Recycling Bin Grants for Parks! Grant cycle begins early January by Dr Pepper Snapple Group with Keep America Beautiful!

Dear Recycling Colleagues,

The Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS) Group, an environmental leader in public space recycling, has once again generously funded Keep America Beautiful’s Bin Grant Program! The 2013 DPS/KAB Park Recycling Bin Grant program was designed to help local, regional and state parks establish or expand recycling opportunities for visitors. In 2014, KAB proposed further development of this unique public space recycling initiative to provide visitors to state, city and/or local parks greater access to recycling infrastructure.

The DPS/KAB Park Recycling Bin Grant program will open January 6. A follow up email with more detailed information and application process will be sent out closer to the date. The deadline to apply is February 7.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

The Recycling Department

Keep America Beautiful

1030 15^th St Washington, D.C. 20005

WasteP2 Update by Sandra Boggs: Electronics Recycling in Missoula, CRT Glass to Tiles, and more!

[Click here to download PDF file with links]

Montana Pollution Prevention Update: Recycle While You Shop; Up to 10,000 Jobs Possible in Indiana Through Recycling, Upcoming Webinars and more!

[Click here to download PDF file with links!]

How often can that be recycled? & Recycling while you shop this season!

This Earth911 article gives a great overview on commonly recyclable items! This post talks about collection for CFLs, plastic bags, and packaging! 

- Recycle Montana

Pacific Steel's new auto shredder! To Sort or Not to Sort? Opt-Out Option for phone books... Waste Pollution Prevention by Sandra Boggs of Montana D.E.Q.!

1. Pacific Steel & Recycling Increases Capacity: First-of-its-kind in MT

Check out the new car shredder at Pacific’s Lockwood facility:

http://www.ktvq.com/news/pacific-steel-lockwood-facility-completes-first-month-of-operation/

-Provided by KTVQ Billings

2. Single-Stream Collection and Glass Cause Problems for Recyclers

In this video, Waste Management CEO David Steiner explains why WM will not invest in any

more recycling infrastructure until the public is properly educated regarding what is/is not

recyclable. He explains how contamination and glass are destructive to equipment, and

acknowledges that recycling is very confusing to consumers due to a lack of consistency

regarding what is collected. He also reveals that recycling would be much easier to do profitably

if consumers sorted the items instead of putting all recyclables into one bin.

http://finance.yahoo.com/video/waste-management-ceo-didnt-educate-125200599.html

Please note: Montana consumers sort recyclables because:

1. Recyclers here do not have the $$ millions to spend on high-tech sorting equipment.And if such expensive equipment were bought, Montanans do not generate enough garbage or recyclables to pay for the equipment…so waste materials could be brought into the state from elsewhere to make the expenditure profitable.
   
2. Separated recyclables generate the most income from sale to re-manufacturers. Montana is clean and beautiful….without the industrial base of major cities and ports where most recyclables are sought for re-manufacturing. Transporting recyclables to markets outside of Montana is very costly; maximum revenue from recyclables is essential to covering costs.
   
3. Volunteers are not going to sort your trash. There are more small towns than ever in Montana that are recycling; often it is volunteers initiating and operating the programs. “Everybody” wants recycling, but only a small percentage of folks are willing to work events, bundle recyclables, and get them to the nearest recycler. Each time you follow directions and sort properly – you make your community recycling program successful. If you don’t sort right, or you include items that are not meant for the bin…you ‘trash’ recycling programs.
   
4. “Drop-off only” programs are common and employee support is not. Unattended drop-off sites are an affordable way of providing recycling for citizens while minimizing labor costs. Small budgets and limited staff require your engagement to sort recyclables as directed. See #2; your engagement is essential to ensuring the success of any recycling program. If you or others contaminate bins with unwanted materials….they just become another trash can.

3. Check out the attachment regarding phone books…

If you choose to Opt-Out, go here:  https://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sandra Boggs
Recycling and Marketing Development Specialist

Recycling, Energy and Compliance Assistance Section
Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 200901
1100 Last Chance Gulch
Helena, MT 59620-0901
www.recycle.mt.gov

Happy America Recycles Day Montana!

Happy America Recycles Day Montana!

Dear Montana,

This November 15^th is America Recycles Day! More than ever, recycling is something to celebrate all year in Montana. A 2004 study by Montana D.E.Q. found that recycling generated nearly ninety million dollars in revenue, paid over nine million dollars in wages and benefits, and sustained over 300 full‐time jobs. At that time, recycling and composting diverted 176,571 tons of material from landfills or 15 percent of Montana’s waste stream.  In line with national trends, that number has continued to grow!

Community commitment to recycling continues to grow across the state.  Rural and urban areas alike are recognizing the public savings of diverting items from the waste stream back into the economy. One success story is Headwaters Cooperative Recycling. Headwaters paved the way for recycling in communities throughout South-Eastern Montana in Augusta, Beaverhead County, Choteau or more than a dozen other communities. All of these entities are now able to sustain their programs on their own through incorporation of recycling into their public works departments, private partnerships, or community efforts.

The 2004 study noted that “recycling in Montana is more than just a fad, it is a real industry.” This America Recycles Day, we see that Recycling is more than just a good idea; it is something we all do in support of our community and our economy. Learn more about recycling success stories in Montana at RecycleMontana.org

Happy ARD Montana

Sincerely,

Mark Nelson, President

Recycle Montana

Helena, Montana 59624-1360

Pollution Prevention update by Sandra Boggs of Montana Department of Environmental Quality!

1. There is Money in the Trash webinar: 
TODAY: November 12, 2013
Time: 12:00 PM MST http://www.wsra.net/events/event_details.asp?id=369389

Christopher Laughman, of Graybar Electric, Inc., will describe how Graybar successfully
implemented a landfill diversion program which resulted in 50% cost reduction year-over-year. https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=701358&sessionid=1
&key=661B0A6F7B9330372E114285F01A725C&sourcepage=register
Sponsored by Washington State Recycling Association

2. North DakotaWebinar: Tracking Recycled Paper Purchases 
The Responsible Purchasing Network’s Webinar describes effective strategies for gathering,
interpreting and presenting information on recycled paper purchases. You'll also hear how the
State of North Dakota's procurement office and print shop are working together to put some of
these best practices in place as part of their Greener Paper Project.

3. Retail Dining Operations: Opportunities for Source Reduction and 
Effective Materials Management 

Webinar: Thursday, December 12
11:00-12:00 pm MST
Register https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/703038408

Collecting food waste in retail dining operations is challenging but the opportunities for food
waste reduction are immense. Join us as we look at successful “reduce and reuse” strategies,
food donation programs, and unique materials management solutions for the dining hall and
“dining on the run.”

4. Crackdown on False Biodegradability Claims on Plastics 
False marketing claims catch up with manufacturers of paper plates, ‘biodegradable’ additives,
plastic shopping bags and more. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/10/greenactions.shtm

5. Green School Purchasing Resources
The Responsible Purchasing Network offers the following resources to schools:

The Healthy Purchasing for Healthy Schools guidance document, the Green Schools Buying 
Guide, and a recording of the webinar: Green Purchasing for Schools: Save Money and
Reduce Your Environmental Footprint.

Montana Waste Pollution Prevention: Scrap Prices - Montana Schools Challenged - Plastics recycling and HHW collections

Click here to download the recent update!

Montana Green School Challenge by Montana Chapter of U.S. Green Building Council!

Click here to download the flyer!

Waste Pollution Prevent Listserve by Sandra Boggs of MT D.E.Q. Agenda for Tri-State Waste Conference, School Contest, & More

Click here to download this weeks Pollution Prevention Update on Recycling! Click here for the agenda to the upcoming Tri-State Conference!

Posted with permission by RecycleMontana.org!

Pollution Prevention Listserve: [wastep2] Tri-State SW & Recycling Conference! School Recycling Contests! Market Prices!

Please click here to download this document (links will not work without download)!

Thanks!  - Recycle Montana

Pollution Prevention Listserve by Sanda Boggs: Plastic Recycling Changes, Full Wrap Label Webinar, Green Cup Challenge for Schools, Current Prices, Upcoming Webinars, and More

Bin Loan Program for Special Events

WasteP2 Listserve

August 1, 2013

Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau

Department of Environmental Quality

recycle.mt.gov

Sandra Boggs

News and Updates

1.  Far West Fibers Struggles to Educate Public About Plastic Recycling Changes

Far West Fibers is spending time educating the public about plastic recycling restrictions for #3, #6, and #7.  The changes are a result of China’s “Green Fence” crack-down on contaminated recycling bales.  Be sure to note the lady who ignored direction and placed a contaminant plastic into the bin despite being told it could not be recycled.  http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2013/07/plastics_--_sort_of_a_mess.html?utm_source=AOR+Contact+List&utm_campaign=ddab3f84fd-aor_enewsletter_0713&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_519dc0653f-ddab3f84fd-406177799

-Oregonian

2.  Full Wrap Label Webinar.

Full Wrap Shrink Sleeve Labels:  A Recycler's Dilemma was rescheduled to Today.  Learn why this type of packaging is problematic to plastic reclaimers and recycling operations.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

11 am Mountain Time

To learn more and to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/448240455617778176

3. Green Cup Recycle Challenge (for Schools)

http://www.greencupchallenge.net/recyclechallenge/index.html

National Recycle Challenge

November 4-27, 2013

Registration opening soon

4. Recycling Bins: Tips for Maximizing Recovery, Minimizing Contamination, and Building Up Your Inventory

Having the right bin in the right location is fundamental to any successful recycling program.  Don’t miss this special session focusing on recycling bins and getting the “biggest bang for your buck.”

August 8, 2013

11 am FREE WEBINAR

Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/322385073?utm_source=AOR+Contact+List&utm_campaign=8f2b30fe38-aor_listserve_073113&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_519dc0653f-8f2b30fe38-406177799

Join the College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC) to:

·      Examine different bin features for various campus settings

·      Hear how other campuses are maximizing collection through strategic bin placement and expanding their programs using bin grants

·      Discuss campus-specific issues related to recycling bins (i.e., compliance with campus aesthetic standards)

·      Learn about national bin grant opportunities           

·      Find out about cutting-edge behavioral research being done around recycling bins and new bin mapping programs

Presenters:

·      

Gabi Ramirez De la Rosa, Recycling & Sustainability Coordinator, Baylor Medical College

·      Alana Lee Levine, Recycling Program Manager, Arizona State University           

·      Jenna Jambeck, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering, University of Georgia

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/322385073?utm_source=AOR+Contact+List&utm_campaign=8f2b30fe38-aor_listserve_073113&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_519dc0653f-8f2b30fe38-406177799

5.  Emergency, Disaster and Demolition Debris Management Workshops

These workshops take place in North Dakota but may be of interest to solid waste managers and government officials in Montana given our own recent experiences with flooding and leaking pipelines.  The workshops are made possible by a grant from the USDA and are held through August 15^th at different locations in North Dakota.  Check out their brochure for dates and details:  http://deq.mt.gov/Recycle/pdf/USDAGrantWorkshops.pdf

6.  Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More

Date	Topics
August 1, 2013 11 am Free	Full Wrap Shrink Sleeve Labels:  A Recycler's Dilemma Sponsored by Association of Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers Register here
August 8, 2013 11 am Free	Recycling Bins: Tips for Maximizing Recovery, Minimizing Contamination, and Building Up Your Inventory Sponsored by AASHE, Alcoa and Keep America Beautiful
October 17, 2013 11 am Free	Domestic Plastic Reclaimers Act in Response to China's Green Fence Sponsored by Association of Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers Register here

7. Market Prices for Recyclables

These prices are an average from the region and reflect prices for sorted and processed materials; not the prices consumers receive when dropping off recyclables.

Pollution Prevention Update for Montana: Annie Leonard Interview TONIGHT! Free Update Call on (Endangered?) Canadian Product Stewardship; more webinars.......

WasteP2 Listserve [click here to download document with all links]

July 16, 2013

Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau

Department of Environmental Quality

recycle.mt.gov

Sandra Boggs, sboggs@mt.gov

News and Updates

1. Annie Leonard “Story of Stuff” Interview TODAY on Public Radio

Tonight Brian Kahn, host of the public radio program Home Ground will interview Annie

Leonard, author of The Story of Stuff.

Learn more about the interview: 6:30 pm tonight!

http://www.yellowstonepublicradio.org/programs/local/home_ground.html

2. I Want To Be Recycled! - Get FREE PR Material!

Keep America Beautiful launched a new campaign to increase the volume of materials recovered

for recycling. The I Want To Be Recycled campaign has a website, www.iwanttoberecycled.org,

complete with public service announcements, flyers, videos and more that local recycling

programs can use for free! Take a look at the resources and materials available, maybe there is

something you can use in your community.

3. Emergency, Disaster and Demolition Debris Management Workshops

These workshops take place in North Dakota but may be of interest to solid waste managers and

government officials in Montana given our own recent experiences with flooding and leaking

pipelines. The workshops are made possible by a grant from the USDA and are held through

August 15th at different locations in North Dakota. Check out their brochure for dates and

details: http://deq.mt.gov/Recycle/pdf/USDAGrantWorkshops.pdf

4. Are product stewardship organizations and visible eco-fees in danger of

extinction in Ontario?

Thursday, July 18, 2013 - Conference Call – FREE to all

1 pm – 2 pm Mountain Time

Featuring:

Greg Sones, Ontario Ministry of the Environment

Andrew Horsman, Ontario Tire Stewardship

NOTE: Due to the high importance of this topic, PSI* is offering free access to

Thursday's call to non-PSI Members and Partners. To take advantage of this

unique opportunity and experience what is generally reserved for PSI Members

and Partners only, contact Julia Jonas-Day at julia@productstewardship.us.

HURRY, SPACE IS LIMITED!

*PSI = Product Stewardship Institute

5. Marine Debris – The Costs and Consequences: Webinar

The Container Recycling Institute hosts this webinar examining the various types and sources of

marine debris, the cost of cleaning it up, and strategies to prevent it. Free to members or $59 for

others.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

11 am Mountain Time

To Register: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/7377/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=1256313

6. Full Wrap Label Webinar Postponed to August 1st.

Full Wrap Shrink Sleeve Labels: A Recycler's Dilemma is rescheduled to Thursday, August 1,

2013. Learn why this type of packaging is problematic to plastic reclaimers and recycling

operations.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

11 am Mountain Time

To learn more and to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/448240455617778176

7. Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More

July 31, 2013

am

Free to Members;

59 fee for others

Marine Debris – The Costs and Consequences

Sponsored by Container Recycling Institute

Register here

August 1, 2013

am

Free

Full Wrap Shrink Sleeve Labels: A Recycler's Dilemma

Sponsored by Association of Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers

Register here

October 17, 2013

am

Free

Domestic Plastic Reclaimers Act in Response to China's Green Fence

Sponsored by Association of Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers

Register here

WasteP2 Listserve: China Doesn't Want Your Trash, Upcoming Webinars, & More

WasteP2 Listserve

June 5, 2013

Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau

Department of Environmental Quality

recycle.mt.gov

Sandra Boggs

News and Updates

1. China Doesn’t Want Your Trash

This article touches upon the disconnect between the public and how plastic is actually recycled.

The article warns that Cities across the U.S. will soon have a very big problem.

http://qz.com/82640/china-doesnt-want-your-trash-anymore-and-that-could-spell-big-trouble-for-american-cities/

2. OUCH! Why China’s Green Fence Influences Recycling

This blog does a good job of explaining why plastic recycling in the U.S. has got to change. In

fact, they make the point that recycling in general needs to be cleaned up and that MRFs are

ruining the U.S. ability to export quality recyclables.

http://vangelinc.com/recycling/exporting-recycling/what-does-chinas-green-fence-mean-for-the-recycling-industry

-Vangel

3. China’s Green Fence Limits Recycling of #3, #6, #7 Plastics

Recyclers are pulling back on certain types of plastic recycling due to the lack of markets for

them. Far West Fibers president explained that his company now has 50 truckloads of mixed

plastics to sort again. The scrap needs to be sorted into the separate resins before they can hope

to sell the bales to overseas or domestic markets.

Chinese buyers are no longer accepting PVC (#3), Polystyrene (#6), and other mixed plastics

with the #7 on them. In the past, Chinese buyers would accept these undesirable plastics along

with the more valuable ones they are most interested in recovering. Customs in China are

tightening down on the amount of ‘trash’ brought into the country under the pretense of

recycling. 

http://www.opb.org/news/blog/ecotrope/recyclers-limit-plastic-collection-as-china-stopsbuying/?utm_source=AOR+Contact+List&utm_campaign=59dc3ca11daor_enewsletter_0513&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_519dc0653f-59dc3ca11d-406177799

-Oregon Public Broadcasting

4. This Politician Takes Pay Cut to Boost Recycling

Mayor Ray Vaughn of Olney, Illinois put his money where his mouth is upon announcing that he

will cut his own pay to boost recycling in the small city. The Mayor said that he would cut his

salary by 10 percent for a month and use the money to cover the first month's recycling bills for

the first 30 people who enroll in city's recycling pickup program in June.

Now that’s a good way to get publicity for a recycling program! Well done.

5. Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More

June 20, 2013

Free to Members;

$$ fee for others

Setting and Sharing Standards for Corporate Social Responsibility: A Key

Aspect of Product Stewardship

Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute

Register here

June 25, 2013

Noon

Free

Tribal Green Casinos: Resort Amenities

Sponsored by National Sustainable Lodging Network

Register here

July 18, 2013

11 am

Free

Full Wrap Shrink Sleeve Labels: A Recycler's Dilemma

Sponsored by Association of Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers

Register here

WasteP@ Listserve: Red Lodge E-Scrap Event this Saturday; PaperKarma App; Triclosan again; Wildfire Awareness Week

Bin Loan Program for Special Events

WasteP2 Listserve

May 31, 2013

Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau

Department of Environmental Quality

recycle.mt.gov

Sandra Boggs, sboggs@mt.gov

News and Updates

1. Red Lodge E-Scrap Event on June 8th

The group from Red Lodge, REWIND* sent the following information about their upcoming

event:

Free E-waste Recycling Event

Saturday, June 8

Visitors Center parking lot

10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

First Interstate Bank is generously donating use of their lobby starting Monday, May 3rd for folks

that will miss the event and have only a few items. This option is available until noon on

Thursday, June 6. Be sure to notice the art created about e-scrap recycling by local children.

If you have a lot or have heavy items like old TVs, you can contact REWIND about scheduling a

pickup on Thursday, June 6. Businesses also need to schedule pickup times for that Thursday.

Just email info@rewindmt.org or leave a message at 406-446-4255 to schedule a pickup.

*REWIND (Recycle Electronic Waste Into New Devices) is a group of people, organizations and businesses that are

working together to make sure that all electronic waste in our community gets recycled. Sponsors include the Lions

Club, Carbon County Resource Council, Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce, Red Lodge Area Community

Foundation, ECS Refining, Collective Recyclers, Silver Run Computer Services and Mountain Tech Advantage

LLC.

Special Thanks to American Title & Escrow, Beartooth Billings Clinic and First Interstate Bank for their help this

year.

We are very thankful to have the help of the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation in pulling off this event.

Donations to help cover this event and future events can be sent to REWIND c/o RLACF at PO Box 1871, Red

Lodge, MT 59068.

2. Car-bikes Make Cycling More Commuter-Friendly

Organic Transit wants to provide people riding their bike to work with lights, turn signals, and

storage room! Their available models include a truck-like vehicle that can carry up to 800

pounds and starts at $5,500. Check these out: http://www.organictransit.com/index.html

3. Paper Karma: New App Reduces Junk Mail

Paperkarma.com provides a free app which you can download and use to conveniently opt out of

most junk mail. After entering your address, you take pictures of junk mail received and

PaperKarma takes care of the rest. Learn more here: https://www.paperkarma.com/

4. FDA Reviewing Triclosan Again

This Huffington Post article discusses the FDA’s long history with Triclosan, as well as the

concerns that doctors and scientists have about this chemical that is found in anti-bacterial soap,

toothpaste and much more. Studies have shown that Triclosan disrupts endocrine production,

and therefore, potentially, human health. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/02/triclosan-safetyantibacterial-

soap-safe-fda_n_3202847.html

5. Wildfire Awareness Week: June 3rd - 9th

Find out what is happening around the state at http://firesafemt.org/

6. ‘I Drive a Range Rover’ - woman assaults driver of garbage truck

This little tidbit from Waste & Recycling News: A woman in Lower Saucon Township, Pa.,

faces charges of simple assault and harassment after an encounter with her garbage man.

Police say the woman did not get her garbage out in time for pickup the afternoon of May 16.

After the worker passed her house, she called out for the truck to stop and come back.

She brought her trash to the curb, threw it on the ground and ordered the worker to "pick it up

with your teeth because you are a garbage man, you drive a garbage truck and I drive a Range

Rover," according to the police report.

When the worker tried to leave, the woman hit him in the face and tried to pull him from the

truck.

So…first there was road rage….and now there is trash rage? Sad.

8. Upcoming Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More

June 20, 2013

Free to Members;

$$ fee for others

Setting and Sharing Standards for Corporate Social Responsibility: A Key

Aspect of Product Stewardship

Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute

Register here

June 25, 2013

Noon

Free

Tribal Green Casinos: Resort Amenities

Sponsored by National Sustainable Lodging Network

Register here

July 18, 2013

11 am

Free

Full Wrap Shrink Sleeve Labels: A Recycler's Dilemma

Sponsored by Association of Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers

Register here

Waste Pollution Prevention Listserve by Sandra Boggs of Montana Department of Environmental Quality!

Call Sandra at (406) 841-5217 to learn at bin rental for events!

WasteP2 Listserve
May 24, 2013
Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
recycle.mt.gov
Sandra Boggs

News and Updates:

1. Bad Mix: Paper & Cardboard

John Emigh at The Montana Standard offers this story about the problems that mixing paper and
cardboard causes for one area recycler: http://mtstandard.com/news/local/the-blues-of-goinggreen-
mixing-recyclables-poses-problems/article_e24662a2-c104-11e2-ab43-
0019bb2963f4.html Although made of similar materials, the fibers are different enough to cause
problems in processing, according to the item.

2. Flathead Landfill to Expand

This Flathead Beacon story describes the County Commission’s decision to purchase additional
property to expand the county landfill.
http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/county_to_pursue_adjacent_properties_for_landf
ill_expansion/33511/

3. Fortine School Wins the School Recycling Challenge for State

Fortine School came in sixth nationwide to win the statewide prize of $1,000 from the Can
Manufacturers Institute due to their aluminum can recycling program. The School Recycling
Challenge was started by the Institute in 2010 and this is the first year that Montana did not place
in the top three nationwide – perhaps due to the contest’s growing popularity. This year over
1,000 schools across the nation competed for the $5,000 grand prize. Congratulations Fortine!
Thirty schools from Montana competed during this year’s competition between America
Recycles Day, November 14, 2012 through Earth Day, April 22, 2013. Fortine School recycled
1,347 pounds of aluminum beverage cans equating to 17.27 pounds per student for the state win!
Data was not available for all schools, but here is information on three other Montana schools:
-Beartooth Elementary School, 3,423 pounds for 6.79 pounds per student (8th Place nationwide!)
-Florence-Carlton Elementary, 870 pounds for 2.42 pounds per student
-Sacajawea Middle School, 567 pounds for 0.89 pounds per student

4. Look for Energy Star-rated Televisions

The Energy Star program which recognizes energy-efficient appliances, is adding new
specifications for televisions with increased efficiency starting June 1st. The standards already
ensure that consumers save an average of 20% energy savings when buying an Energy Star-rated
televisions. The new standards will further increase the energy efficiency that consumers can
expect. One example given explains that a 60-inch television, if Energy Star certified, will be
40% more efficient than a non-certified model.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=TV

5. Webinar: Tribal Green Casinos: Ventilation and Smoke Free Facilities

Sponsored by National Sustainable Lodging Network.
http://sustainablelodging.org/events/tribal-green-casinos-ventilation-and-smoke-free-facilities
May 28, 2013, 12 pm
Free Webinar
Register here

6. Comparing the Lifecycle Impacts of Solid Waste Management Strategies

Now available online, the Municipal Solid Waste Decision Support Tool enables local, state, and
national government agencies, as well as private organizations and commercial institutions, to
customize the measurement, analysis, and comparison of the environmental impacts of various
methods of solid waste management. This webinar covers the Decision Support Tool and how it
can help users make product stewardship decisions and achieve their impact reduction goals.
Sponsored by the Research Triangle Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
June 5, 2013
11 am – 12:30 pm
Webinar: FREE
Register here

7. Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More

Recycling Incentives Produce and Economic Resources in Montana

A 2004 economic study entitled "The Economic and Ecological Benefits of Recycling in Montana" found recycling created at least 300 full-time jobs, generating $89,120,000 in revenues in 2003. Recycling collection, processing, and manufacturing provide an opportunity to create environmental and economic resources from what would otherwise be waste. Communities across the state are working hard to do their part for recycling, but being a rural state far from markets creates many challenges.

To help address these challenges, the 1999 Legislature established a tax credit for recycling equipment and a deduction for the purchase of recycled material. Both proved successful and the incentives were made permanent in 2009. As recycling equipment becomes more important for recycling collection and processing, the equipment credit helps businesses keep their operations in Montana. The purchase and use deduction helps develop the markets needed to keep the processing and manufacturing jobs in Montana. Tax incentives are long-standing tools that generally represent the common ground–and are the bulk of Montana’s policy supporting recycling.

Recyclers across the state need these incentives. Through the equipment incentive, a Billings recycling company purchased the necessary equipment to shred hard drives, rendering them safe to recycle with all customer data destroyed beyond recovery. House Bill 581 and Senate Bill 282 both repeal these credits and many others that policymakers and Montanans have supported. The incentives match voluntary, private investments that meet Montana goals and generate economic activity.

While both bills seek tax simplification, a more measured approach would better serve Montana. Simplification does not require the elimination of these incentives and others, especially without adequate consideration of the economic benefits they have proven to provide to the citizens and the State of Montana.

In support of recycling,

Mark E Nelson

President, Recycle Montana, Inc
RecycleMontana.org