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L ! Acknowledgments
A "Residential Collection of End-of-Life Electrical and Electronic Equipment Pilot
^ Collection Project" was prepared under U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency(EPA)grant number X 991642-01-0 by the Northeast Resource Recovery
{"" Association (NRRA). NRRA is a regional nonprofit organization known nationally for
L, having pioneered the concept of marketing municipal recyclables cooperatively.
] This report was drafted by the NRRA, and was written by Peg Boyles and Spencer
L Bennett. Additional NRRA staff includes: Paula Dow, Russell Allen, Kim Morrell, and
r Pat Dervin-Fox.
This project was managed by Christine Beling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
j"~ (EPA -New England) and directed by a workgroup formed under EPA's Common
I • Sense Initiative which included: Mark Mahoney, EPA-New England, Christine Bonica,
EPA-New England; Greg Voorhees, Envirocycle, Inc.; Patricia Dillon, Tufts University-
f The Gordon Institute; Hilary Eustace- Recycling Coordinator, Somerville, MA; Susan
L Thompson, Recycling Coordinator, Broome County; Richard King, Matsushita
Consumer Electronics Company; Ron Stow, Lucent Technologies.
^ The report was peer reviewed by several members5 of the workgroup and David Isaacs,
^ Electronic Industries Association; Michael Winka, NJ. Department of Environmental
; Protection; Mark Sharp, Matsushita Electric Corporation of America; Tony Hainault,
^ Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance; Doug Wolf, New Mexico Environmental
,— Law Center, and George Garland, EPA-Office of Solid Waste.
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E
For more information or details on this pilot project, please contact NRRA, PO BOX 721,
^ Concord, NH 03302-0721,603-224-6996, e-mail: "nrra@conknet.com'7 or for a copy of
^ the report EPA New England's Research Library for RCRA, JFK Federal Building, Mail
Code SPP, Bostori, MA 02203,617-565-3282, e-mail: "friedman.fred@epamail.epa.gov7'.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ^
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A. GOAL
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The Common Sense Initiative-Computers and Electronics Sector sponsored a series of [
collection days to recover residential end-of-life (EOL)electrical and electronic
equipment for demanufacturing and recycling. The goals of the pilot project were: T
tj
• to characterize the types and measure the volumes of _r
end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment in the municipal waste stream j
• to assess the economic viability of collecting, transporting, demanufacturing p
and recycling end-of-life (EOL) residential electrical and electronic equipment •{ «
•i.
« to gauge residential consumers willingness to help offset the costs of collecting f^
and recycling electrical and electronic equipment V
B. APPROACH p
<* -
The collection pilots were held in two demographically similar communities: ^
Somerville, Massachusetts and Binghamton, New York based on population, per capita {
income, state and local tax burden and weekly curbside pick-up of trash and ^
recyclables. A total of four collection days were held, two events in the Fall of 1996 in ~,
both Somerville and Binghamton and two events in the Spring of 1997 in both |
communities.
The collection pilots were modeled after the traditional one-day collection events for |j/
household hazardous waste collection; typically, a one time collection event held on
Saturday morning and early afternoon. Outreach for the events included direct mail p
flyers to every household, press release to local papers, signage at local retail (_
establishments and advertising on local cable access channel calendars. A brief
generator survey and receiving manifest were developed to record information from P
the collection events. Every participant was interviewed by a volunteer who recorded L-;
on a manifest what materials were dropped off. A survey was then given to a
representative from each vehicle to access their motivation for participating in the p
event, how they heard about the collection event, where they lived(in a single or w
multiple family home), the usage of the equipment (personal or business), the age and ^
condition of the equipment, and the willingness to pay for this type of disposal. f
Envirocycle, Incorporated, is an electronics demanufactuer who provided in kind p
services for the transportation, demanufacturing, recycling and disposal of all EOL \r
equipment collected in the pilots. All EOL equipment that was collected was *~
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' transported to Envirocycle's Hallstead, Pennsylvania facility. Envirocycle provided
u'u cost and revenue information for the transportation, demanufacture, marketing and
f.,_ disposal of all materials generated from the collection pilots.
C. PARTICIPATION RESULTS
i Less that 1% of the residents in the host communities participated in the collection
event. Generally, participation increased at both sites during the second event as was
p expected from past history of the communities other special collection events (i.e.
L household hazardous waste, tire and text book collection events). This increase of
participation was also consistent with Somerville and Binghamton's experience with
•f" introducing new commodities as part of increasing recyclables collection.
•L
Number of Households Participating vs. Number of Vehicles
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L • Households % Participation by Household Total # of Households
Somerville Fall 1996 193 0.62 31,000
\" Somerville Spring 1997 250 0.80
L Binghamton Fall 1996 47 0.02 25,000
Binghamton Spring 1997 128 0.05
f*.
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D. CHARACTERIZATION RESULTS
A total of 1,862 items of EOL was collected in the four collection events. The majority of
the items collected consisted of TVS, computers and monitors, and portable audio
equipment. These results were compiled from manifests that were completed by
volunteers during the actual collection event
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HOME VIDEO
Table Top TV 49
Floor Model TV 5
VCR 27
AUDIO
Port. Radio/Tape/CD 58
Home Stereo 23
Tape Recorder 18
Car Audio/Tape 12
Speakers 23
Electronic Instruments 1
OFFICE
PC/Computer 21
Monitor 17
Keyboard 18
Printer 12
Copier 0
Fax 0
COMMUNICATION
Resident Phone 8
Business Phone 4
Cellular Phone o
Cordless Phone o
2-Way Radio 2
Answering Machine 4
HOME APPLIANCE
Microwave Oven 12
Air Conditioner 8
Vacuum 17
SMALL COUNTER TOP APPLIANCE
Toaster Oven 23
Can Opener 4
Coffee Maker 11
Food Processor 3
FALL 1996
Somerville Binghamton
MISCELLANEOUS
TOTAL
10
390
23
0
4
1
26
0
0
3
1
7
8
7
2
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
4
3
0
2
12
0
3
0
35
145
Spring 1997
Somerville Binghamton Total
59
2
46
36
26
10
7
17
6
72
52
44
40
1
1
33
4
1
2
1
31
12
19
'7
29
4
20
4
42
10
23
82
12
7
4
6
6
19
33
26
9
0
1
22
7
1
10
1
8
12
8
18
33
6
9
2
173
17
100
177
87
35
23
49
14
119
110
95
63
1
2
67
15
2
12
4
47
39
35
54
97
14
43
9
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L,
•c
213 101
809 518
1862
A total of 32,574 pounds of EOL equipment was collected in the four collection events.
Weight of Materials Collected
LOCATION FALL 96 SPRING 97 % Increase
Sornervllle 7,448 Ibs. 13,723 Ibs. 84%
Binghamton 2,372 Ibs. 9,031 Ibs. 281%
The largest category (by weight) of items collected was TVS, air conditioners and
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computer equipment. The EOL equipment collected was further divided into the
following categories for shipment to the demanufacturing facility.
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1_ Collections by Weight in Pounds
Somerville, MA Binghamton, NY
CATEGORY Fall 96 Spring 97 Fall 96 Spring 97 TOTAL
Large TVS/ACs 1,665 3,508 893 2,932 8,998
Office Equipment 266 619 102 0 987
Large Electronics 1,196 762 205 878 3,041
Computer Equipment 852 3,529 339 1,487 6,207
Monitors/Small TVS 631 1,158 226 1,177 3,192
Small Electronics 738 584 134 761 2,217
Kitchen appliances 694 362 162 1,090 2,308
Miscellaneous 1,406 2,132 311 706 4,555
SUBTOTAL 7,448 12,654 2,372 9,031 31,505
•L;
Resale/Computer Equipment 1 ,069
A
TOTAL 7,448 13,723 2,372 9,031 32,574
E. DEMANUFACTURING CHARACTERIZATION
j The equipment collected was demanufactured and the following is a breakdown of the
— material fractions of the equipment. Metals (49%) and plastic (33%) combined account
^ for over 82% of the collected materials. All materials were recycled and marketed with
| the exception of the wood which was disposed of in a municipal solid waste landfill.
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Summary Of Raw fiteteriais Dernanufactured
p.6
332 Ibs1545 ibs
Other Wood
1% 5%
3842 ibs
CRTs
12%
10424 Ibs
Pfastic
33%
I
Total = 31,505 Ibs
Note that a total of 1,069 pounds of computer equipment collected from the Spring 97 Somerville collection tuas not
demanufactured hut resold in the same condition it was collected.
F. CONCLUSIONS
This residential collection pilot project removed more than sixteen tons of material from
municipal solid waste disposal, including some toxic constituents such as lead from
CRT glass; and cadmium, and other potentially toxic substances as pigments,
stabilizers or fire retardants in engineering plastics. The collections also captured
alkaline and nickel-cadmium batteries.
; El Sornerviile, MA (I/ton)
j • Bingharrton, NY ($/ton)
Trash
Cofectfon
and
Recyc tables
Collection
and
Disposal
Fail
Cofection
Riot
Spring
Collection
Riot
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I The economic analysis from this pilot program to recover household electrical and
u electronic equipments from the municipal/small business waste stream ranged from
P $159/ton to $886/ton and thus exceeded the costs of handling those wastes as trash at
j $75/ton or traditional recyclables at $90/ton.
{'-" However, it is important to note that the costs provided in this report are based on pilot
(j collection rates in a given area at a given time under specific marketing conditions.
Historically/ diverting any commodity from the municipal waste stream has not become
f economical until a recovery/ reuse/recycle infrastructure has developed and matured
L for that commodity or group of commodities.
j" The general response from the residents was positive and consequently, both
t_. Binghamtori and Soinerville are including an end-of-lif e electrical and electronics
^ collection in their 1998 solid waste program. Based on the lessons learned here, each
j community plans on modifying the collection model and strategy to collect, transport
^~ and demanufacture this material more iefficiently. In addition, Envirocycle will be
/*> marketing this type of service to municipalities and is willing to work directly with
j municipalities to design and develop collection programs specific to a communities
needs.
f**
[ G. IMPROVING THE ECONOMICS
p This pilot project was designed utilizing the one day collection event model typical for
L. the collection of household hazardous waste. This pilot demonstrated that many
variables impact the overall economics of the EOL electrical and electronic equipment
f collection. Based on the results of the pilot, and the traditional solid waste hierarchy of
v reduce, reuse, recycle, incinerate and finally landfill, several recommendations begin to
p emerge for improving the economics of end-of-lif e electrical and electronic collection
I and recovery programs including:
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P • Efficient sorting of EOL electrical and electronic equipment Based on the
I specific objectives of the collection event, segregate equipment for toxicity,
existing recycling infrastructure (i.e. scrap metal), and value for
1** demanufacturing or traditional disposal as municipal solid waste.
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• Evaluate partnering opportunities There are existing organizations that can
p be accessed for charitable donation, and reuse or job training opportunities
!_/ for working EOL electrical and electronic equipment.
j • Minimize transportation Costs associated with transportation argue for
*— rrunimizing distances from the collection site to the demanufacturing facility.
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! • Maximize load Costs associated with transportation argue that the maximum
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safe load be trucked from the collection site to the demanufacturing facility.
• Optimize the location and accessibility of the collection site To encourage
participation utilize an existing and known site(s) for collection activities
within a community.
• Minimize Collection Labor Costs Utilize volunteer labor from existing
municipal or recycling committees for the collection event.
• Increase community participation Organize outreach activities to maximize
participation and to potentially tag onto other traditional community
collection events, i.e. text book collections, household hazardous waste
collections, tire collections.
• Evaluate the communities willingness to pay Based on accepted
community practices and expectations, determine if a fee for the collection
service is appropriate.
H. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The pilots conducted as part of this project followed on the traditional one day
collection household hazardous waste model utilizing a electronics demanufacturer for
reuse/resale, recycling and disposal. The results argue for improvements to the model
to enhance the economic viability of conducting end-of-life electrical and electronic
collections in municipalities. Every community is unique and should design a program
that is applicable to its specific needs.
Given the small quantity captured in this pilot program, it is hypothesized that an on-
going electrical and electronic equipment recycling program may have greater
participation, and may yield a final cost equivalent to the current solid waste handling
and disposal cost for a community. The economics may also be enhanced as the older
electrical and electronic equipment is passed through the system and newer, more
valuable electronic items may be recovered.
Note that there are other collection models that may be applied to end-of-life electrical
and electronic equipment that were not specifically evaluated as part of this pilot. One
collection method is partnering with local commercial business entities to organize a
municipal collection event. A second collection method is partnering with existing not-
for-profits to collect usable end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment. Finally, there
are infinite collection, reuse, demanufacturing and recycling scenarios that may be
applicable to a specific municipality. This report makes not attempt at evaluating every
type of potential scenario. The CSI work group is sponsoring additional research into
collection methodologies and will publish its findings in the Summer of 1998.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
This project evolved from the Common Sense Initiative (CSD/ an innovative US.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approach to environmental protection and
pollution prevention. Launched in January 1995 under the stewardship of EPA
Administrator Carol Browner, CSI addresses environmental management by industrial
sector rather than by environmental medium (e.g., air, water, land).
CSI's 25-member Computer and Electronics Subcommittee includes senior management
staff from the electronics industry, state government and non-governmental
organizations (Appendix 1). The Subcommittee established several goals, one of which
was to eliminate regulatory barriers and provide incentives for recycling, pollution
prevention and innovative technology. An internal working group, "Overcoming
Barriers to Recycling arid Pollution Prevention," was established to address these
issues.
This working group began looking at the infrastructure for reusing and/or recycling
end of life electrical and electronic equipment (EOL) discarded as part of the nation's
solid waste stream. The group found insufficient information and data gaps on the
risks, technical feasibility and costs associated with collecting and recycling residential
electrical and electronic equipment Most available information focused on efforts to
collect, dismantle and recycle end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment from the
commercial/industrial waste stream.
To begin filling these data gaps, the workgroup decided to sponsor research into the
collection and recycling of EOL residential electrical and electronic equipment The pilot
project involved many people representing a broad range of organizations and
governmental entities. They met via monthly conference calls for more than a year,
designing the broad outlines of the pilot program and recruiting the necessary
participants.
1.2 GOALS OF THE PILOT PROJECT
The CSI sponsored a series of collection days to recover residential electrical and
electronic equipment from the waste stream (Appendix 2). The collection pilots were
modeled after traditional one-day household hazardous waste collection days. A
total of four collection events were held in two communities, one collection event in
the spring and fall for each community.
Residents were asked to bring any electrical and electronic equipment to the
collection event, including but not limited to computer equipment, televisions,
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kitchen equipment, air conditioners, motorized toys, audio equipment and similar
items under the general rule that "if you plug it in, we want it". However, white
goods (washers, refrigerators, etc..) were specifically prohibited. Following
collection, equipment was sent to an electronics demanufacturer for evaluation of
resale value and demanufacturing into component materials.
The goals of the pilot project were as follows:
• to characterize the types and measure the volumes of end-of-life electrical and
electronic equipment in the municipal waste stream
• to assess the economic viability of collecting, transporting, demanufacturing and
recycling EOL residential electrical and electronic equipment
• to gauge residential consumers' willingness to help offset the costs of collecting
and recycling electrical and electronic equipment
13 THE PROJECT TEAM
EPA New England served as overall project manager for the CSI subcommittee.
Members of the CSI subcommittee's "Overcoming Barriers to Recycling and Pollution
Prevention Workgroup "including representatives from the electronics industry, the
demanufacturing industry, academia, state and local governments, formed a smaller
pilot collection workgroup (hereafter the workgroup) to provide direction and
oversight of the project. The workgroup designed and shaped the pilot project,
developed a plan for public education and outreach, selected the participating
communities, established guidelines to ensure consistency between the two pilot
communities' collection efforts and oversaw the collection efforts and peer reviewed
this report.
Envirocyde, Incorporated, a Hallstead, Pennsylvania electronics demanufacturing
company with many years' experience dismantling and recycling electronic equipment
(including household electrical and electronic equipment) received from original
equipment manufacturers (OEM), offered to provide in-kind services to the pilot
project. These services included free transportation of the collected electrical and
electronic equipment from the collection sites to Envirocycle's plant, and
demanufacturing the collected equipment for reuse or recycling in appropriate
secondary materials markets. Envirocyde provided cost information for the
transportation, demanufacture, recyclables marketing and disposal of all end-of-life
electrical and electronic equipment collected by the pilots.
The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) was given a cooperative
agreement from EPA New England to advise the workgroup on issues involving
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materials collection and transportation, municipal operator education and general
~» public education, NRRA is a regional nonprofit organization known nationally for
having pioneered the concept of marketing municipal recyclables cooperatively. The
NRRA coordinated the logistics (on-ground organization and education), collected and
analyzed the data, and prepared the draft report for the pilot collection project.
/ft.
j The Recycling Coordinator, Department of Public Works in Somerville, Massachusetts
and me PubKc Outreach Coordinator, Broom County-Division of Solid Waste
j- Management in Binghamton, New York actively participated in the planningprocess
_ for the collection days and provided on-site coordination for the collection events. In
addition, officials of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and
f * New York Department of Environmental Conservation Divisions of Solid Waste were
u_ also informed of the pilot project.
f 2.0 PILOT COLLECTION PLANNING
p 2.1 COMMUNITY SELECTION AND PROFILE
1 .•.''.'
i , ' , ' i 'i • ,
"" Two corrimunities with similar demographics were selected to host household electrical
**- and electronic equipment collections in a study controlled to produce comparable
results.
L-
p~ 2.1.1 Binghamton NY
k.' Binghamton, New York was selected as the first of the two pilot communities because
of its proximity to Envirocyde's Hallstead plant and because Envirocyde had already
P established a working relationship with the City's recycling program. Broome County
1 public works officials also were willing to sign on with the pilot project. The pilot data
^ is specific to Binghamton's participation. However, the collection event was open to all
1 residents of Broome County.
^ Historically, Binghamton has been a blue-collar city, recently redeveloped for white
• collar occupations, but which also maintains a slowly growing manufacturing base.
r* TABLE 2.1 Demographic Profile of Binghamton NY
(
Population in 1990 53,008
,-. Number of Households 25,000
| Per capita income $12,106
'-" Median family income $29,169
^ State and local taxes $3,411
f Trends: population toss in last five years 5%
L. 1990 forecast of growth over next five years 5% increase
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The Broome County Division of Solid Waste Management assumes jurisdiction over all
solid waste activities (Appendix 3) in a county that includes 24 municipalities with a
total population of 212,000. Binghamton is the County's urban "hub"; two communities,
Johnson City and Endicott, have populations of about 30,000. The County's trash,
recyclables and household hazardous waste (HHW) are aggregated at the Nanticoke
Landfill and Materials Recovery Facility, the County's only landfill. The City of
Binghamton operates a pay per bag system with curb side pick up of trash and
recyclables. Residents can drop off their own household hazardous waste, tires,
batteries, and used motor fluids at the Broome County Hazardous Waste Collection
Facflitjrthree times each month.
Recycling is mandated by the Sate of New York, as well as, by Broome County local
law. The recycling rate in 1995 for Binghamton was 48 percent This percentage
includes commingled household paper and commingled containers, mixed household
paper collected at curb, yard waste and scrap metal. Municipal solid waste tipped at
Broome County's Nanticoke Landfill in 1996 was $40 per ton and transportation is
approximated at $35/ton for a total of $75.00/ton. Recyclables are collected curbside at
$90/ton and processed at the Broome County managed Materials Recovery Facility at
no cost or revenue for a total of $90/ton. The City devotes 15.7 percent of finances to
pay for sewerage and sanitation.
2.12 Somerville MA
To help in their search for a second host community, pilot workgroup asked EPA-New
England to locate other cities whose demographic profile closely matched
Binghamton's. After evaluating four communities EPA presented as potential choices,
the workgroup selected Somerville, Massachusetts. Someryille's population, income
and other demographic factors closely match Binghamton's (see chart below); also, the
group felt that Somerville's New England location would simplify the logistical
planning.
A suburb of Boston, Somerville historically has been a blue-and-white collar city that
lost most of its manufacturing base; only 20 percent of residents work in the city.
TABLE 23. Demographic Profile of Somerville MA
Population in 1990 72,280
Number of Households 30,000
Per capita income $10,759
Average family income $44,866
State and local taxes $4,021
Trends: percent of population tost in last five yea-3 6.5%
1990 forecast of growth over next five years 5.5 % increase
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The Somerville Department of Public Works (DPW) assumes jurisdiction over all solid
waste activities the city (Appendix 3). The city offers curbside pick up of trash and
recyclables. The City's trash is collected and aggregated at Somerville Transfer Station
operated by Waste Management Recyclables are collected and aggregated by Prinns
Recycling. Residents can drop off their own household hazardous waste at the DPW
yard on Franey Road once per month each month from April to October.
Recycling is voluntary in the City and the diversion rate for traditional curbside
recycles such as newspapers, bottles, and cans was 15% in 1995, and remains about the
same to date. There is diversion of other materials from the solid waste stream mat is
not quantified. These items include: yard and food wastes composted through the
backyard composter distribution program, scrap metal, automobile tires, and used
engine oil through special programs for these items/ and a broad range of household
hazardous wastes diverted through Somervifle's permanent HHW center.
Businesses may use City services for sanitation or recycling through a decal system.
This constitutes less than 10% of the MSW> and less than 1% Of the recycling tonnage.
There is recycling through private haulers at both commercial entities and multi-unit
dwellings/ but this is not quantified by the City. Sewer sludge is handled by the
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), and in not included in diversion
rate figures.
1 i.",,,,..' • ' - , , , ,
Somerville tips solid waste at the Somerville Transfer Station for a cost of $45.85/ton
and transportation is $27;00/ton for a total of $ 72.85/ton. The cost of collection of
curbside recyclables is $67.00 /ton arid a tip fee of $22.50/ton for a total cost of
$89.50/ton. ISlote that because the transfer station is located within Somerville's
borders, tiife {lily receives a preferential tipping fee. This City devotes approximately
3.7% of its finances to sewerage and sanitation.
'|. ' ;y, ,!.;,,,'•;;
2.2 REGULATORY ISSUES
The collection of EOL equipment should be undertaken reviewing all applicable federal,
state and local laws and regulations. Federal, state and local governments all may share
regulatory authority over management of EOL electrical and electronic equipment
under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Management of RCRA
governs both solid waste and hazardous waste. Solid waste management is generally
under state and local authority. Most RCRA requirements are implemented through
RCRA-authorized state laws, which may be more (but never less) stringent than federal
regulations. Both Massachusetts and New York are RCRA authorized states.
Some of the equipment collected could contain potentially hazardous materials i.e.
Cathode Ray T-ubes from TVS or computer monitors, printed wire boards from
computers, batteries from various equipment, polychloronated biphenyls (PCBs)
capacitors from some older electronic equipment, chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) in air
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p.U
conditioners. The Binghamton and Somerville Collection Pilots targeted post-consumer
electrical and electronic equipment only from households and small businesses. These
materials were classified as non-hazardous "household" waste and conditionally
exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) waste. Under federal regulations,
household waste is excluded from hazardous waste regulation in 40 CFR Section 261.4
(b) (1) and may be managed as solid waste under the State solid waste management
program. This exclusion applies to any household wastes that are collected,
transported, stored, treated, disposed, recovered or reused. Under the federal RCRA
regulations, waste generated by Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators is
exempt from as long as certain restrictions are met as specified in 40 CFR 2613.
Both Somerville and Binghamton do operate hazardous waste collection facilities,
licensed to receive hazardous wastes from both households and CESQGs. These
facilities were designed to store "typical" household hazardous wastes, such as paints,
cleaners and solvents. The Somerville facility was located contiguous to the pilot
collection site. The Binghamton pilot collection site was a satellite site not contiguous to
their hazardous waste collection facility.
New York State law allows conditionally-exempt small quantity generators (such as
small business, farms and institutions) who generate less than up to 220 Ibs. per month
of household hazardous waste to do so without a permit. Because of this exemption,
Broome County as municipal entity can collect these exempt and household wastes at
their permanent collection site and then transfer their generator status to a licensed
hauler. Because, the pilot was conducted at a satellite collection point, the project
coordinator applied for a one-day permit from the Department of Environmental
Conservation, and arranged to have two 5-gallon buckets and vermiculite fill on hand
for temporary storage of any HHW inadvertently received during the collection. The
goal being not to return any household hazardous waste to residents participating in
the pilot. This Satellite collection area was used to store a small number of items
including, thermometers, PCB ballasts and batteries.
Massachusetts law required no special permits. However, the onsite household
hazardous waste storage facility was utilized for various items also inadvertently
brought to the collection pilot including, batteries, paints and used oil.
23 EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS AND DATA COLLECTION
The workgroup spent a lot of time discussing collection specifications for the pilot
program. Members of the group all knew that limiting the collections to computers,
computer peripherals and monitors would likely result in much higher value materials.
However, the objective was to "cast the net broadly" to allow a wide range of devices
powered by either a battery or a electrical plug to meet the goal of determining what
types of consumer EOL electrical and electronic equipment is being discarded in the
municipal waste stream.
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p.15
The collection did not in any way limit types of end-of-life electrical and electronic
_^ equipment and accepted any type of electronic, electrical or similar device that operates
! on batteries or has a plug including the following:
, Televisions Air conditions Microwaves Toasters
< Stereo systems Speakers Hairdryers Powered toys
L Office equipment Electric heaters Lamps Power tools
CD players VCRs Calculators Vacuum cleaners
p Computers Printers Cables and wires Computer monitors
_ Telephones Fax machines Coffee makers Clocks
' u The group also decided to invite the participation of businesses with up to 25
,____ employees. Lacking the markets and economies of scale available to large business
| operations, small businesses typically do not recycle electrical and electronic
^ equipment; much of this material is entering municipal landfills.
! The traditional solid waste management hierarchy is to reduce, reuse, recycle,
"~ incinerate and landfill. In keeping with this hierarchy that favors reuse over recycling,
>- some workgroup members argued forcefully in favor of separating for reuse those
collected items that were still working or refurbishable. While the group agreed that
normal municipal electrical and electronic equipments collections should separate
f reusable items, in the interests of obtaining comparable data on demanufacturing from
i_ the four collections, all materials collected during this pilot project would be shipped to
the dernanufacuter for evaluation.
L- The group developed a Generator Survey for participants at each collection event to fill
out while waiting for staff to unload items from their vehicles. (Appendix 4) The survey
1 was designed to develop an understanding of why people participated, how they.
^ learned about the event, whether they represented a household or a business, whether
they would be willing to pay a fee to help support electrical and electronic equipment
I recycling and what household electronics were currently in use or in storage at the
*"" home or business.
V To quickly tally and categorize the electrical and electronic equipment items as they
were received during the collection events, the group developed a receiving manifest
r- (Appendix 5) to be filled out by volunteer staff.
I
2.4 FEE FOR COLLECTION SERVICES
L One of the original goals of the pilot project was to determine residents' and small
businesses' willingness to help support the cost of recycling electrical and electronic
["" equipment. The fall collection event in Binghamton did include a 52 fee per
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p.16
participating vehicle. The money collected went to support Broome County's recycling
education and outreach programs. The fee was dropped in the Spring collection.
There was no fee collected in either of the Somerville collections. While there is no
local ordinance that precludes Somerville from charging a fee for participating in
special collection events, the City has determined that fees generally deter voluntary
program participation. In general, Somerville residents view a fee as additional
taxation, therefore as a matter of public policy, Somerville will not charge for any solid
waste or household hazardous waste collections.
The generator survey utilized in the Spring collections also specifically questioned the
participants, "To help offset costs of collection and recycling, would you be willing to
pay to drop off your electronics?" The survey gave the following choices, (1) $1-5, (2)
$5-10 or (3) greater than $10.
2.5 OUTREACH
To inform residents and small business owners about the consumer electrical and
electronic equipment collection days, the pilot workgroup decided on five outreach
strategies to be used in both participating communities.
1. Flyers The group decided to mail an informational flyer (Appendix 5) to each
household in Somerville and Binghamton and to make flyers available at retail
electronics stores and public buildings. The flyer was a simple three-panel flyer
introducing the pilot project, explaining what items to bring and giving directions
to the collection site. Each flyer also included a brief message from an appropriate
public official (Somerville's mayor, Broome County's County executive).
Since participation in the collection days was limited to households and businesses
with fewer than 25 employees, the flyers provided Envirocycle's toll-free number to
call for information about recycling larger quantities of electrical and electronic
equipment
The pilot workgroup initially planned to translate the direct-mail flyers in several
different languages to reflect the ethnic diversity of the host communities. The high
cost of producing and distributing several different versions of the flyer forced the
workgroup to abandon this strategy. Even deciding which languages to include in
the multi-lingual versions would have been difficult, since both Somerville and
Binghamton contain many non-English speaking minority groups, with no single
group comprising a significant percentage of the overall population.
NRRA staff developed the flyer with in-house desktop publishing software,
delivering the document to a Docutech printer on disk. The flyers were mailed
about two and a half weeks before each collection day to all households in the
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p.27
community. An additional 3,000 flyers were printed for distribution at public
buildings and retail outlets selling household electrical and electronic equipment.
2. Chambers of Commerce and Members Notification The group discussed
notifying local chambers of commerce and opted not to outreach directly to this
entire group, but selectively notified businesses that repaired electrical and
electronic equipment that were members of the Chamber, m general, outreach can
be accomplished via direct contact/visitation at meeting, a presentation and written
communication.
3. Public service announcements/community calendar listings on local radio,
cable and network TV stations The group discussed using public service
announcements and decided that there was too much disparity between the two
communities to utilize this advertising mechanism. However, each community
calendar did publicize the events.
4. Press releases Because most government jurisdictions have established
procedures for handling press releases (Appendix 6), as well as mailing lists for
local media, the workgroup assigned responsibility for developing and distributing
press releases to Somerville and Broome County project coordinators.
5. Press conference involving local officials A press conference was organized in
both Binghamton and Somerville.
2.5.1 Somerville
Because Somerville is a suburb of the much-larger city of Boston, news important to
Somerville residents has difficulty penetrating the Boston newspapers, TV and radio
stations. Historically, direct-mail flyers have worked well to inform Somerville
residents of special solid waste, household hazardous waste or recycling collections.
EPA, in conjunction with the Somerville city public relations department developed a
press release sent to major local and Boston news media (Appendix 7). In mid-October,
the Somerville Mayor, the EPA-New England regional administrator and NRRA's
executive director held a joint press conference at the Somerville site on Wednesday,
October 16. The Somerville Journal attended and printed a story on the collection event.
In addition, the local cable station ran announcements of the collection on its daily
calendar of events section.
The Somerville recycling coordinator and the EPA project manager appeared together
October 17 on the weekly cable TV show, The Mayor's Report, hosted by the editor of
the Somerville Journal and the mayor, spending a full 20 minutes discussing the
collection pilot.
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p,18
In early October, from a mailing list supplied by the Chamber of Commerce, a letter
containing information about the collection was mailed to each of the dozen businesses
selling consumer electrical and electronic products in Somerville, along with two signs
to post in the stores announcing the event and two dozen flyers for distribution to
customers.
Two weeks before the November 2 collection, flyers were mailed to 32,124 Somerville
households. Flyers were also distributed at the public works facility and set out in
public buildings.
2.5.2 Binghamton
As the "urban" hub of Broome County, Binghamton is home to three network TV
affiliate stations, six FM radio stations and their AM. The country administrator holds
frequent, well-attended news conferences to bring forward issues of public importance.
Broome county mailed a press release on the event in early-October to local residents.
A news conference was held at the County office building. Three radio stations, two TV
stations, and the local newspaper attended the conference. Envirocycle also held a
facility tour attended by one TV station and approximately six members of Broome
County Business & Industry Committee (called Broome County Waste Coalition).
Several of these people also served as volunteers at the collections. Another newspaper
had previously featured Envirocycle in a business article, so they did not participate in
the tour.
2.6 ONSITE LOGISTICS
A total of four collection events were planned to be held on Saturdays in the two host
communities: a fall and spring collection event in both Somerville, Massachusetts and
Binghamton, New York.
2.6.1 Logistics Overview
NRRA staff met with public works department employees of bom Somerville and
Broome County and with Envirocycle to develop a detailed logistical plan for each
community. Logistics planning for both sites involved:
• selecting the dates and hours for collections
• choosing a site for the collection that would be central and accessible
• designating zones within each site for unloading vehicles, storing the equipment
received, loading Envirocycle's trucks and handling paperwork, as well as break
areas for workers
• planning traffic flow patterns to prevent bottlenecks and possible dangers to
workers, volunteers and participants
• estimating participation rate and volume of materials to be collected
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p.19
• developing a plan for paid and volunteer staff to welcome incoming participants
and direct them to the unloading site, unloading the vehicles, sorting the
equipment into categories and loading the materials into Envirocycle's box
trailer
• protecting incoming materials from the weather
• selecting the mix of supplies and equipment for storage, loading and
transportation of the equipment
managing interactions with other operations going on simultaneously at the site
training collection day volunteers and paid employees
ensuring the safety of employees and volunteers
providing refreshments for workers
developing and printing participant surveys and shipping manifests
Dates The project group selected Saturday for the one-day collections. Throughout
most of the Northeast, Saturday is the traditional "dump day", when residents take
their trash and recyclaijies to ihe municipal solid waste facility or prepare them for
pick-up. People are on the move; stores and public libraries are open. Volunteers who
work full-tune jobs during the week become available to staff the collection events.
Although the group had planned to hold the first collection in late summer or early fall
(to coincide with back-to-school/fall houseclearting), funding delays pushed the
collection dates forward into early November of 19%, with the second collections held
in mid-April (Somerville) and early May (Binghamton).
Municipal coordinators aimed for Saturdays that would not conflict with major
community events (e.g., graduations, city-wide festivals). The project workgroup
deemed the winter months inappropriate; major debilitating snow^and ice storms are
common throughout the Northeast between early December and :early March.
The workgroup also decided to hold the two collection events six months apart rather
than on consecutive days or weekends. This would enable local project coordinators to
respond to callers who missed the first collection date by urging them to mark the
second date on their spring calendars.
Storage and Handling Envirocyde provided a 48' box trailer and a straight-body truck,
gaylord boxes for storing the small equipment, pallets and shrink wrap for securing and
moving the larger equipment. Kitchen appliances and small electronic devices were
sorted into gaylord boxes; the other categories of large equipment were kept separate,
then loaded onto pallets and shrink-wrapped for shipment (TVS, air conditioners, etc.).
Pallet jacks and a forklift handled the heavy lifting, with pallet jacks hoisting and
mo\ong gay lords and pallets around on the ground and the forklift being used for
-------
p.20
loading Envirocycle's trailer and truck. In case of rain, workers could use the straight
truck for dry storage.
Training All workers came an hour before the start of each collection day for a brief
training session. Training packets were handed out to workers arriving for training
(Appendix 7).
Onsite Paperwork A brief generator survey and receiving manifest were utilized to
record information from the collection events (Appendix 4 and 5). As each vehicle
pulled into the unloading zone, a volunteer at the unloading area recorded each item
received onto a receiving manifest form—one manifest form per vehicle-Hvhile other
volunteer unloaded the equipment Every participant was interviewed by a volunteer
who recorded on a manifest what materials were dropped off. A survey was then given
to a representative from each vehicle to access their motivation for participating in the
event, how they heard about the collection event, where they lived(in a single or
multiple family home), if this was personal or business equipment, the age and
condition of the equipment, and their willingness to pay for this type of disposal.
Before the vehicle left the unloading area, another volunteer would collect the survey
form the participant had filled out during unloading
Safety Issues To minimize congestion, confusion and the possibility of accidents or
injuries, participants were asked to remain in their cars filling out their questionnaires
during unloading. The project workgroup agreed that local public works employees or
Envirocycle employees only be involved with unloading participants' vehicles and
loading gaylord or pallets onto Envirocycle's trucks as concern for the potential for
lifting injuries. This safety issue also involves site insurance concerns - while most local
government-owned sites carry liability insurance sufficient to cover volunteers and
facility users, worker compensation insurance typically does not cover volunteer
workers. Volunteers were given a brief safety awareness training prior to their work
shift.
To help ensure site safety, the following equipment was provided: reflective safety vests
to identify all workers, reinforced-palm gloves for each worker handling equipment,
signs and a dozen traffic flags for directing traffic flow, plastic orange cones to funnel
traffic to and from designated drop-off areas. In addition, workers loading or unloading
equipment were encouraged to wear heavy-duty or steel-toe work boots.
Weather Weather-related concerns included shelter (break areas out of weather) for
volunteer staff and protection of materials being collected. The ideal situation (as in
Binghamton) is to have vehicles drive-through into a covered building for unloading.
Lacking that the workgroup envisioned that in poor weather, workers might load
materials directly onto the tailgate of box-trailer/transport, volunteers load gaylords
from there. This poses challenges for loading two-deep into the truck to maximize load.
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p.21
2.6.2 Somerville logistics
The NRRA met with die Somerville Recycling Coordinator and Department of Public
Works staff approximately two months prior to the first collection day. The Somerville
public works facility was the site of the fall and spring collections. The site is centrally
located, easily accessible and already serves as a drop-off site for traditional municipal
recyclables and household hazardous waste. Lacking a building large enough to
accommodate drive-through traffic and unloading activities, the Somerville collections
were conducted in a spacious, paved open area.
A permanent HHW collection facility at the site increased its desirability. Experienced
municipal solid waste managers know that no matter how carefully the public is
educated and no matter how diligent the volunteers, hazardous waste may
intentionally or unintentionally appear in any municipal recycling collection.
The Somerville site consisted of four zones:
Zone A The entry to the site, where volunteers welcomed participants, answered
questions, and distributed survey forms, clipboards and pencils to each vehicle.
Because the facility is open on Saturdays to residents dropping off household
recyclables such as paper, cans and bottles, planners special provisions for
identifying at the gate and diverting participants in the pilot project to an area
designated as the recycling area by means of volunteer "greeters" wearing bright
orange safety vests.
Zone B The entry to the unloading zone, was staffed by a single volunteer who
counted and logged the vehicles entering the unloading circle while directing
drivers into the proper traffic lanes.
Zone C The unloading area, incorporated two u-shaped traffic lanes with a bank of
gaylord storage boxes to the right of Lane 1's entry and the left of Lane 2's entry.
The workgroup estimated this would provide enough space for 6 vehicles being
unloaded simultaneously in each lane or two lanes of six vehicles. Zone C was
staffed by 8 volunteers who completed the receiving manifest forms and stapled
them to the survey forms collected from participants, unloaded the equipment from
participants' vehicles and placed them into the appropriate gaylord boxes, and
directed the vehicles around the U-turn and out of the zone.
Zone D The exit was staffed by one volunteer who directed traffic off the site.
-------
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L,
p.23
Project coordinators planned equipment and staffing needs for the collection around a
one percent participation rate - about 250 vehicles based on experience with their
household hazardous waste collection days.
The workgroup calculated Somerville's equipment, staffing and supply needs and drew
up the following list of equipment and supplies, assigning responsibility for each item
to one of the pilot project partners, and indicating the zone where the material would be
used on collection day:
TABLE 2.3 Somerville MA Equipment, Staffing and Supply Needs
Envirocyde Zone
53' box trailer
box van truck with lift gate
1 forklift D
2 pallet jacks C
125 pallets D
100 gaytord boxes D
City of Somerville
6 folding tables
10 folding chairs
6 paperwork bins
2 soda coolers
safety vests
gloves and aprons
2-way radios
receipts (for businesses)
stop signs
traffic cones and flags
extension cords
Zone NRRA Zone
C 4 directional signs A
C 24 clipboards C
C 6 staplers C
C 100 sharpened pencils C
24 pens C
12 felt-tip markers C
surveys and manifests C
50 worker name tags C
2 25-cup coffee ums C
5 Ibs. coffee C
4 dozen donuts C
sugar, cream, stirrers C
8 large pizzas C
2 cases soda C
6 bags ice C
L
Volunteers The workgroup estimated that the first Somerville collection day required
16 workers. Somerville planned to have four to six paid public works department
employees onsite in addition to four NRRA staff members and five workgroup
members who volunteered their time to staff this first collection. The community was
fortunate to be able to draw from a core group from the Somerville Environmental and
Recycling Volunteers (SERV), a long-time, well established volunteer organization in
Somerville.
Volunteers and employees were instructed to arrive at the site by 8:00 a.m. on collection
day for a brief training session before the gates opened to participants.
Envirocyde arrived at 7 a.m. on collection day to set up gaylords, pallets and trucks at
the receiving site.
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p.24
2.63 Binghamton
The NRRA met with the Broome County pilot program coordinator two months before
the first collection day to begin logistical planning. Planning for the City of Binghamton
reflected the political reality that the county, rather than individual municipalities, are
charged with the responsibility for solid waste management in Broome County. The
project workgroup agreed that, although direct mail and other outreach strategies
would target Binghamton residents, the collection day would be open to all Broome
County residents and small businesses.
The Broome County Transit Garage was utilized because of its central location,
accessibility and previous use as a site for pilot collections of magazines and telephone
books.:The Transit Garage itself was spacious enough to keep the unloading, materials
separation and loading operations and clerical support operations entirely under cover.
Similar to Somerville, the site was divided into four zones:
Zone A The entry to the site. Here two volunteers welcomed participants, answered
any questions, distributed survey forms, clipboards and pencils, and collected the
$2/vehide participation fee.
Zone B The entry to the unloading zone. This zone was staffed by a single volunteer
who counted and logged the vehicles entering the unloading circle while directing
drivers into the proper traffic lanes.
Zone C The completely enclosed unloading area. Coordinators planned two lanes of
traffic with bays of storage gaylords on the outside (see attached diagram). Zone C was
staffed by 10-12 volunteers who completed the receiving manifest forms and stapled
them to die survey forms collected from participants, unloaded the equipment and
placed them into the appropriate gaylord and directed the vehicles out through the bay
doors.
Zone D The exit to the facility, was staffed by one volunteer who directed traffic out
of the site.
-------
City of
Binghamton
.ot
Zoae
Zone C
Zone C
Btoome County '
Garage
Zone C
Zone D
-*>-
Old Vesta! Rd.
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p.26
r
r-
Volunteers and Training Broome County is fortunate to have several area groups that
serve as a source of volunteers for solid waste projects: a round table of business and
industry leaders, a community college and a State university, and the County
Environmental Management Board, a citizen advisory group. Planners recruited 40
volunteers from these groups.
Training: The Broome County collection ran two shifts of volunteers. The morning
group arrived half an hour early for brief training session. They received a volunteer
packet, including a zone map and brief description of volunteer duties at each zone. The
project coordinators walked volunteers through the collection process, described the
work required of workers at each zone and offered appropriate safety reminders (e.g.,
wear gloves at all times when unloading equipment, make eye contact with driver
before crossing a traffic lane, call project supervisor before unloading any suspicious or
unknown equipment from participant vehicle.) Afternoon volunteers "teamed up" with
a morning shift to work for half an hour before the end of the morning shift.
Supplies and Equipment Envirocycle, NRRA and Broome county solid waste officials
developed a comprehensive list of equipment and supplies, assigning responsibility for
providing each item to one of the parties, and indicated the zone where the items would
be used. Equipment needs were figured based on a one percent participation rate: 750
vehicles overall, with the capacity to unload 100-125 cars per hour.
TABLE 2.4 Binghamton NY Equipment, Staffing and Supply Needs
Envirocycle
53' box trailer.
Zone City of Somerville
6 folding tables
box van truck with lift gate
1 forklift D
2 pallet jacks C
125 pallets D
100 gaytord boxes D
10 folding chairs
6 paperwork bins
2 soda coolers
safety vests
gloves and aprons
2-way radios
receipts (for businesses)
stop signs
traffic cones and flags
extension cords
Zone NRRA Zone
C 4 directional signs A
C 24 ctipboards C
C 6 staplers C
C 100 sharpened pencils C
24 pens C
12 felt-tip markers C
surveys and manifests C
50 worker name tags C
2 25-cup coffee urns C
5 Ibs. coffee C
4 dozen donuts C
sugar, cream, stirrers C
8 large pizzas C
2 cases soda C
6 bags Ice C
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p,27
3,1 COLLECTED
On the of 'the collection, residents brought end-of-life electrical arid electronic
to a central receiving facility where volunteers and workers recorded data
the items from the residents' vehicles. Each piece of equipment was
on a receiving manifest by a volunteer. After the manifest was completed,
other volunteers unloaded each vehicle and sorted equipment into premarked
Enliy/access to Binghainton collection site.
Unloading area at Soitterville collection site,
voliititeers record data on receiving manifest.
on TEkwirocyde's experience recycling electronic equipment about 20 percent of
which, is household electrical and electronic equipment received from service centers,
list of categories were developed for sorting the incoming equipment: TVs & air
conditioners, office equipment, large electronics, computer equipment, monitors and
TVs, electronics, kitchen appliances and miscellaneous.
Gay lords set tip to receive end-of-IIfe
equipment,
Larger end-of-tife equipment was stored
directly on pallets.
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p.28
These categories were established to improve the efficiency of the demanufacturing
process/ and were derived from past history in processing electrical and electronic
equipment. These categories are defined as follows:
1. Large TVs/ACs freestanding or console-style televisions, window air
conditioners and Freon tanks
2. Office Equipment typewriters, telephones, answering machines, fax machines,
electric staplers, office lighting devices, adding machines, electric pencil
sharpeners and calculators
3. Large Electronics microwave ovens, VCRs, stereo equipment, including
speakers and turntables
4. Computer Equipment printers, keyboards, disc drives, modems, cables and
electronic storage devices (no monitors)
5. Monitors/small TVs computer monitors and tabletop or personal televisions
6. Small Electronics radios, tape recorders, clocks and clock radios, vacuum
cleaners, sanders, drills, hair dryers, electric hair curlers, electric brooms, irons and
electric toothbrushes
7. Kitchen Appliances coffee makers, griddles, toasters, toaster ovens, seal-a-
meals, mixers, blenders, electric fry pans and waffle irons
8. Miscellaneous pinball machines, fans, dehumidifiers, electric heaters, small
desk lamps, electronic toys, electronic musical equipment and other items
Overall, televisions, portable audio equipment, computers/monitors and VCRs were
collected in the largest quantities. The following summarizes the receiving manifest
data from all four collection pilots.
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Table 3.1 CHARACTERIZATION RESULTS BY COMMODITY
p.29
FALL 1996
Somerville
49
r~
i
L
HOME VIDEO
Table Top TV
Floor Model TV 5
VCR 27
AUDIO
Port. Radio/Tape/CD 58
Home Stereo 23
Tape Recorder 18
Car Audio/Tape 12
Speakers 23
Electronic Instruments 1
OFFICE
PC/Computer 21
Monitor 17
Keyboard 18
Printer 12
Copier 0
Fax 0
COMMUNICATION
Resident Phone 8
Business Phone 4
Cellular Phone 0
Cordless Phone 0
2-Way Radio 2
Answering Machine 4
HOME APPLIANCE
Microwave Oven 12
Air Conditioner 8
Vacuum 17
SMALL COUNTER TOP APPLIANCE
Toaster Oven 23
Can Opener 4
Coffee Maker 11
Food Processor 3
SPRING 1997
Binghamton Somerville
23
MISCELLANEOUS
TOTAL
10
390
0
4
1
26
0
0
3
1
7
8
7
2
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
4
3
0
2
12
0
3
0
35
145
59
2
46
36
26
10
7
17
6
72
52
44
40
1
1
33
4
1
2
1
31
12
19
'7
29
4
20
4
213
809
Binghamton
42
10
23
82
12
7
4
6
6
19
33
26
9
0
1
22
7
1
10
1
8
12
8
18
33
6
9
2
101
518
TOTAL
173
17
100
177
87
35
23
49
14
119
110
95
63
1
2
67
15
2
12
4
47
39
35
54
97
14
43
9
1862
Note that there were a myriad of small items that were not tracked, and account for the sometimes large
number of other devices recorded in this table. These items included pinball machines, yogurt makers,
juicers, other various and sundry kitchen appliances, make-up mirrors, humidifiers, dehumidifiers to
name a few.
L,,
-------
make-up to a. few.
3,2 SOMERVILLE - NOVEMBER 2,1996
3J2JI Smnmtaxy
ianmng
given tf
in the weather
was lower than the recycling coordinator anticipated. Given
*xaoa offering, project coordinators felt this was in
J> ftj" £ J
participate in the once-a-j
anew
-s revealed that 74 percent of participants had learned about the
•;20:
DFW unloading participants
-------
3.22 Collected
Large TVs, air conditioners, dominated
collection event. The exact are as follows:
TABLE 3.2 Somerville Fall 1996 Collection
CATEGORY
Large TVs/Ac's
Office Equipment
Large Electronics
Computer Equipment
Monitors/Small TVS
Small Electronics
Kitchen appliances
Miscellaneous
TOTAL
13
852
1,
23%
4%
10%
11%
8%
10%
9%
19%
Materials collected in a gaylord.
equipment collected.
3,3 - 9, Iff 6
Overall, the event ran smoothly and efficiently, with a total of 40 from Binghamton
participated. The fact that the collection was to aU. of Broome County boosted
overall participation to 118, Several factors to reduce Birtghamton's
participation
-------
p.32
a. terrible weather: rain and snow showers
b. a highway construction project adjacent to the collection site, which made access
inconvenient
c. the fact that Binghamton residents have not been conditioned to take trash or
recyclables to the public works garage selected as the site for the collection: residents
do not have access to a drop-off recycling facility as residents in Somerville do
d. the high school football championship was held the same day, competing for
residents' time and attention
e. the $2 fee collected from each vehicle; Binghamton's project coordinator believes
that the $2 per vehicle charge for drop-off was a disincentive to participation,
despite the fact that Broome County already charges fees for HHW drop-off and for
tires dropped off at the County landfill. ABinghamton residents can set out bulky
wastes for curbside pickup at any time for no charge. The $236 collected in
participant fees went into the Broome County recycling education and outreach
program.
Event day surveys revealed that 68 percent of Binghamton participants learned about
the collection pilot through the flyer, 22 percent through media and 10 percent through
friends or other means.
3.3.2 Materials Collected
Large TVS and air conditioners were the single largest category in this collection event.
TABLE 3.3 Binghamton Fall 1996 Collection Summary
CATEGORY Item count Weight % by weight
Large TV's/AC's 13 893 37%
Office Equipment 4 102 4%
Large Electronics 33 205 9%
Computer Equipment 9 339 14%
Monitors/Small TVS 25 226 10%
Small Electronics 15 134 6%
Kitchen appliances 3 162 7%
Miscellaneous 43 311 13%
TOTAL 145 2,372
-------
End-of-life equipment being loaded onto
tractor trailer for transport
3A SOMERVILLE-APRIL 19,1997
I
L
P.
L
r
L,
C
r
frigid temperatures may have deterred participation at the second
csolllectiom errenf. The weather necessitated clearing three equipment bays in the public
gaylords and pallets of materials prior to loading onto
To alleviate weather stress on volunteers, project managers rotated
traffic control positions with warm, dry replacements every half
in, unloading areas, the Somerville project manager routed.
, Because American drivers are accustomed to moving
around traffic circles and roundabouts, this directional change caused
w challenges, Somerville's second collection day
smoothly. In fact, the pilot project has convinced the city to incorporate
collections into its solid waste management planning.
? to eliminate the press release, press conference and, cable TV
3, Somerville residents get their news from
> stations and newspapers; mass media has traditionally not been
useful for cttTOttanicating local information to residents; direct mail has been much
uicioessfuL) In addition, for comparability no public service .announcements were
i BmajhaMniton to advertise the event.
•^jf
FailMpatioa m the spring collection increased from 193 to 250, a 21% increase, despite
r
-------
p.34
the bad weather and lack of press outreach. The weight of materials collected nearly
r doubled, from 7,448 Ibs. in November to 13,723 Ibs. in April. Eight-nine percent of
L participants learned about the spring collection from direct mail flyers.
f~ The spring collection participants from each vehicle were surveyed on their willingness
L to pay for this services. The survey question on willingness to pay revealed that of 146
respondents, 118 were willing to pay between $1 and $5 for drop-off, 27 were willing to
I*" pay between $5 and $10 for drop-off and 2 were willing to pay over $10 for drop-off of
! - EOL equipment.
| 3.4.2 Materials Collected
^ Large TVS, air conditioners, and computer equipment dominated this collection event.
Over 1,000 pounds of resalable electronic items were received.
I
L~ TABLE 3.4 Somerville Spring 1997 Collection Summary
\ CATEGORY Item count Weight (Ibs) % by weight
Large TV's/AC's 21 3,508 28%
^ Office Equipment 36 619 5%
) Large Electronics 89 762 6%
<-• Computer Equipment 84 3,529 28%
Monitors/Small TVS 183 1,158 9%
P Small Electronics 70 584 4%
L Kitchen appliances 57 362 3%
Miscellaneous 269 2,132 17%
- SUBTOTAL 809 12,654
I Reuse 1,069
1 TOTAL 13,723lbs.
r~
I
L 3.5BINGHAMTON-MAY10,1997
f 3.5.1 Summary
_ Logistically, planners maintained substantially the same format. As a strategic move to
[ determine if dropping the $2 fee would encourage participation, Binghamton/Broome
>- County dropped the $2 per vehicle charge during the spring collection.
I With better weather, elimination of the fee, no on-site construction or nearby highway
- • paving to create traffic bottlenecks and no competing community events, participation
^ among Binghamton residents nearly tripled from 47 to 128, which included 10 who had
-------
p.35
The spring collection participants from each vehicle were surveyed on their willingness
to pay for this services. The survey question on willingess to pay revealed that of 76 p
respondents, 62 were willing to pay between $1 and $5 for drop-off, 5 were willing to ^
pay between $5 and $10 for drop-off and 1 was willing to pay over $10 for drop-off of
EOL equipment. p
3.5.2 Materials Collected _
i
Large TVS, air conditioners, and computer equipment were the predominant categories ^
collected.
p
TABLE 3.5 Binghamton Spring 1997 Collection Summary k
r™-
Item ;
CATEGORY Count Weight % By Weight
Large TVs/ACs 18 2,932 33%
Office Equipment 16 0 0% P
Large Electronics 41 878 10% I
Computer Equipment 35 1,487 16%
Monitors/Small TVS 94 . 1,177 13% p
Small Electronics 111 761 8% !fc
Kitchen appliances 50 1,090 12%
Miscellaneous 153 706 8% ,__
TOTAL 518 9,031 I
3.6 SUMMARY OF PARTICIPATION AND MATERIALS COLLECTED [^
Weight comparisons by community and collection date are shown below. —
L
TABLE 3.6 Weight Comparison
LOCATION FALL'96 SPRING'97 % Increase L
Somerville 7,448 Ibs. 13,723 Ibs. 84%
Binghamton 2,372 Ibs. 9,031 Ibs. 281% -
r™1
t~
-------
p.36
Another aspect of the collection was to determine the origin of the residents |
j contributing to the collection event •*
r-. TABLE 3.7 Origin of Participant *
F
1
HOUSEHOLDS APARTMENT BUSINESS
i Somerville Fall >96 62% 38% 0%
v~ Somerville Spring >97 50% 48% 2% •
_ Binghamton Fall >96 66% 26% 8%
j Binghamton Spring >97 81% 16% 3% "
L—. ' '
•ft>
,_ The most effective communication method was the mass communication flyer, with :
\ general media communication being a distant second.
r- TABLE 3.8 Effective Communication i;
f
L FLYER MEDIA FRIEND OTHER f
,_ Somerville Fall'96 74% 20% 3% 3% £
! Somerville Spring'97 88% 8% 3% 1%
- Binghamton Fall'96 68% 22% 5% 5%
Binghamton Spring'97 57% 34% 4% 5%
r~
I
W..JV '
This study also tracked the number of households included in each vehicle.
!
i
'i „
TABLE 3.9 Households vs. Vehicles
r
ADDITIONAL
HOUSEHOLDS VEHICLES HOUSEHOLDS
Somerville Fall'96 193 178 15
Somerville Spring'97 250 212 38
Binghamton Fall "96 47 40 7
Binghamton Spring "97 128 114 14
-------
p.37
This table compares the participating households to the total number of households.
TABLE 3.10 Participating Household vs. Community Household
r™i
HOUSEHOLDS IN HOUSEHOLDS PARTICIPATED
COMMUNITY Fall'96 Spring'97
Somerville 31,000 193 250 -
Binghamton 25,000 47 128 i i
r
Finally, generally over half of the participants were willing to support the collection [,
through a cash payment. A comparison of the willingess to pay for the Spring
collections follows. p-
Total Would
Surveyed Pay $1-5 $5-10 >$10
Somerville April-97 212 146 118 27 2 I
Binghamton May 97 114 76 62 5 1 w
4.0 DEMANUFACTURING/REUSE/DISPOSAL OF MATERIAL COLLECTED f
•tev
The EOL electrical and electronic equipment collected in the four events were r-
transported to a single demanufacturing facility, Envirocyde's facility in Hallstead PA. [_
4.1 TRANSPORTATION r
The EOL was loaded onto Envirocyde's truck at the end of each collection event. The
equipment was trucked in by one tractor-trailer and a 53-foot van trailer. P
4.2 DEMANUFACTURING
After the equipment was delivered to the facility, each of the eight category of items "-
was weighed, demanufactured. The plan was to demanufacture all the post-consumer
electrical and electronic equipment collected to determine their economic value. Each f~
category was weighed, then disassembled into its components or materials then -
recycled for its content. Envirocyde also recorded the labor necessary to weigh and _
disassemble the EOL items from each collection event. I
L
All materials were recyded with the exception of the wood (which was derived _
primarily from console TVS). In the vicinity of Envirocyde's facility in Pennsylvania, |
me practice is to dispose of this wood at a local Munidpal Solid Waste landfill. ^
Definitions of material streams resulting from demanufactured electrical and electronic I
equipment are listed below alphabetically:
r-
-------
p.38
I Aluminum: a light-weight metal that conducts electricity but doesn't rust
"""" Battery: converts chemical energy into electrical energy
r- Capacitors: stores direct electric energy .
_ Carcass/low grade boards: housing or frame for the electronics device
Cast Aluminum: a heavier type of aluminum that is less malleable
[~ Clean Plastic: plastic that is homogenous and free of all contaminants
L, Copper: reddish, malleable, ductile metal mostly used as an electrical conductor
CRT: output device that converts electric signals into visual form. The CRT consists
f of three types of glass, and is at a very low pressure.
L- Disc Drives: computers store information on a metal or plastic disk
,„, Fans: an electric motor with a multi-armed blade attached to move air
| Freon Tanks: storage device for refrigerant chemicals
Metal: various grades of scrap metal
r- Motors: device that transfers electric energy into motion
; Phone Plastic: black and white plastic dismantled from a telephone
Power Supply: converts alternating current into direct current
f" Radiators: dissipate heat energy generated by the electronic device
I. Refine Boards: a higher grade of boards (i.e. mother board, processors) with much
more metals value
f~ Scrap Plastic pieces of plastic that are contaminated with paint, connectors, or foam
^ or has two different types of plastic molded together
Toner Cartridge: a plastic cartridge used to hold ink or carbon for copiers and fax
T" machines
L~ Transistors: semiconductors housed in a metal case with wire leads
Wire: insulated metal strips or cables that carries electricity within the device
I Yokes: copper and steel metal assembly at the neck of the CRT
*•— '
p- The four collection events captured over 32,000 Ibs. of electrical and electronic
I equipment, which were demanufactured into twenty three recyclable commodities.
"~ Table 4.1 shows the summary composition by percent weight of each commodity.
r
-------
p.39
TABLE 4.1 Summary of Weights of Separated Post-Consumer Electronics
r
SOMERVILLE BINGHAMTON SOMERVILLE BINGHAMTON TOTAL % OF TOTAL
FALL'96 FALL '96 SPRING'97 SPRING '97 WEIGHTS WEIGHT
WOOD
wood
513
subtotal! 5131
CRTs
CRT's
792
subtotal! 7921
PLASTIC
scrap plastic
carcass
dean plastic
phone plastic
674
714
310
7
subtotal! 1,7051
METAL
metal
motor
wire
aluminum
cast aluminum
copper
diskdrive
transformers
yokes
fans
radiators
freon tanks
2,554
395
241
114
0
102
132
375
65
35
164
99
subtotal! 4,2761
OTHER
refine boards
power supply
capacitors
batteries
toner
142
0
13
4
3
subtotal! 1621
Subtotals
PLUS RESALE
TOTALS
Finally, we p
7,448
7448
resent the data by catet
300
300I
688
688I
105
294
211
0
6091
351
263
45
10
23
2
36
0
0
0
0
0
7291
25
21
0
0
0
46!
2,372
2,372
96
96!
1,226
1,2261
1,529
1,672
904
0
4,105!
3305
360
281
183
0
328
272
524
193
141
877
254
7,2181
0
0
9
0
0
91
12,654
1,069
13,723
636
636!
1.136
I/I 361
1,797
1,039
1,169
0
4,0051
1,571
255
307
134
0
130
0
257
171
64
162
88
3,1391
67
0
16
0
32
1151
9,031
9,031
1,545
4.90% -
1,5451 4.90%|
3,842
p
12.19% L
3,8421 12.19%
4,105
3,719
2,594
7
13.03%
11.80% W
8.23% „
0.02% 1
104241 33.09%K
8,281
1,273
874
441
23
562
440
1,156
429
240
1,203
441
26.28% r
4.04% L
2.77%
1.40% r
0.07% 1
1.40%
3.67% r
1.36%L
0.76%
3.82%^
153621 48.76%)
234
21
38
4
35
0.74%
0.07%L
0.12%
0.01 %n
0.11%!,
3321 1.05%l
31,505
1,069
32,574
jory for each collection dates in Tables 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
f
ioo%*
L
I
1
100%T
L
and 4.5 to provide a finer level of detail.
c
-------
"I
TABLE 4.2 Somervllle Fall 1996 Materials and Weights Collection Data
SOMERV1LLE: WEIGHT JNLBS:
SPRING'S?
AVG VALUE
0.005
0.030
0.018
•0.07S
0.125
0.056
0.175
0.040
0.165
0.375
0240
0575
1.000
0.200
0.060
0.030
0.17
0.035
0
0.085
0
0.15
-0.25
ITEM
scrap plastic
carcass
metal
wood
phone plastic
CRTs
dean plastic
motor
wire
aluminum
cast aluminum
copper
refine boards
diskdrive
power supply
transistors
yokes
capacitors
batteries
fans
toner
radiators
freon tanks
LQTVW
AC'S
170
85
392
19
412
28
39
52
2
99
45
26
3
30
164
99
OFFICE
EQUIPMENT
22
23
86
21
11
4
14
3
35
29
11
2
2
3
LARGE
ELECTRONICS
64
96
556
13
14
65
140
37
16
23
168
1
3
COMPUTER
EQUIPMENT
25
129
380
18
28
6
29
24
64
103
37
1
6
1
1
MONITORS/ KITCHEN SMALL
SMALL TVs ELECTRONICS ELECTRONICS
MISC TOTAL
121
104
40
233
49
11
20
3
22
25
98
24
377
8
49
89
27
22
94
131
139
76
6
115
24
33
39
25
10
32
12
1
1
80
122
584
387
1
43
66
33
8
60
i74
714
2,554
513
7
792
310
395
241
114
0
102
142
132
0
375
65
13
4
35
3
164
99
TOTALS
1,665
266
1,196
852
631
694
738
1,406 7,448
-------
p.41
TABLE 4.3 Somerville Spring 1997 Materials and Weights Collection Data
SOMERVILLE: WEIGHT IN LBS:
SPRING '97
ITEM LGTVW OFFICE
AVG VALUE
0.005
0.030
0.018
-0.075
0.125
0.056
0.175
0.040
0.165
0.375
0.240
0.575
1.000
0.200
0.060
0.030
0.17
0.035
0
0.085
0
0.15
•055
scrap plastic
carcass
metal
wood
phone plastic
CRTs
clean plastic
motor
wire
aluminum
cast aluminum
copper
refine boards
diskdrive
power supply
transformers
yokes
capacitors
batteries
fans
toner
radiators
freon tanks
SUBTOTALS
PLUS RESALE
LARGE COMPUTER MONITORS/
KITCHEN
AC'S EQUIPMENT ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT SMALL TV's ELECTRONICS
85 39
76 267
965 30
96
320
246
71
78
42
328
100
70
64
119
*
877
254
3,508 619
219 428 7
325 219 47
41 1,904
906
15 278 42
70 100
50 27
91
72 100
20 359
129
762 3,529 1,158
88
40
86
36
35
17
30
30
362
SMALL
MISC TOTALS
ELECTRONICS
188
98
69
68
34
61
20
15
9
22
584
475 1,529
600 1,672
710 3,805
96
0
1,226
219 904
50 360
48 281
183
0
328
0
272
0
30 S24
193
9
0
141
0
877
254
2,132 12,654
1,069
TOTALS
3,508
619
762
3,529
1,158
362
584
2,132 13,723
r—i
1 r~i
l i l r™j
-------
r_} r J
i rn r~i
i r" ...... i r~ i
pA2
TABLE 4.4 Binghamton Fall 1996 Materials and Weights Collection Data
SOMERV1LLE:
SPRING -97
AVG VALUE
0.005
0:030
0.018
-0.075
0.125
0.575
0.175
0.040
0.165
0.375
0.240
0.575
1.000
0.200
0.060
0.030
0.170
0.035
0.000
0.085
0.000
0.150
-0.250
Wl
ITEM
scrap plastfc
carcass
metal
wood
phone plastic
CRTs
clean plastic
motor
wire
aluminum
cast aluminum
copper
refine boards
diskdrive
power supply
transistors
yokes
capacitors
batteries
fans
toner
radiators
freon tanks
WEIGHT IN LBS:
LGTV's/
AC'S
5
25
25
300
538
OFFICE LARGE COMPUTER
EQUIPMENT ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT
6
35
38
6
18
16
116
4
14
30
6
5
12
2
25
12
79
125
11
5
25
36
21
MONITORS/
SMALL TV's
14
26
17
150
14
KITCHEN SMALL
ELECTRONICS ELECTRONICS
18 15
72
107 8
MISC TOTALS
20
11
6
20
10
11
6
8
74
12
204
7
TOTALS
893
102
205
339
226
162
135
311
105
294
351
300
0
688
211
263
45
10
23
2
25
36
21
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2,372
-------
p.43
TABLE 4.5 Binghamton Spring 1997 Materials and Weights Collection Data
SOMERVILLE: WEIGHT IN L
SPRING '97
AVG VALUE
0.005
0.030
0.018
-0.075
0.125
0.575
0.175
0.040
0.165
0.375
0.240
0.575
1.000
0.200
0.060
0.030
0.170
0.035
0.000
0.085
0.000
0.150
-0.250
ITEM
scrap plastic
carcass
metal
wood
phone plastic
CRTs
clean plastic
motor
wire
aluminum
cast aluminum
copper
refine boards
diskdrive
power supply
transistors
yokes
capacitors
batteries
fans
toner
radiators
f reon tanks
LGTV's/
AC'S
420
132
277
473
640
396
78
130
112
24
162
88
OFFICE LARGE COMPUTER MONITORS/
EQUIPMENT ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT SMALL TV'S
176
110
371
75
50
4
60
TOTALS
2,932
32
878
292
144
426
275
75
80
55
100
40
254
70
33
496
205
60
KITCHEN SMALL
ELECTRONICS ELECTRONICS
385
230
175
80
70
70
MISC TOTALS
59
64
16
180
184
142
80
75
45
55
90
169
180
50
63
15
30
64
12
33
1,797
1,039
1,571
636
0
1,136
1,169
255
307
134
0
130
67
0
0
257
171
16
0
64
32
162
88
1,487
1,177
1,090
761
706
9,031
r~n
r—1
1
i i t
i
-------
p.44
4.3 REUSE
r
'-~ When equipment was dropped off, residents were asked via the survey if the items
were working. For Somerville, 28% were working, 35% were not working, and 37%
I were listed as unknown if they operated or not. Binghamton had similar results:
residents reported that 30% were working, 59% were not working, and 11% were
unknown. This indicates that there may be reason to pursue the reuse or resale of items
j collected in these events.
p- In addition, one collection event did result in resalable items based on the
_ demanufacturers evaluation. Envirocyde determined that a portion of the captured
material from Somerville's spring collection had economic value as a resale item. These
H items were diverted from the demanufacturing process, and were sold for their value as
a device. All other captured material from this and the other three collections was
demanufactured for the material value of the separated materials. This occurred in all
cases except for a fraction of the Somerville spring collection. In this one case, 1,069 Ibs.
of the collected material was resold without demanufacturing.
|~ 4.4 FINAL DISPOSITION
L, ^ '
_ Envirocyde's corporate policy is maximize reclamation and recycling of the
I demanufactured materials. Generally, 99.9% of CRTs are recycled back into glass cullet
for the manufacture of new CRTs and the remaining 0.01% is glass fines mat are sent to
a primary lead smelter. All metals were sent to a local metal scrap dealer for shredding
I ••• and reclamation through various smelting processes. High grade boards, power
"' supplies and disc drives were sent to a precious metal refiner for metals reclamation.
Low grade boards were sent to a second demanufacturer for processing or to an
overseas market for reuse. Freon tanks were managed by a vendor for the proper
reclamation of CFCs. Toner cartridges were sent to a vendor for repair and
(— refurbishment. .Batteries were managed through a industry battery recycling program.
[_ ,«* Remaining plastics were sorted and grinded in-house and sent to a plastics recycler for
additional regrinding to meet specifications for recycled feedstock.
p-«
s
[ The only item that was disposed of from the demanufacturing process was the wood.
This wood includes the console of the TV, decorative wood strips, incidental wood,
r" handles, and similar items. Envirocyde separated these items and disposed of the wood
L at a local Municipal Solid Waste landfill.
5.0 ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE PILOT COLLECTIONS
The second and third goal of the pilot collections were to assess the economic viability
of collecting, transporting, demanufacturing and recycling end-of-life electrical and
electronic equipment. The following discussion evaluates the economics of the pilot
collections.
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p.45
5.1 COSTS AND REVENUE INCLUDED IN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
r-
The economic analysis presented here includes only those costs and revenues incurred
from the time the equipment left the collection site, including:
1. Revenues from sale of demanufactured components
2. Costs for demanufacturing labor
3. Costs for transporting collected items from the host community to Envirocycle's r
facility in Hallstead PA. L
Costs mat are not included in this economic analysis, but should be incorporated into "~
any projections by a community intending to sponsor a collection event for electrical ^
and electronic equipment include: ^_
4. Internal community costs, such as research, investigation, meeting time, volunteer k
coordination, telephone costs, etc. ^
5. Public relations: all costs involved with writing, printing and distribution or
educational/promotional materials, direct contact, etc. ""
6. Event costs, including use of space, labor, electricity, telephone, refreshments, use r.
of equipment, insurance, disposal of non-recyclable items (including hazardous |
materials), etc.
These latter costs will vary from community to community, depending on program [_
design. This analysis didn't include them because this was a pilot collection effort and
would have necessitated including the unusual costs of creating and refining the r~
methods, approaches, concepts and details that developed these pioneering collection [
events.
One other potential cost is managing hazardous constituents (i.e. PCBs) if they are in I
the equipment collected. This may include additional shipping and disposal costs if
collected materials to ensure proper transport and disposal. The pilot collections did P
not collect any hazardous constituents that required special handling, i.e. PCBs, RCRA L
defined hazardous waste. _
5.2 UNIT MARKET VALUE OF RECOVERED MATERIALS L
The eight categories of post consumer electrical and electronic equipment are listed by
the economic value of their components. Envirocyde demanufactured post-consumer L
materials and attempted to categorize the materials in a consistent manner. The
company also provided a range of value for each of the demanufactured components. i
We've selected a mid-range value to use in this economic analysis to avoid understating
or overstating the value of the components. The value will vary according to the quality
of the demanufacturing process, market conditions at the time of sale and regional I
markets for demanufactured components. L
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p.46
L
The value of the components is integral to the economic analysis needed prior to
establishing a consumer electrical and electronic equipment collection event. The
information contained here is a guideline to the relative value of materials recovered
from the demanufacturing of post-consumer electrical and electronic equipment.
TABLE 5.1 Average Market Value (provided by Envirocycle):
Note that all values represent the value paid to the demanufacturer for the separated
components free-on-board at their loading dock unless specified otherwise.
L
r
Commodity
Clean Plastic:
Refine Boards:
Toner Cartridge:
Battery:
Fans:
Disc Drives:
Phone Plastic:
Cast Aluminum:
Wood (unable to recycle):
CRTs: (see below)
Metal:
Carcass:
Scrap Plastic:
Transistors:
Wire:
Aluminum:
Yokes:
Motors:
Capacitors:
Copper:
Radiators:
Power Supply:
Disposal
Freon Tanks:
Range
.05-.30 per Ib.
.50-1.50 per Ib.
no value
no value
.07-.10perlb.
.15-.25perlb.
.05-.20 per Ib.
.20-.28 per Ib.
disposal cost of .05-.
.056/lb.
.01-.025 per ib.
.01 -.05 per Ib.
.00-.01 perlb.
.01-.05 per Ib.
.15-.18perlb.
.35-.40 per Ib.
.15-.19perlb.
.03-.05 perlb.
.02-.05 per Ib.
.55-.60 per Ib.
.15 perlb.'
cost 6f 0.25$ perlb.*
Average
$0.175/lb.
1.00
0.09
0.20
0.13
0.24
-0.08
0.02
0.03
0.01
0.03
0.17
0.38
0.17
0.04
0.04
0.58
0;i5
0.06
',"'i.i
-0,25!
T
NOT&*Ml of these fntees were obtamedfromEnviroiycle art an ranges deperuim^
given time, for the purpose of attaching values to the materials collected, the average price for each was used, since the breakdown of materials did
not include the amount of high grade vs. low grade materials.
CRT Value: Based on Envirocycle's proprietary process for processing CRT glass, the
company did not share cost and revenue information. For the purpose of attaching a
value to CRT's/ Envirocycle indicated that we could obtain an approximate value for
these by obtaining market prices on silica and CRT glass (which are the items in CRT).
The average market rate of $.056/lb. This is based on one CRT weighing approximately
20 Ibs. each, which has approximate value of $1.10/CRT.
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p.47
5.3 TRANSPORTATION COSTS
One tractor-trailer truck was used for each collection.
Somerville MA It cost Envirocycle $645.84 to move a truck from Somerville,
MA to their plant in Hallstead, PA. The rate from Somerville was $2.07/mile, 312
miles total.
Binghamton NY It cost $96.25 to move the truck from Binghamton NY to
Hallstead PA. The rate from Binghamton was $2.75/mile, 35 miles total.
For the purpose of determining the transportation costs listed in the spreadsheet the
total transportation cost for each collection was included on a per truck basis. The type
of truck that was used for the collection pilots was a 53-foot van trailer. The maximum
payload that this type of truck can cany is 45,000 pounds. However, based on the
bulky nature of this material Envirocyde's experience is that the maximum payload is
approximately 25,000 pounds. For illustration, the spring Somerville collection of
13,723 pounds completely filled the trailer, but note that due to the lack of a fork lift
operator the pallets and gaylords were single stacked.
5.4 LABOR COST
Labor cost for the purposes of this study include only Envirocyde's costs for labor at
their facility, and do not indude any labor by any party at the collection event,
transportation labor or loading labor.
The labor cost per hour of $26.50 indudes all Envirocyde's wages and overhead at their
facility: unloading the truck, storing the materials, demanufacturing the units and
placing the separated components into gaylords or similar units for shipment to a
consuming mill or recycler. It is likely that other demanufacturers may quote different
costs.
This labor cost is the direct manufacturing cost, and does not indude any general and
administrative overhead, contribution margin, sales and marketing costs, commissions,
fees, licenses, insurance, accounting or other costs.
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p.48
r
TABLE 5.2 Demanufacturing Labor Analysis
Collection event Ibs. collected hours demanufacturlng \bJho\u
Somerville Fall 1996 7,448 118.3 63
Somerville Spring 1997 12,654 85 148.9
Binghamton Fall 1996 2,372 31.5 75.3
Binghamton Spring 1997 9,031 111 81.4
Total 31,505 345.8 Average: 92.2 IbJhr.
While the average person demanufacturing post-consumer electrical and electronic
equipment could expect to dismantle 92.2 Ib./hour. Envirbcycle utilized the same five
staff members to demanufacture all the equipment collected from each pilot in an
attempt to achieve parity among the labor hours. One notable trend is that the staff
increased productivity, as the learning curve, decreased over time. Note that the
highest productivity occurred during the Spring Somerville collection is attributed to
the categories of equipment collected, most notably computer equipment which made
up 28% of that collection and can traditionally be demanufactured more efficiently.
5.5 SOMERVILLE ECONOMIC EVALUATION
5.5.1 Somerville Solid Waste and Recycling Costs
Currently, Somerville solid waste is collected curbside by the city and is tipped at a
local transfer station at a cost of $27.00 for collection and a tip fee of $45.85/ton for a
total cost of $72.85 per ton. Recyclables are also collected by contracted hauler at the
curb side at a cost of $67.00/ton and tipped at $22.50/ton for a total cost of $ 89.50/ton.
The cost of garbage and recyclables collection is generated from the tax base and is
provided as a city service.
5.5.2 Fall 1996 Collection
The fall collection event in Somerville collected 7,448 pounds of material.
This collection event is shown having the these relative economic values.
Revenues from sale of demanufactured components: $481.43
Costs: demanufacturing labor (3134.95)
transportation from host facility to Envirocycle (645.84)
NET VALUE (COST) $3.299.36
or a cost of $0.44/ib or $886/ton for the 7,448 Ibs. collected at this event.
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p.49
Spring 1997 Collection
This second collection event captured 84% more electrical and electronic equipment
than the first collection in the fall of 1996. Many participants had brought materials to
the fall collection, and came back to the spring collection with additional items. 1,069
Ibs. of this collection had value as resalable item, specifically,: central processing units
(CPUs) and monitors. These were sold by Envirocycle, and a value of $0.90/lb. was
attributed to these items as a revenue to die collection event.
Revenues from sale of demanufactured components: $845.32
Costs: demanufacturing labor (2252.50) "
transportation from host facility to Envirocycle (645.84)
NET VALUE (COST) ($2,053.02)
or a cost of $0.16 or $324/ton for the 12,654 Ibs demanufactured ,-
INCLUDING RESALE
Revenue from resale of items "
or $0.90/lb for 1,069 Ib collected 962.10
NET VALUE (COST) ($1,090.92)
or a cost of $0.08/lb or $159/ton for the 13,723 Ibs. Resold and demanufactured
5.6 BINGHAMTON ECONOMIC EVALUATION !i
5.6.1 Binghamton Solid Waste and Recycling Costs f
The City of Binghamton instituted a pay per bag system in 1991. Residents pay a per
bag fee of $1.17/32 gallon bag which covers the costs of collection of all garbage, bulk [
items and recyclables for city residents. Binghamton's solid waste is collected curbside *'
by the city at a cost of approximately $90.00/ton. The tip fee at the Broome County f
owned and operated landfill is $40.00/ton for a total cost for collection and disposal of !
$35.00/ton for a total cost of $75.00/ton.
5.6.2 Fall 1996 Collection
This first collection event in Binghamton collected less than the subsequent event due to
the fact that this was the first event of this type held in this community. ;
i
Revenues from sale of demanufactured components: $487.25
Costs: demanufacturing labor (834.75)
transportation from host facility to Envirocycle (96.25)
NET VALUE (COST) ($443.75)
or a cost of $0.19/lb or $374/ton for the 2,372 Ibs. collected
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p.50
r
- 5.6.3 Spring 1997 Collection
| This collection grew by almost three times the fall collection, from 2,372 Ibs. to 9,031 Ibs.
Again, the contributing factors include the fact mat this was the second collection, the
r* weather was greatly improved, the collection fee was eliminated and many participants
[_ had recycled items at the previous event in the fall.
:~ Revenues from sale of demanufactured components: 1,175.00
j Costs: demanufacturing labor -2,941.50
"' transportation from host facility to Envirocycte (96.25)
^ NET VALUE (COST) (1,862.09)
' or a cost of $0.21/Ib or $412/ton for the 9,031 Ibs. collected.
r 5.7 SUMMARY
j It is hnportant to note that revenues vary greatly depending most significantly on the
"" value of the resalable items, and, to a less extent, on the relative value of the recyclable
. - items that are demanufactured. Transportation costs also greatly impact the entire
I collection economics.
<— Economic factors include where the collections take place, distance to and from
demanufacturers, number of volunteers vs. paid workers, and market conditions, the
largest variable is the potential value of resalable items that can be captured.
,»«,
s
I TABLE 5.7 Summary Values INCLUDING Resale:
. Collection event Ibs. collected Revenue Revenue/lb. Revenue/ton
(Cost) (Cost)/lb Cost/ton
^ Somerville Fall 1996 7,448 ($3,299.36) . -0.44 ($886/ton)
_. Somerville Spring 1997 13,723 ($1,090.92) -0.08 ($159/ton)
Binghamton Fall 1996 2,372 ($443.75) -0.19 ($374/ton)
_ .." Binghamton Spring 1997 9,031 ($1,862.09) -0.21 ($412/ton)
Total 32,574 Ibs.
Obviously, the resale value from the spring Somerville collection distorts the costs from
the other three events. When planning a similar event, the possibility of a significant
positive impact from resale items should not be a line item, but should be an
opportunity that is seized if it occurs.
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p.51
This report recognizes that the value of resalable items is a variable with great impact "
and no predictability: The data should be viewed without the positive impact of the
resale items so that a baseline or realistic approach be anticipated by any community
contemplating an electrical and electronic equipment collection event:
i
TABLE 5.8 Summary Values WITHOUT Resale:
F"
Collection event Ibs. collected Revenue Revenue/lb Revenue/ton L
(Cost) (Cost)/Ib (Costyton
Somerville FalM996 7,448 ($3,299.36) -0.44 $886/ton f
Somerville Spring 1997 12,654 ($2,053.01) -0.16 $324/ton
Bingham ton Fall 1996 2,372 ($443.75) -0.19 $374/ton
Binghamton Spring 199: 9.031 ($1,862.09) -0.21 $4l2/ton -
Total 31,505 Ibs. i
r
The numbers provided in this report are based on collection rates in a given area at a [
given time under certain conditions. Next year, the same collections could have a
completely different cost/revenue scenario depending on market conditions and costs r
at that time. [
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS f
L
6.1 GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
F
This residential collection pilot project removed more than sixteen tons of material from t
municipal solid waste disposal, which may included some toxic constituents such as
lead from CRT glass and cadmium from engineering plastics, as well as some other '
potentially toxic substances such as pigments, stabilizers or fire retardants from
engineering plastics. The collections also captured both nickel cadmium and alkaline
batteries from various appliances and chlorofluorcarbons from air conditioners. The
pilot recycled metals, plastics and other constituents and returned them to productive
use.
The economic data from this pilot program suggest that the costs of recovering
household electrical and electronic equipment from the municipal/small business waste
stream exceeded the costs of handling those wastes as trash in most jurisdictions, it is
important to remember that the values provided in this report are based on pilot
collection rates in a given area at a given time under specific marketing conditions.
Similar collections could have a completely different cost/revenue structure depending
on collection volumes and value, proximity to demanufacturing businesses, proximity
to markets, current market conditions and vendor costs.
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p.52
:• - Historically, diverting any commodity from the municipal waste stream has not become
j economical until a recovery, reuse/recycling infrastructure has developed for that
commodity or group of commodities. Both public participation and weight of
.,"* recovered materials increased in both pilot communities during the second collection
[ event, indicating a positive public response to this new recycling opportunity.
Participation rates generally tracked participation rates in the communities' other
; experiences in collecting new commodities as part of the recycling programs including
L Binghamton's text book collection efforts and Somerville's household hazardous waste
collections.
I The general response from the residents was positive and consequently bom
Binghamton and Somerville are including some type of end-of-life electrical and
1 electronic collection in their 1998 solid waste planning. Based on the lessons learned
>— here, each community plans on modifying the collection model and strategy to collect
this material more efficiently. In addition, Envirocycle will be marketing this type of
! service to municipalities and is willing to work directly with municipalities to design
*•" and develop collection programs for communities.
#a**S.
I 6.2 IMPROVING THE ECONOMICS
w '' ' :
f- This pilot project was designed utilizing the one day collection event model typical for
i the collection of household hazardous waste. This pilot demonstrated that many
variables impact the overall economics of the EOL electrical and electronic equipment
f* collection utilizing this model. Based on the results of the pilot, several
! recommendations emerge for improving the economics of end-of-life electrical and
electronic collection and recovery programs including:
,ftis : . ,
• Specifications for end of life electrical and electronic equipment accepted as part
of the collection event
, The pilot program was designed to collect any and all electrical and electronic
equipment, no limits were placed on what residents could bring to the collection event.
Based on the objectives of the specific collection event, develop specifications to:
•~ • segregate equipment for toxitity, utilize existing reuse infrastructure (i.e. swap shops)/
utilize existing recycling infrastructure (i.e. scrap metal), determine value for shipment
for demanufacturing and finally evaluate traditional disposal as municipal solid waste.
Envirocycle noted that at least five percent of the incoming appliances contained only
scrap metal and did not contain circuit boards. As one way to improve the overall
— collection economics, the demanufacturer suggested diverting these mostly-metal
& appliances (air conditioners, old metal vacuum cleaner bodies, etc.) to a scrap metal
container or scrap metal pile for eventual metal recycling. Under favorable marketing
conditions, scrap metal recycling generates revenues. However, unless the collection
_ site is already equipped to collect scrap metal and personnel are trained in proper
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p.53
handling procedures adopting this strategy will involve more planning, more space and
increased training. For instance, Federal law requires that CFC-containing appliances
(air conditioners, dehumidifiers) have their CFCs removed before the appliance can be
recycled; some states also have stringent regulations concerning disposition of
appliances containing PC8 capacitors.
In fact, Envirocycle suggests diverting any appliance not containing a circuit board to
alternative disposition. The high percentage of very low-value materials (without
circuit boards) suggests that developing a much tighter collection specification designed
to pull in only those items (computers, printers, etc.) that have relatively high value to
demanufacturers. Tightening the spec would require a more intense program of public
education prior to the first collection day, as well as increased training for the
employees or volunteers unloading vehicles at the site.
In reviewing the collection process, Envirocycle now recommends establishing three
categories:
1. large items such as TVS, monitors, computers that would be stacked on pallets
2. smaller items such as key boards, VCRs, that would be collected in gaylords
3. items with potential for re-sale as part of the demanufacturing hierarchy would
be segregated
4. all remaining items would be sorted for donation or disposal as municipal solid
waste. '*•
By aggressively segregating materials, it is expected that the cost of demanufacturing r
electrical and electronic equipment will decrease, the value of demanufactured " •
materials will increase with the potential to create a more favorable economic scenario. ,
• Charitable donation or reuse
^
The pilots as designed sent all electrical and electronic equipment collected to a
demanufacturer for evaluation. However, the pilot survey indicated that
approximately 30% of the equipment collected were still in working order. Both -
municipal Somerville's and Binghamton's program coordinators said they would divert {
working electrical and electronic items to repair shops or make them available for direct
reuse in the community. Binghamton, for instance, would have donated working *
razors, toasters, radios TVS and other equipment to the local YMCA, which operates a |
residence for low-income men; the Broome County coordinator suggested setting up a
"testing station'' with an active electric outlet for testing appliances at the vehicle f
unloading zone. |
Many municipal recycling drop-off centers have already established "swap shops" or j
swap area where people pick up useful items others have dropped off. Project i
coordinators suggested a set-aside area that would allow participants in the collection
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p.54
p drop off to check out/test and take home a working equipment someone else had 1
! discarded. The Broome County coordinator suggested having a lawyer draw up a
simple waiver for people to sign/ signifying that the entity hosting the collection day ^
•"' makes no guarantees and assumes no responsibility for the condition/ workability or |
[_ safety of the used equipment being received.
^ i
P" By segregating materials that may not have value to undergo the demanufacturing IT
L. process/ but still operate again fits into the traditional solid waste hierarchy of reduce,
reuse and recycle. This equipment will also be diverted from municipal solid waste f?
P disposal at this time. *
•e
• Transportation from the collection site to the demanufacturing facility W
~- As noted in the economic analysis, the costs associated with transportation vary widely -.
depending on the distance to the actual demanufacturing facility from the collection J^
I site. The cost per truckload of material from the Binghamton collection site to the
*"" demanufacturing facility was $9625 versus the cost per truckload of material from the 7
f-*~, Somerville collection site to the demanufacturing facility was $645.84. The . |i
transportation cost item alone can greatly impact the economics of conducting this type
of municipal collections. f
{_ The lesson learned here is to maximize the amount of material that can be transported
at one time, in other words ensure that the truck travels completely full. Somerville is
-"" evaluating the potential for storage of collected equipment to minimize transportation
( costs. Also, the efficient sorting of materials may increase the value of what will be
ultimately be sent for demanufacturing. Finally, the location and distance to the
P demanufacturing facility is critical.
• location and accessibility of the collection site
^ • The collection events were held in locations that each community was familiar with and
^ that had hosted collections of other commodities in me past. The Somerville site was at
the DPW garage area which also provides residents the opportunity to recycle tires,
-- household hazardous waste/news papers at other collection events. The Binghamton
site was the local transit garage which in the past hosted text book collections and tire
collections.
,, The accessibility of the site can be an issue and may impact the collection event. For
example, during the fall Binghamton event, bridge construction dosed a major route to
the bus garage and is suspected in discouraging participation in the collection event.
The pilot results showed that the relatively small size of most equipment and the three-
to-five unit contribution per participant may make household electronics good
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p.55
candidates for seasonal curbside collections. One concern is to limit the removal of the
items left at the curbside by unauthorized people. At the very least, this removal may •"""
eliminate the items with the highest potential value to the host community but would I
also eliminate the solid waste burden.
W-rl
• Labor costs for the collection event J .
ff-
The pilot provided very limited funds for labor associated with the actual collection f
event. The recycling coordinators for both Somerville and Binghamton were not *•
compensated above their traditional salary for planning and implementing the .,
collection events. Envirocycle provided in kind support to the project for f
transportation and demanufacturing labor, but these labor costs are evaluated in the *'
economic analysis. ,-
The collection events were largely staffed by volunteers. The volunteers were from the
existing town Recycling Committees as weU as local universities. The obvious lesson -
that can be drawn is the more volunteer labor as part of the collection event the lower ^
the costs of collection.
f*
• Community participation £
Community participation is paramount to conduct a successful collection event. The j"
assumption being that the more material that is collected, the better chance of collecting i
more valuable materials. In addition, less materials are going to for disposal and
consequently the local recycling rate will also increase. The pilot outreached primarily "
to residents, but there is dear opportunity to reach out to the small business i
community, local universities, and other institutions as well. r
The pilot results indicated that vast majority of residents, ranging from 57%-88%, *•
participated in the collection event as a result of the direct mail flyer. Direct mail flyers r
were sent to every household in the community approximately three weeks prior to the I
event The Media coverage was sited as the next effective method of communication '-
ranging from 8% to 34%. r
i
All workgroup members agreed mat special waste diversion programs work most
effectively if they are incorporated into a community's solid waste management f
planning as ongoing programs, rather than one-time events. A lot of effort and expense |
goes into event promotion and public education; once you've set up public expectation,
it is difficult (and politically inexpedient) to shut it off, and harder still to re-invigorate a f
collection effort thaf s been tried and abandoned. (
The program planners also agreed that participation in collection programs would F
increase markedly if the collections were held in conjunction with household hazardous ]
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p.56
p waste collections or other special recycling collection events (textiles, bulky wastes,
scrap metal collections). Conversely, events that can negatively impact participation
rates include weather, competing community-wide events and lack of public education.
[ • Willingness to Pay
f" The pilot tested the willingness to pay argument in the fall Binghamton Collection. In
i, addition, in both the spring Sommerville and Bingingham collection events the survey
question "To help offset the cost of collection and recycling, would you be willing to
•fK pay to drop off your electronics?" The fall Binghamton collection charge $2.00 per car
L for the-collection event. The event was poorly attended, but potentially for a variety of
^ reasons beyond the willingness to pay issue. Severe weather, bridge construction at the
"" collection location, a local high-school football championship also are believed to have
i, impacted participation. It should be noted that Binghamton city residents are typically
charged for disposal of household hazardous waste and tire collection events.
i Somerville is prohibited by city ordinance to charge for any type of recycling or solid
waste collection. The spring survey results show that well over half of the participants
rf were willing to pay for collection. The lesson learned is that each community needs to
! assess this issue based on specific needs and past practices.
r
r-
6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
The pilots conducted as part of this project followed on the traditional one day
collection household hazardous waste collection model utilizing a electronics
demanufacturer for recycling and disposal. The results argue for improvements to the
model to enhance the economic viability of conducting end-of-life electrical and
electronic collections in municipalities. Both Somerville and Binghamton will be
continuing end-of-life collections in their 1998 solid waste program and will be
modifying the collection model to better fit their specific communities needs. For
example, Somerville is evaluating conducting monthly collections in conjunction with
the household hazardous waste collection days and storage of the material until a
"truck load" is accumulated to optimize transportation costs. Binghamton is evaluating
working with local charities and not for profits to define what equipment will go to a
demanufacturer or a local charity. Every community is somewhat unique and should
design a program that is applicable to specific needs.
However, there are other collection models that may be applied to end-of-life electrical
and electronic equipment that were not specifically evaluated as part of this pilot. One
collection method is partnering with local business. In local areas where large
businesses and industries already may be recycling electronic equipment, municipal
solid waste officials may want to consider partnering with one or more commercial
entities in organizing a municipal collection event. In exchange for public recognition,
the commercial operation(s) could provide services ranging from technical or financial
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p.57
support to storage or loading equipment, a licensed collection or aggregation site,
access to reliable vendors - or even serve as an intermediate vendor itself, transporting '<
the collected equipment from the municipal site to a demanufacturing facility.
A second collection method is partnering with existing not-for-profits. In many parts of
the nation, non-profit organizations have developed an infrastructure for reuse or resale ^
of computers and other electronic office equipment. Some of these organizations
provide vocational training or job development for handicapped citizens; other
enterprises were developed to ensure that under-served schools and other not-for-profit t
entities. To learn how to tap into this reuse network, contact your state's environmental
regulatory agency, state recycling coordinator or state nonprofit recycling organization T
for information. '&
r"
Finally, there are infinite collection, reuse, demanufacturing and recycling scenarios that 11
may be applicable to a specific municipality. This report makes not attempt at *"
evaluating every type of scenario, but simply presents the results of pilot collections
modeled after the traditional one day household hazardous waste collection days. The | I
CSI workgroup is sponsoring additional research into collection methodologies and will
publish its findings in the summer of 1998. p
I
t
-------
Appendix 1
CSI Involvement and Development
i
-------
The Common Sense Initiative A New Generation of Environmental Protection http://www.epa.gov/commonsense/bckgrd.htr.
v/EPA
L United States Environmental Protection Agency _,,
The Common Sense Initiative
r
An Industry Sector Approach {
for Protecting the Environment
Support for environmental protection has never been stronger in this country. American citizens
demonstrate concern and support for the environment. But living in an ever more complicated world and
an increasingly global economy has demanded new ways of protecting the environment — ways that not p
only protect and enhance environmental health for future generations, but that also keep our economy [
growing.
p>i
One way the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is striking this balance is through the Common [
Sense Initiative, or CSICSI represents a new approach for EPA in creating policies and environmental
management solutions that relate to industry sectors.
Six Industry Sectors [
CSI examines the environmental requirements impacting six industries: p
L
Automobile Manufacturing Iron and Steel Metal Finishing
Computers and Electronics Printing Petroleum Refining
These six industries:
f
• comprise over 1 1 % of the U.S. Gross National Product; ^
• employ over 4 million people; and p
4,
• account for over 12% of the toxic releases reported by American industry.
r
As such, they offer excellent opportunities to test and refine CSI concepts, to create environmental \
solutions that can operate across industries, and to expand CSI to other relevant sectors.
How CSI Works r
For each industry, known as a "sector" in the CSI program, EPA convenes a team of stakeholders that
look for opportunities to change complicated and inconsistent environmental policies into comprehensive ~
sector environmental strategies for the future. The process, while sometimes lengthy, is producing better, !
more applicable environmental protection strategies that are developed by those who have to live with -
them ~ avoiding costly and time consuming adversarial processes later.
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The Common Sense Initiative A New Generation of Environmental Protection
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Sector teams and work groups meet frequently to discuss progress in the various projects underway,
policy considerations, and other issues. Team decisions, issues and data are forwarded to the CSI
Council, comprised of high-level decisionmakers from all the stakeholder groups and across all involved
industries.
f
The CSI Approach
From Conflict...
While America has much to be proud of over
the past 25 years, we are left with difficult
problems - an unwieldy system of laws and
regulations that often breeds conflict and
gridlock, ^d an adversarial relationship
between the concepts of a cleaner environment
and a healthy economy. EPA operates under 16
major national environmental laws overseen by
over 70 Congressional committees and
subcommittees. EPA is subject to over 600
lawsuits at any given time. Much of EPA's
work is a result of court-orders and
court-directed activities. Such a process often
diverts valuable resources from the real work
of protecting the environment and public health
to the work of litigation.
i
From Piece-meal..
The first 25 years of environmental regulation
in the U.S. addressed air, water and land
separately, frequently shifting and shuffling
pollution without preventing it. U.S. businesses
spent close to $30 billion on environmental
compliance in 1992, but still released over
three billion pounds of toxic emissions. The
result has been too little environmental
protection at too high of cost Rather than
treating industries as a whole, with unique
issues and solutions, the system lumped all
industry together and attempted to force
one-size-fits-all solutions. These solutions are
often costly for industry and not necessarily the
To Consensus...
CSI is an experimental effort to change the
environmental protection process from one of
conflict to one of collaboration and consensus. For
each industry, CSI brings together a team of
representatives of: industry; environmental groups;
community groups; environmental justice groups;
labor, and, Federal, state, local, and tribal
governments. These teams craft solutions to
environmental problems that all can agree to,
harnessing the expertise of those who have worked
on these issues for years. Former adversaries
become partners in protecting the environment.
Time is spent up front in the development of
solutions, rather than later on litigation.
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To Holistic...
CSI addresses environmental protection in a
holistic way, looking at air, water, and land issues
as a whole, rather than as separate problems —
avoiding the problem of shifting pollution between
media — from air to water, air to land, or land to
water. CSI views industries as unique entities with
unique problems — problems which can best be
solved by those individuals familiar with the
industry and its processes. Solutions that work for
the auto industry may not necessarily make sense
for the computers and electronics industry. CSI
recognizes this and develops solutions on an
industry-by-industry basis.
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The Common Sense Initiative A New Generation of Environmental Protection
http://www.epa.gov/commonsense/computer/index.hti
dEPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
THE COMMON
SENSE INTTTATIVE;
A New Generation
of Environmental
Protection
CSI Computers &
Electronics
Sector
Computers & Electronics
Quick Reference:
Membership
Projects
Contacts
Meeting Minutes
Computers &
Electronics
Industry Background
The CSI Computers
& Electronics
Subcommittee
Electronic Product
Recovery
and Recycling
Residential
Collection Pilots
Project Contact: Chris
Beling U.S. EPA
617-565-3241
Industries in the computers and electronic sector manufacture an extensive
range of products-computers, fax machines, televisions, and CD players to
name a few-including the electronic components, such as semiconductors
and printed wiring boards, that are a part of those products. The computers
and electronics sector is one of the largest employers in the United States.
Although industry manufacturing facilities are located nationwide,
approximately 60 percent are concentrated in six states-California, Texas,
Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
The Computers and Electronics Sector Subcommittee has about 25 members
representing such organizations as the New Mexico Environmental Law
Center, Intel, Continental Circuits, the Communications Workers of America,
the state of Washington, and the Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human
Services Organizations. Members meet about six times a year to review the
progress of work group projects, to act on recommendations submitted by the
work groups, and to hear panel discussions or special presentations on
subjects related to the industry.
In this world of rapidly changing technology, disposal of computers and other
electronic equipment has created a new and growing waste stream. The
Computers and Electronics sector has embarked on a project designed to 1)
determine the composition of the waste stream, and the types and volume of
equipment to be collected; 2) assess the economic viability of a residential
post-consumer collection/de-manufacturing program for end-of-life electronic
equipment; 3) determine residents' willingness to pay for this disposal option;
and 4) evaluate any available data on other residential post-consumer pilot
collection programs.
Two pilot communities have been identified—Somerville, Massachusetts, and
Binghamton/Broone County, New York. One collection was completed in the
fall of 1996 and an analysis of the types of products recovered is underway. A
second collection day is planned for 1997.
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RCRA Regulatory
Barriers to
Cathode Rav Tube
(CRT)
Recycling
Project Contact:
Charlotte Mooney
U.S. EPA
703-308-7025
Electronic Product
Recovery
and Recycling (EPR2)
Conference and
Roundtable
Project Contact:
John Alter
U.S. EPA
202-260-4315
Barriers to
Closed-loop
Water Recycling
in the Electronics
Industry
Project Contact:
Jan Goodwin
U.S. EPA
202-260-7152
Computers and televisions use a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) for viewing. The
CRT contains lead to shield users from the radioactivity required to produce
the image. Improper disposal of CRTs can place lead in the waste stream
which represents not only a health hazard, but also the loss of a recyclable
natural resource. Lead recovered from used CRTs can be safely, and
practically reused to produce new CRTs.
A work group is developing a strategy for removing perceived federal
regulatory barriers to recycling CRTs. Its goal is to apply common sense to
hazardous waste requirements for this waste stream while maintaining high
standards for health concerns. The strategy will take into account potential
economic benefits, as well as potential risks to the environment, the
community, and workers. The project team will document the basics of CRT
recycling; existing federal regulatory issues relating to CRT recycling;
environmental and worker safety risks posed by CRT recycling methods; and
the economic and environmental benefit and risk issues of CRT recycling.
Upon completion of this work, options for improving the current system will
be presented to the Computers and Electronics Subcommittee and the CSI
Council.
Education, information exchange, and building productive relationships
among diverse stakeholders concerned with managing out-moded computer
equipment are the goals for this project. The workgroup co-sponsored a very
successful conference on electronic product recovery and recycling held in
February 1997 and attended by over 200 people. The conference was the
kick-off for an independent Roundtable being established to facilitate sound
management of end-of-life electronic equipment over the long term. The
Roundtable will identify and promote resolution of emerging issues related to
better management of unwanted computer equipment. CSFs partner for
carrying out the initial phases of this project is the Environmental Health
Center, a division of the National Safety Council.
Electronics manufacturing facilities produce a considerable amount of waste
water during production. Some facilities would like to treat waste water
on-site and recycle it back into production (closed-loop recycling). While no
release of waste water is desirable, there are associated environmental and
regulatory issues that must be addressed.
This project team will address federal regulatory barriers hi the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) that inhibit closed-loop recycling.
Major activities underway are: 1) identifying examples in states with
electronics manufacturing facilities that use closed-loop treatment and recycle
systems; 2) characterize the technology used; 3) identify any potential media
transfers of pollutants; 4) determine regulatory position of state agencies; and
5) examine the applicability of existing RCRA exemptions/exclusions to the
system. A final recommendation may be made to the CSI Council regarding
alternatives to current environmental policy that would enhance utilization of
this system and increase opportunities for pollution prevention.
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The Common Sense Initiative A New Generation of Environmental Protection
http://www.epa.gov/commonsense/computer/index.htr
Reporting and
Public Access to
Information
Project Contacts:
Warren K. Beer
U.S. EPA
415-744-1803
Mary F. Dominiak
U.S. EPA
202-260-7768
Texas
Consolidated
Uniform Report
for the
Environment
(CURE)
Project Contact:
Mary F. Dominiak
U.S. EPA
202-260-7768
Basic On-Line
Disaster and
Emergency
Response
(BOLDER)
Project Contact:
Warren K. Beer
U.S. EPA
415-744-1803
Industry faces multiple environmental reporting requirements. With care and
analysis, these requirements may be consolidated to reduce the reporting
burden on an industry, while at the same time improving environmental,
health, and safety protection.
The Computers and Electronics sector identified a mutual interest among
stakeholders to reinvent environmental reporting. The Reporting and Public
Access Information Work group initiated two projects designed to streamline
and consolidate environmental reporting in the industry while simultaneously
improving public access to information on the industry's environmental
performance. These two pilot projects are the Consolidated Uniform Report
for the Environment (CURE) project in Texas and the Basic On-Line Disaster
and Emergency Response (BOLDER) system in Arizona (see below).
The Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) has been
working to streamline and consolidate all environmental reporting
requirements into one Consolidated Uniform Report for the Environment
(CURE). Within the guidelines of CSI, TNRCC expanded their stakeholder
involvement and included an assessment of stakeholder information needs.
As a result, the CURE will pilot a new electronic reporting system based on
the information each stakeholder group needs in order to make sound
environmental decisions. This system will also improve public access to the
information. The Texas CURE pilot will provide guidance for similar efforts
in other states.
This pilot has several objectives aimed at consolidating emergency response
plans where possible. Goals include eliminating duplicative reporting,
making the reports easier to access and to understand, and to enable on-line
reporting and information retrieval.
The state of Arizona has agreed to pilot this program, and it is being managed
by U.S. EPA's Region 9. The pilot will test a comprehensive emergency
response system which is 1) needs-based, 2) electronically-linked, 3) tiered,
4) simplified, and 5) coordinated with industry, community, the public,
emergency response agencies, and NGOs. A draft reporting system was
designed in 1996. Pilot testing of the electronic reporting and retrieval system
is targeted for early 1998.
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Alternative System of
Environmental
Protection
Project Contact:
David B. Jones
U.S. EPA
415-744-2266
This project will recommend an alternative approach to environmental
protection. Key elements of the approach are mat it increases regulatory
flexibility, results in enhanced environmental, health, and safety performance,
and boosts participation of community and workers.
The subcommittee reached consensus on and presented to the CSI Council a
document entitled, "Facility-Based Alternative System of Environmental
Protection." The document describes the vision, goals, objectives, and
conceptual components of an alternative system. The Computer and
Electronics Sector will use the document to direct and test alternative
strategies to the existing system. The Alternative System of Environmental
Protectiori will be piloted under this work group's direction. Pilot proposals
are being solicited from industry, government, and communities.
Subcommittee meetings for 1997 are currently being scheduled. For
information contact John Bowser at 202-260-1771 or Dave Jones at
415-744-2266.
The Common Sense Initiative is an innovative approach to environmental
protection and pollution prevention developed by the U.S. EPA. The Initiative
addresses environmental management by industrial sector rather than by
environmental medium (air, water, land). EPA selected six industries to serve as
CSI pilots: automobile manufacturing,, computer and electronics, iron and steel,
metal finishing, petroleum refining, and printing. Six sector subcommittees,
each consisting of representatives from industry, environmental justice
organizations, labor organizations, environmental organization, the U.S. EPA
and state and local governments, address environmental issues facing these
industries.
Since beginning their work in January 1995, the sector subcommittees have
initiated nearly 40 projects involving more than 150 stakeholders who actively
participate in sector subcommittees and subcommittee workgroups. Using a
consensus approach to decision making, the groups address diverse topics such
as pollution prevention, environmental reporting requirements, and public
access to environmental information.
For more information about CSI, call 202-260-7417, contact our web site at
http://www.epa.gov/commonsense, or write U.S. EPA, MC 6101,401 M Street SW, Washington, D.C.
20460.
Calendar
of Events
The Common
Sense Initiative
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Subcommittee Members and Affiliations
May 1997
Co-Chair Lynn Goldman
U.S. EPA
Co-Chair Felicia Marcus
U.S. EPA Region 9
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The Common Sense Initiative A New Generation of Environmental Protection
http://www.epa.gov/cornmonsense/computer/index.htrs
Co-Chair John DeVillars
U.S. EPA Region 1
Designated Federal Officer
John Bowser
U.S. EPA
Mr. Dan V. Bartosh, Jr
Texas Instruments
Mr. Steven A. Bold
Continental Circuits Corporation
Mr. Ken Geiser
University of Massachusetts
Mr. David Issacs
Electronic Industry Association
Mr. Roger A. Kanerva
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Isao Kobashi
Santa Clara County Pollution Prevention Program
Mr. David LeGrande
Communication Workers of America
Mr. Terrence J. McManus
Intel Corporation
Mr. Raphael Metzger
National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services
Organizations
Mr. Christopher Rhodes
The Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic
Circuits
Ms. Monica B. Roll
Digital Equipment Corporation
Mr.ValF.Siebal
California Environmental Protection Agency
Mr. Russell J. Tremblay
M/A-COM, Inc.
Mr.MikeWinka
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
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Mr. Doug Wolf
New Mexico Environmental Law Center
home browse wtuai
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Appendix 2 ^
ki,
Detailed Workplan For Pilot Project
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4-15-1996 _»
Scope of Work-Pilot Consumer/Community Residential Collection of
End-of-Life Electronic Equipment
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BACKGROUND
Currently, the majority of End-of-Life Electronic Equipment „-,
Demanufacturing and Recycling projects are focussing on the
commercial and business waste streams. This pilot would focus oh
the residential post-consumer waste stream by assessing the
viability of a collection, demanufacturing and recycling program f"
for residential post-consumer electronic equipment. ,
GOAL. -
Design and implement a residential post-consumer collection pilot •*"
to determine:
(1) the types and volume of end-of-life electronic equipment that j*~
will be collected, I,
(2) the economic viability of collecting, transporting, and
demanufacturing and recycling end-of-life electronic equipment
(3) the residential consumers willingness to pay for this
disposal option.
TASKS H
LI
1: Act as a project manager for the design and implementation
of the Sommerville, and Binghampton Residential End-of-Life p
collection pilot in conjunction with the CSI Collection I|
Pilot Project Workgroup (Workgroup) . The Workgroup **-
includes, working with EPA project team, Christine Bonica ^
and Chris Beling, and Greg Voorhees/Envirocycle,Patty |
Dillon/Tufts University, Richard King/Panasonic, Rob **"
/ATT. Participate in at least bi-weekly conference calls
with the Workgroup and more frequent communication with the
EPA project team. The lead for the project team in
Christine Bonica.
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**The following is without the additional research that EPA will .]
be conducting over the next two weeks--and consequently will most ^
likely change**
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2: Work with Workgroup and selected communities/recycling (^
coordinators to design residential post-consumer collection
scenarios. Potential ideas for collection scenarios include ^
establishing a special collection day systerti (similar to j
household hazardous waste days), drop off centers, or other >
events. The goal is to tag on to existing events that the
communities sponsor p
3: Work with communities to design an education and outreach
program.
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{ 4: Work with communities to design logistics for collection,
storage of collected materials. Coordinate with Envirocycle
to arrange transportation to a their demanufacturing-
f~ recycling facility.
4 •
5: Work with Workgroup to design the data collection and
,.*. analysis effort.
—' 3: Select at least two pilot communities to supply a
residential end-of-life electronic equipment waste stream.
p' Target two similar communities, potentially suburban
t_ communities with existing curbside collection of both
recyclables and trash. Phase the pilot to conduct
>- approximately two collection events in each community. One
I community would be assessed a fee for collection (both pilot
u events) and the other community would be offered the service
free of charge.
I
v~ 5: Implement the first residential collection pilot as an
onsite coordinator/facilitator. Collect and warehouse end-
r- of-life electronic equipment.
4~~' 6: Provide onsite presence at all collection events. Sort and
analyze end-of-life equipment collected based on task 5.
f~ Collect data on type, volume, weight, etc.... The data will
t_ be incorporated into the final project report.
f— 7: Draft final report. Incorporate Envirocycle's analysis of
I costs of recycling, materials recycled into report format(we
need to work with Envirocycle closely to determine what data
^ they will be providing}.
(
RESOURCES
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I To be determined.
t,, SCHEDULE
L~ To be determined...pending funding and Christine's research.
PRODUCT
i .
1"~ NRRA will draft a research report to:
[ (1) evaluate the-composition of residential/post-consumer end-of-
L. life electronic equipment that is collected,
p (2) present Envirocycle's data
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^ (3) present and/or reference any other data related to other
residential/post-consumer pilot collections efforts.
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Appendix 3
Information On Binghamton and Somerville Recycling
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SURVEY OP SOMERVILLE, MA AND BINGHAMTON, NY SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS
1) What type of recycling program do you have?
- curbside (is there a special fee for large bulky items)
- drop-off
- swap shop/exchange area
- other (i.e., option for paid curbside collection vs. free
drop off)
- where do you physically do the collection
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Somerville, MA
Broom County DSWM
Weekly curbside pick-up, same as
trash collection day, for all
residents and small businesses.
Large apartment buildings and
business are limited to 8 bins.
Weekly curbside pick-up of recyclables
on reuglar garbage colleciton days,
for all residents and small
businesses. Large apartment buildings
and businesses contract with private
haulers. Collection is provided by
municipal haulers, including the City
of Binghamton, Twon of Union, and the
villages of Endicott and Johnson City;
and several private haulers in Broome
County.
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White goods are collected curbside
for no charge and recycled fro scrap
metal. There is no charge for bulky
items.
White goods are collected curbside by
the City of Binghamton and recycled
for scrap metal. There is no charge
for bulky items. Note: sepcial tire
collections are held periodically for
City residents at no charge, or
residents can dispose of tires year-
round at the Nanticoke Landfill for
$0.75 per passenger tire.
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Drop-off center for all curbside
materials, used motor oil, and tires
open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a
week. There is no charge for
recyclables, tire, or oil drop-off.
Recycling drop-offs for batteries and
recyclables are located throughout
Broome County, including the City of
Binghamton, Nanticoke Landfill, and
Towns of Colesville and Sanford.
Automotive fluids are accepted ony at
the Landfill recycling drop-off
(located 10 miles outside of
Binghamton)
The only swap/exchange is for paint,
occurring at the monthly HHW
collection
A limited amount of virgin paints and
automotive fluids collected at the HHW
collection facility is goven out for
reuse.
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There is no fee for curbside
collection of trash or recyclables
for residents. Businesses must pay
for trash collection by the
municipality, but receive free
curbside recycling. Drop-off is
free for any Somerville resident or
business.
In the City of Binghamton, a pay-per-
bag fee of $ 1.17/32-gal bag,
$0.63/16-gal bag and $0.39/8-gal bag
has been in effect since 1991. The
bag fee covers the costs of collection
of all garbage, bulk items, and
recyclables for City residents.
There is no fee for curbside pickpu of
recycling or materials brought to a i;
County recycling drop-off center. If
2) What part of the recycling program is voluntary vs. mandated?
Somerville," MA
Broome County DSWM
All recycling is voluntary.
Recycling is mandated by Broome County
Local Law of 1992 requiring all
businesses and residents of Broome
County to separate recyclables from
their waste. The Mandatory; Source
Separation Law is only enforced
through load-inspection at the
Nanticoke Landfill, with fines issued
to haulers whose waste loadsiji contain a
noticeable amount of recyclable
material. M
3) When did you start the programs?
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
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Curbside recycling was brought to
half the ci%y in October 1991, and
tq the ent5?re city in July 1993.
Curbside recycling for businesses
began om Se[te,ber 1995.
The county recycling program began as
a pilot on 1987 and was fully
implemented county-wide by 1991.
Curbside recycling and the pay-per-bag
fee was instituted in the City of
Binghamton in January 1990.
.4} What materials do you collect?
- how are they recycled
- amount recycled/amount disposed of
- tonnage of recycled materials
L
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
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clear and collored glass; by-metal
cans; empty aerosol cans; aluminum
cans, foil, and trays; #l-#7 plastic
containers, including styrofoam;
milk cartons and drink boxes;
newspapers; magazines; junk mail;
telephone books; mixed paper;
boxboard; corrugated carboard;
Commingled Containers:
glass containers-clear, green and
brown; non-aerosol metal including
metal cans and lids; aluminum cans,
foil and trays; plastic containers
numbered 1-7, excluding styrofoam;
gable top milk and juice.cartons.
Mixed paper and Cardboard:
all clean paper; boxboard; corrugated
cardboard.
Recycled materials are tipped
directly at Prins Recycling Center,
a Materials Recovery Facility in
Charlestown MA. The drivers divide
all materials into two streams at
the crub; all paper products an
other commingled materials.
Residents divide materials into
containers (commingled in bins) and
paper fibers (placed in paper grocery
bags or bundled). Recyclables are
collected a brought to Broome
.Recycling (Materials .Recovery
Facility) where they are sorted, baled
and shipped to market. •
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The diversion rate for recycalbles
in Somerville has gone from 5% when
curbside was in half the city, to
just under 15% for the last few
years. Detailed tonnage figures for
calendar year 1995 are provided on
the Recycling Report Card Data
Sheet. Figures for this year are
slightly lower than for 1994 because
we had a very serious problem with
paper scavenging last Spring and
Sumer when the markets were high
(more than 20% of our usual paper
tonnage was stolen from the curb
over a several month period;
The 1995 recycling rate in Broome
County was 50.4% or 120,000 tons in
1995, including all forms of recycling
such as curbside collection and drop-
off s, leaf and yard waste
recycling,scrap metal recycling and
sewage sludge composting.
The 1995 recycling rate for the City
of Binghamton was approximately 48%.
Recycling tonnages were 5,000 tons for
curbside recycling, 6,100 tons for
yardwaste, and 442 tons for scrap
metal recycling for a total of 11, 542
tons last year.
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Other Recycled Materials:
yard waste, appliances and scrap
metals are separated for recycling by
residents for curbside collection in
the City of Binghamton and most of
Broome County.
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5) Do you have a household hazardous waste collection day(s)?
Somervilie, MA
•
Broome County DSWM
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As of April of 1995, we opened a
permanent HHW center, and hold
monthly collections from April
through November. Annual or bi-
annual collections were held for the
few years prior to the opeing of the
permanent center.
In February 1996, broome County opened
a permanent HHW collection facility to
service all Broome County residents
and exempt small quantity generators.
The Facility is located at the Broome
county Landfill and is open year-
round, three days each month. There
is a $2.00 fee per vehicle for
residents and a $40.00 annual permit
fee plus $0.50 per pound fee for
businesses and institutions. Annual
or bi-annual collections were held for
five years prior to the opeining of
the Facility.
;6) Do you have a suitable location for an electronics collection event,
including^ shelter in the event of rain, and temporary storage facility?
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
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Yes, the DPW yard is used for our
HHW collections. There is ample
space within existing truck byas to
collect the materials under shelter,
and also to store them.
Several options have been discussed
fro colection points: the Maatco
{Envirocycle) facilities throughout
the Tri-Cities area, the Broome County
Nanticoke Landfill, and the Broome
county Highway Garage.
The Highway Garage is most likely the
best choicde, due to its location,
size, and previous use for HHW
collection events. Th£ Facility has 6
drive-through bays, a mile-long access
road from Route 12 in the Town of
Chenango, is easily accessible from
all major routes and is within a 10
mile radius of Binghamton.
According to conversation with
Envirocycle, storage is not an issue
because of their" proximity to the
Binghamton area. .
7) What are the current costs for Towns (i.e., collection costs, tipping
fees, etc.)?
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
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Our MSW tip fee is $45.35 per ton,
and our MSW collection cost is about
$28/ton. All of our MSW is
landfilled at a Waste^Management
landfill. Our recycling is
conducted by DPA workers and is
approximately $70/ton to collect.
Currently, we have a contract to
receive $50/ton for paper and
$20/ton for commingled, but this is
far beyond current market rates, and
will probably have to be modified
(the MRF, Prins, is facing
bankrupcy).
Current tipping fees at the Broome
County Nanticoke Landfill is
$40.00/ton for MSW, down from
$50.10/ton in 1995. All MSW is
disposed of in the Broome county
Landfill, an dall recyclables are
brough to the Broome Recycling
Facility at no charge.
Scrap metals are taken to scrap yards
where the City receives revenues
acording to current scrap metal market
value or approximately $25.00/ton.
Yard waste is taken to a private local
composting operation, Hughes Organics,
at an annual cost of $76,000 or
approx. $12.50 pre cubic yard.
.,
8)
Do you have any other collection opportunities or events?
Somervilie, MA
Broome County DSWM
We had a pilot curbside furniture
collection program with Mass.
Coalition for the Homeless.
Residents were instructedto put
furniture and household items
curbside one day proir to their
regular trash collection. This way,
unacceptable items could just be
picked up wit the regular trash on
the following day. Participation
and interest by residents was good,
but mos of the material was stolen
from curbside. The Homeless
Coalition gathered less than one
truck load of furnature.
Yard wastes are not collected, but
we have an active program to
encourage backyard composting.
Hiegh-quality composters are sold
for $25 through a state bulk buying
program, and numerous workshops and
composter sales are conducted.
Nearly 700 units have been sold in
the two years the program has been
running. '
Broome County Division of Solid Waste
Management sponsors various colections
that service all county residents
(including the City of Binghamton).
Past events include magazine drop-off
days, telephone book collections, and
HHW events. Currently, Broome County
sponsors textbook collection days,
backyard composting workshops and bin
distribution and is planning a textile
collection in 1996.
The City of Binghamton holds periodic
drop-off days (usually in the spring)
for waste tires, where City residents
can dispose of up to 4 tires at no
charge.
4
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9) What is the timing of pick-up or special programs, and days of operation?
-------
Somerville, MA
Broorae County DSWM
1
HHW collections are held on the
second Saturday of every month from
April through November, from 9a.m.
to 12p.m. composter sales and
workshops are typically held on
random Saturdays during similar
hours and occasionally on Tuesday or
Wednesday evenings from 7p.m. to
9p.m. _^ 'J
Special collections are usually held
in the Spring and/or Fall, selected
days depend upon the nature of the
event, but Saturday collections have
been successful for pilot projects.
10) "How do you track what you collect?
Somervi Her* MA
Broome County DSWM
1
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Collection is
slips from; the recycling MRF and the
solid waste transfer station. Our
recycling diversion rate is just
under 15%;. Recycling rate = weight
of recyclables divided by w
Collection is tracked from tonnage
reports from the MRF and Landfill
scalehouses.
11) How would you generally characterize your communities response to
recycling arid spedikl collection events?
Somerville; MA
Broome County DSWM
Public reaction is generally
positive, residents like the
programs and are glad jtio see them in
place.- There is room for
improvement,.in terms of increasing
participation. (This isiwhy we are
currently running the ifeecycling
Rewards pr&jram) . j
Broome County, including the city of
Binghamton, has a high participation
rate in curbside collection programs
(about 90%), and a successful
participation rate in every
collection event held, oftern greatly
exceeding the projected numbers.
r
12) Do you work with the industrial or commercial (small business) sector in
your community?
H Somervi lie,
MA
Broome County DSWM
it
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The bulk of small businesses use the
municipal solid wate collection
decal system. In addition, about
halfo of the small businesses have
joined the curbside collection
program.
Since recycling became mandatory in
1992, most businesses in Broome County
recycle. On a daily basis, the Broome
County Division of Solid Waste
Management helps business owners (both
small and large), in determining
disposal, recycing and waste reduction
options, monthly, a task force of
industry and large retail store
representatives meet to discuss
current solid waste issues and tour
local recylcing and manufacturing
processes.
r
13) What percent of the municipality is commercial? residential?
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
About 10% of the community is
commercial and 90% residential by
land area. Also, Somerville was at
one time the most densely populated
city in the U.S. and is currently
the most densely populated city in
New England and the eight in the
U.S.
(By land area: not available at this
time)
By disposal rates: In a 1995 Broome
County Waste Composition study, 51% of
the waste disposed of at the Nanticoke
Landfill was from residents and 49% of
the waste was from commercial,
industrial or institutional
facilities.
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14) How do you educate the community about the recycling program (diversion
rate)?
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
There is an article in the loca
paper around Earth Day. Also, the
statewide Recycling Report Card
tends to receive a lot of press
attention.
Annual recycling statics are announced
at news conference in Spring and/or
near Earth Day (April 22) . An article
in the major local newspaper, The
Binghamton Press, usually appears at
that time.
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15) What special events take place in the community that we would need to
avoid?
r
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
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The DPW is adjacent to a baseball
field, so the collection event
should not concide with an important
game to avoid traffic issues.
Earth Fest - April (last Sat)
SONY and BCC Graduations - May (3rd
weekend)
High School Graduation - June (3rd
weekend)
Downtown Binghamton July Fest - July
(3rd weekend)
Balloon Rally and Spiedie Fest -
August (1st weekend)
Roberson Museum and Science Center
Arts Festival - September (2ond
weekend)
Riverbank Clean-up - October (tba -
1st or 2nd weekend)
Additional Notes:
Somerville, MA
Broome County DSWM
Comparing ethnic diversity between
the two communities, and educating
non-English speakers about the
program are issues to be addressed.
Englis is the dominant language,
followed by Spanish (less than 10%),
and an array of Eastern European
(Russian, Slovak, Bosnian, etc.) and
Asian languages (laotian, Vietnamese,
Chinese, etc.). Perhaps the best
solution for a brochure, considering
the diversity, is to go with English
and Spanish.
Binghamton University students make up
a significant number of residents who
perhaps should be considereedd in the
outreach for and timing of the
collections (i.e., moving out or to
new apartments in mid-May and early
December).
L:
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Appendix 4
General Survey
-------
HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS COLLECTION DAY
Somerville, Massachusetts
Generator Survey
April 19, 1997
,*•«
Thank you for coming to this special Somerville, Massachusetts collection day. Your -
participation and support will help our city and many other cities around the country
understand how the recovery of electronic appliances impacts our environment. '"
Please complete both sides of this survey and return to the attendant when they begin •
to unload your vehicle. _
f
•V
Your reasons for participating in this collection day...
• Recycling protects our environment Agree
• Electronics can be kept out of landfills and incinerators Agree I
• May help reduce cost of solid waste management Agree
I
• How did you hear about todays event? Flyer Media Friend Other """
r*.
• Are you assisting anyone else and dropping off their household electronics today? Yes f
No If yes, how many additional households?
r
information on your (check one) Household Apartment Business
•••» f
City Street I
•Did you participate in the first collection day in the fall? Yes No r-
• if you answered home or apartment, # of people in your home? Adults Children
IP*
•If you answered business, # of employees at your place of business? I
• Type of business? Administrative Manufacturing Retail Service Sales
Other [
•To help offset the costs of collection and recycling, would you be willing to pay to drop off r
your electronics? Yes No |
If yes, how much per collection day? $1 -5 $6-10 Greater than $10
....
PLEASE COMPLETE THE BACK SIDE OF THIS SURVEY
-------
Binghamton, NY
HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS COLLECTION DAY
Generator Survey
May 10, 1997
Thank you for coming to this special Binghamton, New York collection day. Your
participation and support will help our city and many other cities around the country
understand how the recovery of electronic appliances impacts our environment.
Please complete both sides of this survey and return to the attendant when they begin
to unload your vehicle.
Your reasons for participating in this collection day...
• Recycling protects our environment Agree
• Electronics can be kept out of landfills and incinerators Agree
•May help reduce cost of solid waste management Agree
• How did you hear about todays event? Flyer Media Friend Other.
Are you assisting anyone else and dropping off their household electronics today?
Yes No If yes, how many additional households?
Information on your (check one) Household
City ' Street
Apartment
Business
Did you participate in the first collection day in the fall? Yes No
If you answered home or apartment, # of people in your home? Adults Children,
If you answered business, # of employees at your place of business?
Type of business? Administrative Manufacturing Retail Service
Sales Other
To help offset the costs of collection and recycling, would you be willing to pay to
drop off your electronics? Yes No
If yes, how much per collection day? $1-5 $6-10_ Greater than $10_
PLEASE COMPLETE THE BACK SIDE OF THIS SURVEY
-------
Appendix 5
Manifest
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Receiving Manifest
Somerville, MA
April 19,1997 Electronics Collection
Home Video
Table Top TV B/W or Color
Floor Model TV B/W or Color
working
Under 15"
not working
16-21"
unsure
21-35"
Over 35"
IVCR
Audio
Port Radio/Tape/CD
Home Stereo
Tape Recorder
Car Audio/Tape
Speakers
Electronic Instrument
working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
Office
working
PC / Computer
Monitor
Keyboard
Printer
Copier
Fax
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
Communication
Resident Phone
Business Phone
Cellular Phone
Cordless Phone
working
• a
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
2-Way Radio
Home Appliance
Microwave Oven
Air Conditioner
Vacuum
working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
Small Counter Top
Toaster Oven
Can Opener
Coffee Maker
Food Processing
working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
| Other
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Brnghamton, NY
Receiving Manifest
Electronics Collection
May 10,1997
Home Video
Table Top TV B/W or Color
Floor Model TV B/W or Color
VCR
working
Under 15'
not working
16-21"
unsure
21-35-
Over 35'
Audio
Port Radio/Tape/CD
Home Stereo
Tape Recorder
Car Audio/Tape
Speakers
Electronic Instrument
working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
Office
PC / Computer
Monitor
Keyboard
Printer
Copier
Fax
working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
Communication
Resident phone
Business'Phone
Cellular Phone
Cordless Phone
2-Way Radio
Answering Machine
•'» working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
Home Appliance
Microwave Oven
Air Conditioner
Vacuum
working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
Small Counter Top
Toaster Oven
Can Opener
Coffee Maker
Food Processing
working
not working
unsure
over 5
years old
[Other
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Appendix 6
Flyer (sample)
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RESIDENTIAL ELECTRONICS
RECYCLING PARTNERSHIP
Somerville Residents
J I—t I—I I I t- 1 I J
Household and
Small Business
ELECTRONICS
RECYCLING
PROJECT
City of Somerville Environmental Protection Office
The US Environmental Protection Agency
Northeast Resource Recovery Association
US EPA Common
Sense Initiative
City of Somerville
Dear Resident,
Somerville is proud to be on the leading
edge of another recycling initiative, the
Electronic Recycling Project, co-
sponsored by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
The results of this pilot collection will
help Somerville and other communities
determine the costs and benefits of
household electronic recycling. We
invite you to be part of this pilot
electronics collection.
Sincerely,
Michael E. Capuano
Mayor
Saturday, April 19, 1997
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 pan.
City of Somerville
Department of Public Works
IFraneyRoad
Michael E. Capuano, Mayor
-------
New Recycling Opportunities Who Can Participate?
What To Bring
Somervilie is one of two communities
in the nation selected to participate in a
Residential Electronic Recycling pilot /
study. This effort will help establish a
national policy on residential
electronics recovery and recycling. Our
goal is to use information gathered here,
to assist recycling managers in other
communities to develop similar
programs.
The electronics recycling pilot project
is a unique collaboration among local
governments, federal agencies, private
manufacturing and recycling industries
and non-profit environmental groups.
Residents and small businesses in the
pilot communities complete the
partnership "loop" by bringing their
used appliances to the collection
events.
Somervilie held its first electronics
collection day. last November. Please
help us complete the pilot project by
participating in the second collection.
This project is funded through a grant
from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency and managed by the
Northeast Resource Recovery
Association.
* all Somervilie residents
* small businesses with fewer
than 25 employees
* businesses with more than 25
employees can participate by
contacting Envirocycle directly at
800-711-6010 ext, 242 to make
special collection arrangements
When?
Saturday, April 19,1997
9:00 a,m.-3:00 p.m.
What is the cost?
There is no cost to participate.
Where is it?
Broadway
4
Cedar
Street
i i
Trum ReW
„ ^ ,,„ jimnlui, „„ r™™«,»,, - ^w r
f ^FraneyRcad
Somorvllle Dept, of Public Wotks
t
Charles £.
RyanRd*
We have made special arrangements to
handle twelve vehicles at a time so you
will be through the collection process
quickly.
All household or counter-top appliances
that are portable or can be plugged in.
Examples include:
* computers and printers,
* televisions, VCRs,
* CD players, stereos
* telephones^nswering machines,
* air conditioners,
* toasters, coffee makers..
Appliances are acceptable working or not
working,
What NOT, To Bring
* large or bulky home appliances
, such as dishwashers, refrigerators,
freezers, washing machines, clothes
dryers or lawn mowing equipment
* smote detectors
* x-ray equipment
If you have gue$tions or need more
information, phase contact:
Hilary Eustace
Environmental Protection Officer
Department ofPubUc Works
CityofSomervUb
(617) 625-6600 ext. 5070
L.J L I L
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J t ,
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRONICS
RECYCLING PARTNERSHIP
Broome County Residents
US EPA Common
Sense Initiative
Broome County
Government
Dear Resident,
As part of a national pilot program for
electronics recycling, Broome County
continues to be at ike forefront of solid
waste management initiatives.
Like any business venture, evaluating
the costs and benefits of a new
recycling program is the key to its
success. This pilot project will help us
determine the future of electronics
recycling in Broome County, while
serving as a model for the nation.
I invite you to participate in the
Electronics Recycling Collection to be
held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. on
Saturday, May 10,1997, at the Broome
County Transit Garage.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey P. Kraham
. Broome County Executive
i 1—I I—J L_j I , i j
Household and
Small Business
ELECTRONICS
RECYCLING
PROJECT
Broome County Dw. of Solid Waste Management
The US Environmental Protection Agency
Northeast Resource Recovery Association
Saturday, May 10,1997
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 pan. .
Broome County Transit Garage
Jeffrey P. Kraham, Broome County Executive
-------
New Recycling Opportunities Who Can Participate?
Binghamton is one of two communities
in the nation selected to participate in a
Residential Electronic Recycling pilot
study. This effort will help establish a
national policy on residential
electronics recovery and recycling. Our
goal is to use information gathered here
to assist recycling managers in other
communities to develop similar
programs.
The electronics recycling pilot project
is a unique collaboration among local
governments, federal agencies, private
manufacturing and recycling industries
and non-profit environmental groups.
Residents and small businesses hi the
pilot communities complete the
partnership "loop" by bringing their
used appliances to the collection
events.
Binghamton held its first electronics
collection day last November. Please
help us complete the pilot project by
participating hi the second collection.
This project is funded through a grant
from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency and managed by the
Northeast Resource Recovery
Association.
• all Broome County residents
• small businesses with less than
25 employees
• businesses with more than 25
employees can participate by
contacting Envirocycle directly at
800-711-6010 ext. 242 to make
special collection arrangements
When?
Saturday, May 10,1997
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
What is the cost?
There is no cost to participate.
Where is it?
To Johnson City
Traffic Circle
Route 201
Broome County
Transit Garage
CHd Mill Road
Old Vestal Road
Vestal Parkway -434
To Downtown Blnflhamtoir*
We have made special arrangements to
handle twelve vehicles at a time so you
will be through the collection process
quickly.
What To Bring
All household or counter-top
appliances that are portable or can be
plugged hi. Examples include:
• computers land printers,
• televisions, VCRs,
• CD players, stereos
• telephones,answering machines,
• ah* conditioners,
• toasters, coffee makers.
Appliances are acceptable working or
not working.
What NOT To Bring
• large or bulky home appliances
such as dishwashers, refrigerators,
freezers, washing rnachines, clothes
dryers or lawn mowing equipment
• smoke detectors
• x-ray equipment
If you haveany questions or need more
information, please contact:
Susan V Thompson
Solid Waste Management Specialist
Broome County
Div. of Solid Waste Management
(607) 778-2482 or
(607)778-2932
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Appendix 7 rr
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Sample Press Releases, etc.
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NORTHEAST RESOURCE
RECOVERY ASSOCIATION
Post Office Box 721
Concord, NH 03302-0721
(603) 224-6996
Fax (603) 226-4466
«>%rferafl'(ooperotivei so/fife*
S:';ll^^¥^?t^-'^^ ;.•'
Dear Somerville Business, "*::'•:•'>; •' '•.'..•••••'"•'••/ A?£Si? '
As you will read in the '''enclosed Information, the City of Somerville, the US
Environmental Protection Agency and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association
are teaming up fe£&."fifst In the nation" residential electronics collection and recycling
''* '*' ' '
l8' past week we sent out thousands of flyers to all Somerville residents announcing
this special event and asking them to participate on November 2 at the Somerviile
Public Works Building from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Today we ask for your help in promoting electronics recycling and this unique
collection day event. We have provided you with extra flyers for you to distribute to
your clients and two large signs that we ask you to place in your most visible business
locations.
Should you have any questions on this event or how you can participate, please
contact Hilary Eustace, Somervipe Recycling, 617-625-6600 x 5070.
Thank you for your help, -
0 • , , ' -
Northeast Resource Recovery Association , e
City of Somerville ; ^ X.
US Environmental Protection Agency :
f~
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„
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A^".'.HfS;'*':',.' "%»••.=. ::>;••
' v'^'i'/r." " - '•':""."• -,t'-'S •"'
s^s^^^n '?ts^;
£f reuse'.'® recydttg £>' trash management
H printed on recycled paper
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• fiUG-26-1997 15!47 FROM ;BROOfE CO SOLID UftSTE A
,:: COUNTY OF BROOME
TIMOTHY M. GRIPPEN
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
GOVERNMENT PLAZA. P.O. BOX T7W
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK 13902
(€07) 77*4109 -
Immediately - Wednesday, October 9,1996
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contact: John Kowalchyk or Susan Thompson
Broome County Division of Solid Waste Management
778-2250 or 778-2932
BWGHAMTON AREA CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL RECYCLING PILOT
i-
r County Executive Timothy M. Grippen joined John Matthews, Vice-President of
L Envirocycie, Inc., and John Kowalchyk, Division of Solid Waste Management
Director) to announce the first full-scale Electronics Recycling Collection in the
[~~ nation.
L,
"Broome County is proud to be on the leading edge of another recycling initiative --
P the Electronics Recycling Project. Our successful recycling program is one of the
I- reasons this area was chosen to host this pilot collection. Additionally, we are
pleased that a local company, Envirocycle ofHallstead, PA, will be processing the
P items brought for recycling," Mr, Grippen announced.
L • • -
John Matthews of Envirocycle, Inc. explained the types of items that can be
r brought to the collection, and how the company processes the materials into their
L~ individual components for recycling.
[""" Kowalchyk explained that the residents of this area have consistently shown
•- support for new programs, as demonstrated by participation in the pilot magazine
and telephone book collections, household hazardous waste collections and ft
P expanded curbside recycling programs. The information gained from these pilot • I
-L~ projects allows the Division to assess the feasibility of implementing permanent "
programs. ^
f
*- The electronic project is cosponsored by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Q|
through the EPA's Common Sense Initiative program, a study group linking ^
p industry, policy makers, and environmental groups. The Binghamton area and f
Somerville, Massachusetts were selected to host the pilot collections. The results ^
of this pilot program will help Broome County and communities throughout the
r . nation determine the costs and benefits of household electronics recycling.*
The collection event will be held on Saturday, November 9,1996 from 9 a.m. - 3
p.m. at the Broome County Transit Garage on Old Mill Road (off Old Vestal f
Road) in Vestal. fc
-page 2 of 2- .' '. f
^•;- ' . Ik
-------
ftUG-26-1997
Broome County Electronics Recycling Pilot Collection
:/,.,.., .-••: . Saturday, November 9,1996
..,.__... 9:00 a.m, - 3:00 p-m.
Who Can Participate:
Where to Go:
What is the Cost:
What to Bring:
What Not to Bring:
For Afore Information
or to Volunteer:
An Broome County Residents and Small Businesses of
less than 25 employees. (Larger businesses and
institutions can contact Envirocycle directly at 1-SOO-
2&-6010 ext. 242)'
The Broome County Transit Garage on Old Mill Road
(off Old Vestal Road near the 201 Bridge) in Vestal.
Please note: afternoon hours are typically less busy
and carpooHng is encouraged to reduce traffic volume.
There is a $2.00 participation fee per vehicle.
Vehicles should be no larger than typical residential
cars and trucks. The fees collected will be used for
local recycling education programs.
All home appliances that are portable or can be
plugged in, including home video, audio, office,
communication, and countertop appliances.
Large or bulky appliance such as refrigerators,
freezers, washers, dryers, or lawn mowers. No smoke
detectors, x-ray equipment, or hazardous wastes.
•*> . •
Contact Susan Thompson at (607) 778-2932.
###
FT
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SVT: 10/4/96
p
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.
flUG-26-1997 15:51 FROM BROOME CO,SOLID WASTE , TO 9160322644S6. P.07
BROOMECOUNTY
NEWS RELEASE
v-.: ' - JEFFREY P. KRAHAM, County Executive -*r" *-
[ To: News Department
. From: Susan Thompson, 778-2932
r Date: Wednesday, April 30,1997
I Sub: BC ELECTRONICS RECYCLING COLLECTION,
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2997
,_ Count^ Executive Jeffrey Kraham joined the Division of Solid Waste Management
to announce the Electronics Recycling Collection oh Saturday, May 10,1997. The
r collection will be held from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Broome County Transit Garage
L on Old Mill Road (off Old Vestal Road) in Vestal. The event is open to all
residents and small businesses (of less than 25 employees) in Broome County.
r Mr. Kraham explained:
i
w.
"As part of a national pilot program for electronics recycling, Broome County
[~ continues to be at the forefront of solid waste management vuriatives,
I—
Like any business venture, evaluating the costs and benefits of a new recycling
r program is the key to its success. This pilot project will help us determine the
L future of electronics recycling in Broome County, while serving as a model for
the nation."
r—
I r»
L- This is the second of two pilot collections to be held in Broome County. The first
was held in November, when over 14,000 Ibs of materials were collected from
P nearly 200 residents and small businesses in the area. The results of this pilot • '
' program will help Broome County and communities throughout the nation
^ determine the costs and benefits of household electronics recycling.
The electronic project is cosponsored by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
_ through the EPA's Common.Scnse Initiative program, a study group linking
[ industry, policy makers, and environmental groups. The Binghamton area and
*- Somerville, Massachusetts were selected to host the pilot collections.
i Envirocycle, Inc. of Hallstead, Pa. will demarmlacfure and,recycle the materials
collected. The project is funded through a grant from the USEPA and managed
r-
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by the Northeast Resource Recovery Association.
"- FOR INTERVIEWS OR ON-LOCATION FOOTAGE,
PLEASE CALL SUSAN THOMPSON AT 778-2932
| -•'•',
^ .-•-..•-•• -page I of 2-
'• ••.'••:•':: ' • -
Edwin L. Crawford Countv Offta* RuiMinn / pr» R/-.V
-------
ftUG-26-1997 15:52 FROM RROOME CO SOLID UIPSTE
TO
916032264466" ''• PV09'"*ff>;"'
Broome County Electronics Recycling Pilot Collection *'
; Saturday, May 10? 1997^7x^ ":vl;J;
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. .._ '-- • ...
Who Can Participate
Where to Go:
What is the Cost:
What to Bring:
What Not to Bring:
For Morejnformation
or to Volunteer;
All Broome County residents and small businesses of
less than 25 employees. (Larger businesses and
institutions can contact Ehvirocycle directly at 1-800-
711-6010 ext. 242)
The Broome County Transit Oarage on Old Mill Road
(off Old Vestal Road'near the 201 Bridge) in Vestal.
Please note: afternoon hours are typically less busy
and carpooling is encouraged to reduce traffic volume.
There is no fee to participate. Vehicles should be no
larger than'typical residential cars and trucks.
All home appliances that are portable or can be
plugged in, including home video, audio, office,
communication, and countertop appliances.
Large or bulky appliances such as refrigeratorSj
freezers, washers, dryers, or lawn mowers. No smoke
detectors, x-ray equipment; or hazardous wastes.
Contact Susan Thompson at (607) 778-2932,
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-26-1997 15:50 FROM BROOME CO SOLID WASTE
916032264466 p.06
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Broome to collect old appliances
Electronics
recycling day
be Nov. 9
•
By NADINE SUMAK
Staff Writer
Can1! figure out what to do
with ihc broken microwave
oven that's been gathering
dust in the garage for two
years?
j Broome County has the
I answer.
| Thecountywillhaveitsfiist
! electronics and appliances col-
lection day Nov. 9. For $2,
Broome residents and busi-
nesses with 25 or fewer
employees can get rid of hist
.about anything thai plugs in,
said John Kowalehyk, direc-
tor of the county's Solid Waste
Management Division.
Hie effort is one of two elec-
tronics recycling pilot pro-
grams in the country. The
other is in Soraerville, Mass.
Most electronics goods are
left out with the weekly trash,
and end up in the landfill,
Kowalchyk said.
The electronics and appli-
ances collected during the pro*
jectwulgo toEnvirocyde Incx,
a company in Hallstead, Pa..
which will determine if recy-
cling them is economical or
even profitable, said Vice
ELECTRONICS DROPOFF
Sroome County's first
electronics collection day
will be from 9 sum. to 3 p.m.
Nov. 9 at the Broome
County Transit Garage on
Old Mill Road in Vestal.
For $2 per car, Broome
County residents or busi-
nesses with 25 or fewer
employees may drop off
portable home appliances
that can be plugged in.
including countertop appli-
ances. Video and audio
equipment will also be col-
lected. The county will not
accept large appliances,
such as stoves and refrig-
erators, or smoke detec-
tors, lawn mowers and haz-
ardous wastes.Cail the
Broome County Division of
Solid Waste Management
at 778-2932.
President John Matthews.
"Envirocycle will evaluate
each item to see if it can be
refurbished and resold or if
we can pull the pans and resell
them or if we can recycle the
Broome to collect old appliances -
Continued from Page 1B
plastics and metals,"5 Matthews said.
Theprogram will cost the county
nothing, said B roome County Exec-
utivejTmothy M. Grippen. "We're
proud to be on the leading edge of
electronics recycling," Grippen said
during a news conference Wednes-
day.
TheNortBeast Resource Recov-
ery Association will collect data
from the two pilot programs to
determine if it can be cost-effec-
tive for municipalities to divert elec-
tronics from the household waste
stream.
Northcast,anon-profitrecycung
association baseil in New Hamp-
shire, received a 569,000 grant from
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency for the project, said Patrick
Corcoran, member services man-
ager.
If the local company finds the
venture profitable, it will likely set
up programs with other munici-
palitiesrjuch as Rochester or Buf*
falo, Matthews said.
Tbecollection willbefrorii9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Ncv. 9 at the Broome
County Transit Garage on Old Mill
Road in Vestal The S2-per-car fee
will be used for recycling educa-
tion programs.
Another collection day is planned
for the spring.
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BROOME COUNTY
NEWS RELEASE
JEFFREY P. KRAHAM, County Executive
To: News Depaitmem };
From: Susan V. Thompson, 778-2932
Date: ' Monday, May 12,1997
Sub: RESULTS OF THE BC ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
COLLECTION, SATURDAY, ^AY10,1997
Saturday's collection of electronics and small appliances was over double the size
of the 1st pilot collection held last November. Over 15 tons of recyclable
materials (31,000 pounds) were collected from approximately 400 households and
small businesses in Broome County.
The success of these pilot collections reflects an awareness and a demand for an
ongoing electronics recycling program. For these two events, all types of
appliances and office equipment were accepted in order to gain knowledge of the
costs of recycling a full range of electronic products. Future events may be limited
to those products with the greatest recycling benefits, such as:
* the recovery of valuable metals or readily recyclable materials:
* elimination of hazardous or toxic constituents; or
* diversion of significant portions of the waste stream in order to conserve
landfill space and increase recycling rates.
•*» • , '. ' 5
This was the second of two pilot collections held in Broome County. The first was
held in November 1996, when'over 14,000 IDS of materials were collected from
nearly 260 residents and small businesses in the area. The results of this pilot
program will help Broome County and communities throughout the nation
determine the costs and benefits of household electronics recycling.
The electronic project is cosponsored by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
through the EPA's Common Sense Initiative program, a study group linking
industry, policy makers, and environmental groups. The Binghamton area and
Somerville, Massachusetts were selected to host the pilot collections.
Envirocycle, Inc. of Hallstead, Pa. will demanufacture and recycle the materials
collected at the event. The project is funded through a grant'from the USEPA
and managed by the Northeast Resource Recovery Association.
FOR INTERVIEWS OR ON-LOCAT1ON FOOTAGE,
PLEASE CALL SUSAN THOMPSON AT 778-2932
###
•«-— v EdWin L> Crawford County Office Building / P.O. Box 1766 / Blnohamton. New York 13902
'•':-'...•.-"-.:v.A'fe'-.-. . "--•.'.• :• • • • • •-.-TnToi P
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FROM BRCO1E CO SOLID UlflSTE
NORTHEAST RESOURCE
RECOVERY ASSOCIATION
Post Office BOJC721 -
Concord, NH 03302-0721
(603)224-6996
Fax (603) 226-4466
TO
916032264466 P.05
"TWs is basically a data collection and analysis project," said NRRA execug«e^r
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15-"48 FROM BROOflt UJ
» 81 SOW*.
*
* At Ac bottom of the nwnp take a Jeft. '"""•- *
* Co about 100 yards you wifl see Matco Hcctronks on your right.
11 Go straight fa fionl of the parkicg4own a Httlc full..
Tafco tfw first right tils wiQ teke you into put parking tot.
Envirocycle, Inc.
Rt. 81 Exit 6$, PO Box 89$, Hallstetid, PA 18822-0899
Tel: 717/879-2S62
Fax: 7171S79-200S
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Appendix 8
Training Packet
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n
ELECTRONICS COLLECTION PILOT
OPERATIONS OUTLINE
Somervllle, MA
11/2/96
The host site facility is the Somerville Public Works Facility. We have been given the
use of their parking lot loop, enough room for 12 cars (2 lanes of six cars) to be —
unloaded at once. There will be internal storage space for any electronics not able to [
be loaded onto the Envirocycle trucks. In case of rain all volunteers are asked to bring
rain-gear and umbrellas. There will be inside break areas established on site. r-
I. Traffic Flow !
It is difficult to predict the participation rate and the resulting vehicle volumes, but we
are preparing fora 1% participation from Somerville residents equaling 750 vehicles
going through the collection site. Considering the fact that the event will last for 6
hours, we will be prepared to unload 100-125 cars per hour (unfortunately many of
these vehicles may arrive in the morning). It is our intent to unload the vehicles in
blocks of six when volume permits. When and if vehicle flow is slow we will be able to
unload vehicles on an individual basis. See Traffic Flow Diagram attached.
L
II. Clerical/Data Collection r
We have designed two forms to be used during the event day. [
• Generator Survey r
The first is called the Generator Survey (see attached). This form is two sided and is to [
be completed by the participating resident. A Generator Survey will be giving to each
resident/vehicle as they arrive onto Franey Road (Zone A). They will complete this f
survey during their waiting period prior to be unloaded in the public works parking w
area (Zone C) and hand the completed form to the unloading volunteer. This survey
will then be stapled to the yet to be completed Receiving Manifest. r
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• Receiving Manifest
This second form is called the Receiving Manifest (see attached). This form is one
[~ sided and will be completed only by the unloading volunteers. All recording onto the
L Receiving Manifest will be done in the public works parking area (Zone C). When
completed the Receiving Manifest and the attached Generator Survey will be placed
P into the designated form box at each unloading station (Zone C).
L,,
Any questions on form completion or recording of data will be covered by NRRA staff.
L *lll. Volunteers
We will need a total of 16 volunteers on duty at all times. The breakdown is as follows:
L Zone 1 - Distribution of Generator Surveys 2 Volunteers
P Zone B - Direct Traffic into Public Works 2 Volunteers
L Parking Area
f" Zone C - Unload Vehicles 8 Volunteers
L Zone C - Collect and Coordinate Paperwork 2 Volunteers
r™"
<-- Zone D - Direct Traffic and Material Movement 2 Volunteers
""* * Because Somervi He will be providing 4-6 paid employees, we will.split their paid
time between the morning and afternoon. AH other volunteers should plan on being
there for the full day. So far NRRA will have 4 volunteers (including staff). Patti Dillon,
"~ C. Beling, C. Bonica, H. Eustace, R. King, and G. Voorhees also will volunteer. That
leaves us needing another 4-6 volunteers from Somervi lie (not including the paid
staff).
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L A volunteer orientation meeting will be held at 8:00 a.m. the day of the event,
November 2. At this meeting Volunteer Packets will be distributed explaining the
P vehicle-flow, the paperwork system and other event details.
P »IV. Refreshments
L NRRA will provide coffee and donuts for all volunteers throughout the day. A pizza
_ lunch and sodas will also be provided for all volunteers.
["" »V. Equipment & Supplies
L There are numerous equipment and supply needs for this collection day. In order to
_ make the equipment and supply coordination as simple as possible we have created
[*" the following list;
L.
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Ennipmpnt
Quantity
Rv When
Bv Whom
Location
.Forklift 1 11/2
•Pallet Jacks 2 11/2
• Pallets 125 11/2
• Gay lord Boxes 100 11/2
• Folding Tables 6 11/2
• Foldingchairs 10 11/2
• Paperwork Bins 6 11/2
•Traffic Cones 12 11/2
• Directional Signs 4 11/2
•Clip Boards 24 11/2
•Staplers 6 11/2
• Pencils -100 11/2
• Pens 24 11/2
•Markers 12 11/2
•Misc. Supplies 11/2
•Gen. Surveys 1200 11/2
• Rec. Manifests 1200 11/2
• Name Tags 50 11/2
• Coffee Urn 2 11/2
•Coffee 5lbs 11/2
•Sugar...etc 11/2
•Donuts 4doz. 11/2
• Pizza 8 11/2
•Sodas 2 cases 11/2
•Coolers 2 11/2
•Ice 6 bags 11/2
Somerville
Envirocycle
Envi recycle
Envirocycle
Somerville
Somerville
Somerville
Somerville
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
open
ZoneC
open
open
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
All Zones
Zone A
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
Zone C
ZoneC
Zone C
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
• VII. Envirocycle
Envirocycle will provide (1) 53' trailer and (1) small box van truck with a lift gate. They
will also provide gaylord box labels for each gaylord used in the collection day.
Envirocycle will bring the gayiords, the pallets, the forklift and the pallets jacks with
them when they arrive at 5:00 p.m. 11/1.
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L
1 ELECTRONICS COLLECTION PILOT
r OPERATIONS OUTLINE
L BINGHAMTON, NY
11/9/96
p The host site facility is the Broome County Transit Garage. We have been given the
L use of three-four inside bays, enough room for 12 cars (2 lanes of six cars) to be
unloaded at once. The internal unloading space is adequate for; material separation,
r traffic flow, clerical support and weather protection.
5
L I. Traffic Flow
it is difficult to predict the participation rate and the resulting vehicle volumes, but we
r are preparing for a 1% participation from Broome County residents equaling 750
. vehicles going through the collection site. Considering the fact that the event will last
for 6 hours, we will be prepared to unload 100-125 cars per hour (unfortunately many
of these vehicles may arrive in the morning). It is our intent to unload the vehicles in
blocks of six when volume permits. When and if vehicle flow is slow we will be able to
unload vehicles on an individual basis. See Traffic Flow Diagram attached.
L
II. Clerical/Data Collection
We have designed two forms to be used during the event day.
• Generator Survey
The first is called the Generator Survey (see attached). This form is two sided and is to
be completed by the participating resident. A Generator Survey will be giving to each
r resident/vehicle as they arrive onto Old Mill Road (Zone A). They will complete this
L survey during their waiting period prior to be unloaded in the transit garage (Zone C)
and hand the completed form to the unloading volunteer. This survey will then be
r stapled to the yet to be completed Receiving Manifest.
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• Receiving Manifest ~-
This second form is called the Receiving Manifest (see attached). This form is one [ \
sided and will be completed only by the unloading volunteers. All recording onto the
Receiving Manifest will be done in the transit garage (Zone C). When completed the -•
Receiving Manifest and the attached Generator Survey will be placed into the w j
designated form box at each unloading station (C1-C4).
Any questions on form completion or recording of data will be covered by NRRA staff. _ a
III. Volunteers ^
We will need a total of 20 volunteers on duty at all times. The breakdown is as follows: [j j
Zone 1 - Distribution of Generator Surveys 2-4 Volunteers r-
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Zone B - Direct Traffic into Transit Garage 2 Volunteers
Zone C-Unload Vehicles 12 Volunteers j_
Zone C - Collect and Coordinate Paperwork 2 Volunteers
Zone C - Direct Traffic and Material Movement 2 Volunteers r~
A volunteer orientation meeting will be held at 8:00 a.m. the day of the event,
November 9. At this meeting Volunteer Packets will be distributed explaining the -
vehicle flow, the paperwork system and other event details. [_
IV. Refreshments [_
NRRA will provide coffee and donuts for all volunteers throughout the day. A pizza
lunch and sodas will also be provided for all volunteers. ~
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V. Equipment & Supplies
There are numerous equipment and supply needs for this collection day. In order to
make the equipment and supply coordination as simple as possible we have created
the following list;
Quantity
Bv When
Bv Whom
.ocatlon
• Forklift 1
•Pallet Jacks 2
•Pallets 125
•Gay lord Boxes 100
• Folding Tables 6
• Foldingchairs 10
• Paperwork Bins 6
• Directional Signs 4
•Clip Boards 24
•Staplers 6
• Pencils 100
•Pens 24
• Markers 12
• Misc. Supplies
• Gen. Surveys 1200
• Rec. Manifests 1200
• Name Tags 50
•Coffee Urn 2
•Coffee 5 Ibs
•Sugar...etc
•Donuts 4 doz.
•Pizza 8
•Sodas 2 cases
•Coolers 2
•Ice ' 6 bags
•Safety Vests
•Gloves and Aprons
•Stop Signs
•Traffic Cones & Flags
•Ext. Cords
•2-way Radios
•Receipts
•Name Tags
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
11/9
•
Envirocycfe
Envi recycle
En vi recycle
Envirocycle
Broome County
Broome County
Broome County
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
NRRA
Broome County
.NRRA
Broome County
Broome County
Broome County
Broome County
Broome County
Broome County
Broome County
NRRA
ZoneD
ZoneC
ZoneD
Zone D
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
Zone A
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
ZoneC
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VII. Environycle
Envirocycle will provide (1) 53' trailer and (1) small box van truck with a lift gate. They
will also provide gaylord box labels for each gaylord used in the collection day.
Envirocycle will bring the gaylords, the pallets, the forklift and the pallets jacks with
them when they arrive at 7:00 a.m. 11/9.
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I- Residential Electronics Collection Pilot
f* Broome County Volunteer Packet
L
,M«at
( Welcome and thank you for volunteering you time today. The electronics collection event we are
*•-• about to begin is an exciting opportunity to learn more about how electronics are used, stored and
disposed of in the Broome County. We hope that through our efforts today we can produce
*" reliable data for use by many other communities throughout the country who are interested in
w establishing their own electronics recovery programs.
The key word for today for all of us is data. We are depending on each of you to make sure that
j every form, every car count and every participant is accounted for. To make this process as easy
>-- as possible we have put together a "zone" system for all of us to follow. Please try and adhere to
this zone system if possible and if you have any questions - please ask.
This area will be staffed by three volunteers. This is the area to distribute the generator surveys
(blue forms), clipboards and pencils. This is also the zone where we greet the participants in a
friendly manner and answer any early questions they may have. This is also the zone where one
volunteer will collect the vehicle fees.
This area will be staffed by one person. This volunteer will be responsible for counting every car
entering the unloading circle and for directing vehicles into the proper traffic lanes. All vehicle
counts will be recorded on a hourly vehicle log.
P ToneC
\
This area will be staffed by a minimum of 8 volunteers. The volunteers working this area will
have to; receive the completed generator survey forms and staple them to the receiving manifest,
complete the receiving manifest and, unload the participants' electronics into the properly marked
gaylords. Once the participants vehicle is completely unloaded they can be sent through the exit
lane-
ZnneD
Only 1 volunteer needed in this area. This volunteer will oversee traffic exiting.
* We will also position 1-3 volunteers on Old Mill Road for traffic coordination
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VOLUNTEERS
ZONE A: 2 volunteers
Distribution of Generator Surveys
ZONED: 2volunteers
Direct Traffic into Transit Garage
ZONE C: 8 volunteers
Unload Vehicles
ZONE C: 2 volunteers
Collect and Coordinate Paperwork
ZONED: 2volunteers
Direct Traffic and Material Movement
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ZoneD
ZoneB
M
••••••
1 C1 aavlords C2 I
*• lane 1 Zone C i
lane 2 Zone C i
^ lane 3 ZoneC i
I C3 aavlords C4 I
Transit Garage
»•
^
»•
Zone
Old Mill F
1
A
load
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Don't Get Hurt
eing a Hero
If a load is too
big or heavy to
carry without
strain,
get
help!
Use a cart, dolly,
forklift, wheelbarrow,
or other carrier. Or
get another person to
share the load.
A two-person lift works best if
• both people are about the same
height.
• one person is in charge of saying
when to move where.
• you III
time.
and raise at the same
• you keep the load at the same
level while carrying it.
• you move smoothly together.
• you unload at the same time.
10
Special Equipment
Can Help
When using a hand truck, dolly,
or other material handling
equipment, follow these tips:
• Push, don't pull—you'll get twice
the power.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Have a firm grip.
• Keep your back straight, knees
bent, and lean in the direction of
movement.
• Lei your legs and body weight do
the work.
Most important, don't overdo it. The risk of injury is too
great. Know your own limitations and get help if you
need it.
11
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If you do hurt your
back: Don't move
Get medical
attention
immediately,
and follow
instructions to
the letter.
14
Learn how to lift
safely
You'll avoid injury and help protect your back—which helps you
stand, sit, and move.
Q Watch your weight; eat moderately and diet sensibly.
Q Bend your knees—not your back.
i—i Exercise to strengthen muscles and improve
flexibility.
Plan each lift before you start.
Let your legs, not your back, power your lifting.
Lift smoothly—don't twist while lifting.
Don't overdo it. Get help with loads that are too
heavy or awkward for you to move comfortably.
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Appendix 9
Organizing a Household Electronics Collection
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ORGANIZING A HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS COLLECTION _
V I
Decide who will host the collection program.
Will the unit of county or local government host the collection at a licensed solid waste/recycling facility? Drop-off —,
facilities typically already have met required state and local regulatory requirements and are licensed. Many possess : j
some of the equipment, supplies and storage facilities you will need, and have trained personnel experienced in
dealing with the public. Those municipal or county receiving and processing facilities not generally open to the
public may have experience with one-day collections of hazardous waste, textiles or bulky wastes. !f~j
(I
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A large manufacturing facility may also make a good host site. Typically, it would have the needed permits, moving
and lifting equipment, trained staff, adequate receiving and storage space and provisions for hazardous waste ~
storage. A major advantage of linking residential electronics collection to a manufacturing site host facility is that the . 1
manufacturer may already have transportation and marketing arrangements in place, eliminating the need for market *>-«
surveys, site visits, request for proposals and contract negotiations with the demanufacturer. The disadvantage is that,
since residents are not habituated to taking trash and/or recyclables to that site, collection event planners will need to p
mount a much more ambitious education and promotion campaign to ensure high public participation at the new site. |_
A much less desirable host site option is the parking lot/loading dock area of a large wholesaler or retailer of _
electronic equipment. Hosting an EOL electronics collection event could be good publicity for the business. j
This is the riskiest option because the hosts will have had no experience collecting waste or recyclables and will not L..
be aware of the high level of detail required to ensure a smooth collection and protect both workers and the
participating public. The hosts will need education about sorting protocols when "wastes" are being accepted for p
reuse or recycling, as well as the potential for receiving unacceptable hazardous wastes. I
Decide who can participate in the collection program.
Will you limit participation to city/county residents only? \
L.
Are there colleges in your jurisdiction? Since many colleges already operate well-established recycling programs,
local planners could coordinate the special electronic collection with the academic communities' recycling program —
managers or facilities managers. Municipalities might also approach college environmental studies departments |
about developing a citywide electronics collection as a special student project. "~
Will you invite small business participation? The quality and volume of materials collected will rise considerably if |~
businesses participate; however, involving businesses also increases the risk that non-specified hazardous materials (_
will appear in your collection.
,—
Survey Potential Markets
It is very important to survey your prospective markets, issue requests for proposals if necessary and select a market <~
before doing any further planning for your collection program. The demanufacturer you finally select to receive and
dismantle the electronic appliances your program collects ultimately will determine the collection specifications, ~
economics and many of the logistical arrangements of your program. _
Create a list of prospective markets by calling or visiting your state or county environmental regulatory agency, state _
recycling coordinator's office or your state nonprofit recycling association. Also check with facilities managers or {
recycling managers of any large companies in you area; they may already be recycling electronic equipment and able L
to refer you to demanufacturers that could serve your collection program.
Do some of advance checking on prospective markets. Check state or county regulatory agencies to see if the ,
demanufacturer is properly permitted and/or licensed; ask whether the company has been cited for environmental or
other violations. Call the companies directly; ask how long they have been in business, and whether they've ever
participated in a residential EOL electronics collection program. Ask for three references from previous or current f"
customers and check these references f..
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If you've developed a long list of prospects, you may want to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to help you find the
best market. Keep your RFP simple:
1. Describe what you intend to do and what you will require of the service provider you select.
2. Ask for a detailed list of post-consumer electronics the company will accept for demanufacturing, what
the economic terms will be, whether or not they can provide transportation, gaylord storage boxes and other
supplies.
3. Ask for specific information about how the company disposes of residual (non-reusable, non-recyclable)
materials. Include questions about contingency planning for receiving (non-specified) hazardous wastes.
4. Will they provide labor during the collection events)?
5. Have they participated in household collection events? What will they expect of the host site?
6. Keep the RFP open-ended enough for prospective responders to offer their own innovative features you
may not have considered.
7. Ask for information about the company itself: history, profiles of chief operating officers, financial
reports and credit references.
8. Set a reasonable deadline for responding (two weeks). Describe how the selection process will work
and reserve the right to reject any or all proposals. —
/
In the unlikely event you receive more than four responses, have a committee review the responses and select two or ""
three for your short list.
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Vendor Audits j_
In the current regulatory requirements involving long-term liability, and strict, joint, and several liability, it is
imperative that any community or organization planning an electronics collection event ensure that any vendors will -~
be responsible for the materials collected. This is achieved by performing an environmental vendor audit that . I
includes several steps. Once the "short list" has been prepared, then the vendors should be informed that a vendor ^~
audit step is the next necessary function. The vendor audit includes three major components:
f~"
a. Environmental File Review: A list of potential vendors should be forwarded to the state environmental ^
services department and the US Environmental Protection Agency Region office, together with a cover letter
indicating that your community/agency is considering using the services of the vendors listed in your letter, and _
requesting to review the environmental files for all the companies. Most environmental services departments
can schedule this File Review in less than three weeks from the date of the request. --
The File Review process allows a complete review of the environmental files maintained by that department on (~
each vendor. Each vendor's files should be carefully reviewed, and photo copies made of appropriate [_
documents to document that vendor's compliance or lack of compliance.
b. Regulatory Compliance: Beyond the environmental file review is a general review of the environmental j
compliance of each potential vendor. Vendors should be easily able to answer questions and provide copies of L
plans or documents in the following areas:
(1.) OSHA: provide a complete list of any state and Federal OSH A citations, visits, reports and l_
communication within the last four years.
(2.) Department of Labor, provide a complete set of documents concerning any issues with the I
Department of Labor, accident reports, etc. for the last four years. L
(3.) Environmental site compliance: Have each vendor provide a copy of the following environmental -
plans for any site that could receive your materials:
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit to discharge
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Spill Prevention, Containment, and Control Plan.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan f~
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(4.) Health compliance: Have each vendor provide a copy of the following health plans for any site that
'*" could receive your materials:
Hazard Communication Plan
Job Hazard Analysis
(5.) Safety compliance: Have each vendor provide a copy of the following safety compliance
— , plans/statements for any site that could receive your materials:
Corporate Safety Policy Statement
P Employee Checklist for Environmental, Health and Safety training
[___ Emergency Action Plan
Confined Space Entry Plan (if applicable)
n Forklift Training Plan
j •' -.-, Lock out/Tag out Plan (if applicable)
sit: A site visit is a critical component of the assurance needed by a community or agency to ensure
j . that a vendor is qualified to perform services. The site visit is scheduled with the vendor, and one or two
*"~ representatives of die community travel to the facility to perform the site visit component of the vendor audit
Several components of the site visit include:
•••: -. (1 .) Arrival at the facility: drive by the site, and observe the general neighborhood as well as the actual
facility being visited. Observe operations at the site, and record any potential adjacent businesses that
p could have an environmental impact on the facility.
(2.) Site tour Have an employee of the company escort the group to all areas of die facility. Observe any
a . potential environmental, health and safety concerns as well as critical operations.
L (3.) Documentation: Any documentation not previously submitted should be delivered to the site visit
group during this site visit.
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(4.) Exit interview: Review the standards and procedures necessary for the vendor to qualify to perform
"" services to your community or agency. If not all concerns or documents are received by this time, set a
^ firm date to have all issues resolved and submitted.
L, Develop a Detailed Working Agreement
Once you have selected a demanufacturer, negotiate the specific details of your collection event(s).
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! 1. Eirst, agree upon detailed specifications for all materials you will collect. If you plan to set aside reusable for
*J resale or donation, who will determine the reusability of the materials as they come in? Who receives die
revenue? Who pays die expenses?
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I 2. Agree at which point die demanufacturer takes ownership of die materials.
._ 3. Decide on die date(s) and hours of your collection event(s), including alternate dates for bad weather.
:- 4. Agree upon die specific responsibilities of each party. Then assign one overall manager to keep die parties on
track fulfilling their obligations:
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j a. how many workers will be required to staff die event?
~ b. who will be responsible for recruiting paid and volunteer staff for die collection event?
c. who will train die workers? how? when?
™" d. after making a detailed list of all supplies and equipment you will need, assign responsibility for each item
_ on die list
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e. Who will be responsible for the various forms of insurance your event may require? The collection events do i—
involve some risks to workers. Unloading and loading involve some heavy lifting, the possibility of contact
with broken glass or cut wires and the possibility of being hit by a moving vehicle. Trucks, forklifts and loaders '
will operate at the collection facility, posing a hazard to volunteers not accustomed to working around heavy
equipment If collection site is not a government property such as a public works garage or solid waste f~
receiving facility, planners may want to check into event-day liability insurance. Event planners might find it j
prudent to draw up a waiver for volunteers to sign.
f. Who will transport the collected electronics from the host site to the demanufacturing site? If you plan to hire _
a third-party trucking operation, who will contract with the trucker? Require the trucking contractor (whether a
separate contractor or the demanufacturer) to show proof of adequate insurance coverage, naming the event
organizers) as "additional and named insured."
g. How will the collection site be set up? How will traffic flow? r~
h. Who will handle public education and promotion of your event? Even if you will assume final responsibility, j
your buyer may have connections and many good ideas on how to promote the collection, as well as
boiler-plate brochures, press releases you can tailor for your own use. (See below for a detailed plan for putting _
out a mass mailing.) j
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5. Develop contingency plans for handling hazardous waste that may enter your collection stream. Even with the
best ongoing programs of public education, municipal solid waste managers everywhere deal with the regular rrj
appearance of household hazardous wastes - and even occasional hazardous waste from local business | 1
generators - at drop-off collection facilities, whether they have periodic HH W collections or not These realities
create special considerations for electronics collection events. No matter how thorough your program of public „.._
education, how well advertised the specifications for collection, electronics collection planners must develop a I <
plan for dealing with hazardous waste that may show up during the collection event. i- -
Set up a plan for monitoring incoming materials for hazardous waste and turning away those materials before r™
they have been unloaded from a participant's vehicle. In most cases, the host site legally owns materials, 1
including hazardous wastes that may be present, as soon as they are unloaded from the participant's vehicle. If
the host site does not already incorporate a hazardous waste receiving/collection facility, you may want to make __
contingency plans for dealing with any hazardous materials you may receive. j
6. Agree on all financial aspects of the project: Will you pay the demanufacturer a flat fee? Will you add up
expenses and revenues and pay vendor the difference? Will the vendor offer a financial incentive for high —
volume or high quality of materials? I
7. Make a list of all federal, state and local regulations that may apply to your collection event Agree on how
you will assure compliance with all of them. f~
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Commit all these decisions to writing, striving for simplicity and clarity. Pass the document back and forth between
you and your selected vendor until you can agree on all the language. Then have a lawyer review the agreement If —
you spend time negotiating and working through every detail of your agreement, you will avoid misunderstandings ,
that can lead to legal problems. Follow the terms of your own obligations to the letter.
Mass mailings ~
Decide on the most appropriate method for contacting your constituents based on locally available mailing lists, |__
journals, newspapers, etc.
For event organizers who may not have had experience handling large direct mailings, here are the six steps to take j
to ensure that residents (and small businesses, in cases where they will be invited to participate) will receive flyers u
two to three weeks prior to the collection date. Many of the steps are not sequential, but involve simultaneous
coordination among subcontractors to ensure mailings go out on time. ~
1. Begin planning large mailings at least 12 weeks before the collection event The reason for the long lead
time is that you may need to coordinate the activities of several subcontractors: printers, list broker and mail
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house. All of these types of businesses have busy seasons and busy times each month. You need to schedule
your activity weeks in advance to give your mailing top priority.
2. Assign someone to be accountable for all details of the mailing. This is critical if you want your mailing to
reach residents on time. Missing a scheduled date with the printer or the mail house can put your job a week or
more behind schedule - if you miss your print deadline, you'll probably miss your date with the mail house, too.
Your flyer won't be useful if people don't get it in time to plan to attend your event! Assign someone to keep
track of deadlines.
3. Develop the flyer. About eight weeks before the collection event, develop the flyer, or hire a subcontractor to
develop the flyer, using desktop publishing software. Your flyer should include: die location, date and hours of
the collection event(s); a brief description of the program; a detailed list of acceptable materials to bring the
designated drop-off location or leave at curbside; a telephone number to request further information; the dates
for any follow-up collection events. .
4. Order any mailing lists you don't already have through a print moll broker. Listed in the Yellow Pages
under "Mailing Lists", "Mailing Services", "Advertising/Direct Mail", mail brokers maintain continuously
updated "occupant file" lists of residential, households and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) business lists
for each community as well. Get the mail broker to provide you with an accurate count of the number of ;
households and businesses to receive the mailing, so you can contact the printer, early to schedule your job. We
called the mail broker eight weeks before the scheduled collection date to order our list(s). Schedule "delivery of
the lists you order from the broker in the forms specified by your mail house (or the form you prefer, if you are
doing your own mailing). We specified that the lists should arrive at the mail house one week before the date we
had scheduled with our mail house (see below) to send out our flyers.
5. Contact a local direct mail house to handle the bulk mailing. Most list brokers do not handle bulk
mailings themselves. They rely on the services of a direct mail house to label, sort and mail your flyers. As soon
as you know how many flyers you need for your mailing, schedule your mailing with the mail house; schedule it
to go out two or three days before you want your flyers in the hands of residents/businesses. If the list broker is
going to deliver the mailing list(s) directly to the mail house, the person responsible for managing the mailing
should make sure to schedule delivery by the broker two or three days prior to the date scheduled with the mail
house to run your job.
6. Contact the printer. As soon as you have an accurate count of the numbers of residences and businesses on
your lists, call the printer to schedule your job. While the printer may be able to complete your print run quickly
after you deliver the mock-up (on disk or in hard copy), the company is unlikely to fit your large job into a busy
schedule. Schedule large mailing several weeks in advance of the mailing date to ensure that your mailing goes
out on time.
NOTE ON TRANSLATION ISSUES Jurisdictions with significant non-English speaking constituencies may
want to consider offering the flyers in multi-lingual versions, or at least including directions for where
non-English speaking recipients can call for more information.
Aftermath
Plan to conduct an informal review of your electronics collection event while it is still fresh in everyone's mind. Put
someone in charge of keeping the session on track, and appoint someone to take notes. Discuss what worked well
and where the glitches were. Brainstorm ways the event might have been improved.
Thank all volunteers, participants and any event "sponsors" publicly and personally recognize leaders and people
who worked especially hard. If the collection was successful, make a big deal of it through signs posted at the local
recycling facility, press releases, radio announcements, editorials or letters to the editor.
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