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