Waste Pollution Prevention by Sandra Boggs: Green Hotel Webinar Series; School Eco-tech Grants; Victory for Cell Phone Users

WasteP2 Listserve 

March 26, 2014 

Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau 

Department of Environmental Quality 

recycle.mt.gov 

Sandra Boggs

News and Updates 

1. Green Hotel Webinar Series: FREE 

The EPA is offering a series of six webinars that will cover sustainability topics for the lodging 

sector. Energy efficiency is featured in several of the webinars, as well as water conservation, 

waste management, green cleaning, stormwater management and more. A total of 18 

presentations are included in the six webinars. Don’t miss this chance to learn from those that 

have implemented changes that save money while saving resources. 

http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/registration-opens-for-green-hotel-webinar-series 

2.Eco-Tech Grants Available to Schools: Captain Planet Foundation 

Sixteen grants will be awarded to schools or non-profit organizations for the purpose of engaging children in inquiry-based projects in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) that use innovation, biomimicry / nature-based design, or new uses for technology to address environmental problems in their communities. Schools from all states are eligible to apply.

Captain Planet Foundation: http://www.captainplanetfoundation.org/2014/01/ecotech/ 

3. Compost From Food Waste and Understanding Soil Chemistry and Soil 

Biology on a College / University Campus 

This FREE webinar is hosted by EPA as part of their Food Recovery Challenge. 

12pm Mountain Time 

April 3, 2014 

Register here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/682882026 

4. ISRI Releases Guide to Scrap Metal Laws in All States 

The Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has released a guide to the laws governing 

theft of scrap metal and other requirements regarding the buying and selling of scrap metals. 

Find a link to the guide on the homepage of ISRI: www.isri.org 

In addition ISRI has formed a Law Enforcement Advisory Council to assist authorities in 

addressing the problem of scrap metal theft. 

http://www.isri.org/ISRI/Whats_New/2012/Recycling_Industry_Forms_Law_Enforcement_Advisory_Council_to_

Help_in_Fight_Against_Metals_Theft.aspx

5. Paper Reduction: EPA Switching to Electronic Document Tracking 

The EPA continues to work on changing the current manifest system for tracking the movement and disposal of hazardous wastes. The EPA is changing from hard-copy forms to an electronic system. Catch up on the current work and next steps here: 

http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/transportation/manifest/e-man.htm 

The final system is expected to save hundreds of man-hours required for paperwork by the old system while increasing transparency for the public regarding the transport of hazardous wastes through communities.

6. A Victory for Cell Phone Users and Recyclers

A new policy now allows for the ‘unlocking’ of cell phones and switching carriers without

having to change phones. The agreement between the Federal Communications Commission

and major carriers removes a hurdle for cell phone refurbishers and recyclers, as well as

consumers. The U.S. is the only country with copyright laws that block the reuse of technology at the end of a device’s ‘life’.

http://americanrecycler.com/8568759/index.php/news/electronics-recycling/89-cellphone-unlocking-policy-avictory-

for-recyclers

-American Recycler

7. Positively Clean Plastic Recycling

http://www.recyclingtoday.com/rt0114-plastics-recycling-technology.aspx

Advice on successful PET recycling processors.

-Recycling Today

8. Earth Day’s Green Cities Initiative

http://www.earthday.org/greencities/

9. Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More

Date Topics

Green Hotel Webinar Series: Water and Energy Efficiency

March 28, 2014

11 am – 12:15 pm

Sponsored by EPA

Deconstruction Webinar Series

March 27, 2014

12:00 pm MT

Sponsored by WasteCap Resource Solutions

Green Hotel Webinar Series: Food Service and Renovations

April 2, 2014

11 am – 12:15 pm

Sponsored by EPA

University Composting and Understanding Soil Chemistry

April 3, 2014

12 pm – 1:30 pm

Sponsored by EPA

Green Hotel Webinar Series: Reduce Toxic Chemical Use and Stormwater

Management

April 13, 2014

11 am – 12:15 pm

Sponsored by EPA

Transportation Planning

April 17, 2014

1 pm – 2 pm MT

Sponsored by EPA Region 8

http://greenlocalgovernment.org/2014-webinar-series/

Waste P2 Update: Plastics Recycling in Helena, Recycling Olympics, The Science of Using the Recycling Bin and more!

Courtesy of Sandra Boggs!

Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau

Department of Environmental Quality

recycle.mt.gov

News and Updates

1.  City of Helena To Offer #1 & #2 Plastic Recycling Soon

Check out this story in the Independent Record to learn more: http://helenair.com/news/local/city-of-helena-to-start-taking-in-some-plastics-for/article_5a0870f8-a1d0-11e3-8b0a-0019bb2963f4.html

2.  S.A.V.E.  Plastics Drive March 14 – 17, 2014.

Volunteers are needed! http://www.savemobile.org/

3.  Recycling Olympics: Which Medalist Are You?

Sherri Hurry works at Republic Services in Billings and makes a comparison between Olympic medalists and folks who recycle.  From the Billings Gazette:

http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/mailbag/winning-the-recycling-olympics/article_5f530deb-f6bd-533f-83b9-4672e2bd1a38.html

4. The Science of Getting People to Use the Bin: Webinar

This FREE webinar from the College and University Recycling Coalition (CURC) will provide insight into motivating people to recycle.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

11:00 am -12:30 pm MT. Register here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/853146937

5. Safer Chemicals in Building Products: How to Get LEED Credit

This FREE webinar includes information on changes to LEED specifications for building products. The new guidelines now include disclosure of ingredients and the reduction of hazardous chemicals.  Find out more:

March 6, 2014

1pm – 2pm MT Register here: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/664993782

6.  2014 Collegiate Sports Sustainability Summit

Registration is open for this conference which runs June 25-27, 2014. The Summit is located at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  Limited to only 250 people, the Summit will bring together collegiate athletics staff, campus recreational managers, sustainability professionals, and recycling/facility managers.   

http://www.nirsa.org/wcm/partner/CS3-2014/Welcome/wcm/_Grow/Institutes/Sustainability/_2014/Main.aspx?hkey=9d91b0a5-4773-47ee-b20d-dc668725e6f1

7.  Greening Local Government – Great Resources

Visit this website to find information on eleven ways to increase sustainability in your local governments and communities. Here is a list of webinars offered this year, (and if you missed them past webinars are available online).

Purchasing and Office Practices

March 20

1 pm – 2 pm MT

REGISTER NOW

Transportation Planning

April 17

1 pm – 2 pm MT

REGISTER NOW

Water – Conservation & Catchment

May 15

1 pm – 2 pm MT

REGISTER NOW

Green Building & Integrated Pest Management

June 19

1 pm – 2 pm MT

 REGISTER NOW

8. Summit for Recycling: Colorado

The Colorado Association for Recycling has their annual conference coming up in June 8-10, 2014.  Their theme is "The Changing Landscape: How Limited Resources, New Technologies and Human Behavior Are Reshaping the Recycling Industry".

Check out their website: http://www.cafr.org/summit/

9. Deconstruction Webinar Series: FREE

This is the second webinar of a three-part series. In this webinar, you will learn how to identify materials that can be recovered, how to specifically deconstruct them and figuring out the relative value of the materials.

March 27, 2014

Noon Mountain Time

http://www.wastecap.org/events/webinars/

10.  University Surplus Property Association Conference

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

March 23-26, 2014

Conference gives attendees the opportunity to share strategies and tactics that help them meet the needs of their respective universities as well as network with vendors specifically tailored to the recycling, disposal, and infrastructure needs that are unique to Surplus Property Departments. For more information, including registration, click here.

http://universitysurplus.org/

Waste Pollution Prevent Listserve: News & Updates by Sandra Boggs of Montana D.E.Q.!

WasteP2 Listserve

February 28, 2014

Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau

Department of Environmental Quality

recycle.mt.gov

Sandra Boggs

News and Updates

1.    University of Montana: Recycling Not Always Pretty

Kasey Rahn writes about The Putrid Side to Green Living in the Montana Kaimin, a publication of the University. http://www.montanakaimin.com/news/article_a669ee90-8d58-11e3-bfdd-001a4bcf6878.html

2. Paying for College Through Recycling

Check out this student in Oregon who works with her family to pay her college costs through recycling. http://www.registerguard.com/rg/news/local/31197626-75/lilly-cans-bottles-stephanie-bottle.html.csp?utm_source=AOR+Contact+List&utm_campaign=fa13ae7c1e-aor_enewsletter_0214&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_519dc0653f-fa13ae7c1e-406177799

3. Is China Losing Buying Power?

Check out this editorial from Resource Recycling about 6% decline in orders from China last year.  http://resource-recycling.com/node/4633

4.  The Science of Getting People to Use the Bin: Webinar

This FREE webinar from the College and University Recycling Coalition (CURC) will provide insight into motivating people to recycle.

Thursday, March 13 from

11:00 AM -12:30 PM MT. Register here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/853146937

5.  2014 Collegiate Sports Sustainability Summit

Limited to only 250 people, this promises to be a great meeting for recycling staff and students.

http://www.nirsa.org/wcm/partner/CS3-2014/Welcome/wcm/_Grow/Institutes/Sustainability/_2014/Main.aspx?hkey=9d91b0a5-4773-47ee-b20d-dc668725e6f1

6. Summit for Recycling: Colorado

The Colorado Association for Recycling has their annual conference coming up in June.  Their theme is "The Changing Landscape: How Limited Resources, New Technologies and Human Behavior Are Reshaping the Recycling Industry".

Check out their website: http://www.cafr.org/summit/

7. Walmart Phasing Out Hazardous Chemicals in Products

Walmart is making changes in their supply lines again. This time they are promoting better consumer and environmental health by getting away from some seriously unhealthy chemical ingredients in the products they sell. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/02/28/walmart-starts-promised-chemicals-policy/

Webinar Series by The College & University Recycling Coalition!

Click here to sign up for CURC's 2014 webinars!

Montana D.E.Q. Survery Shows Montana Recycling Continues to Climb!

[Great news from Montana Department of Environmental Quality

Planning, Prevention & Assistance Division!]

RELEASE: DEQ Survery Shows Montana Recycling Continues to Climb

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2014

MONTANA RECYCLING AND LANDFILL DIVERSION RATES CONTINUE TO CLIMB

DEQ survey shows recycling on the rise as more waste is diverted from landfills

Helena, Mont. -- The amount of solid waste recycled from Montana landfills continues to rise as residents take advantage of the social and environmental benefits of recycling and composting, according to a recent survey by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). 
The DEQ annually surveys solid waste management facilities such as landfills, transfer stations, compost operations, and recyclers. The latest data from 2012 indicates the state diverts almost 22 percent of its solid waste through recycling and compost efforts.
By statute the DEQ has a target to divert 22 percent of generated solid waste for the calendar year 2015, according to Bonnie Rouse, manager of the Recycling and Compliance Assistance program at DEQ. The state is well positioned to exceed the goal, she added. The survey for 2003 – the first conducted – indicated about 15 percent was either recycled or diverted.
Materials diverted from Montana landfills include paper products, plastics, aluminum, and ferrous and mixed scrap metals (excluding junked automobiles). Organic materials such as landscape waste, sewage sludge, and construction and demolition debris, as well as electronic or e-waste is also either diverted or recycled, Rouse said. 
The survey data indicates more than 1.6 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in Montana in 2012. Of this amount, more than 350,000 tons were either collected for recycling or otherwise diverted from the waste stream, such as through composting programs. Rouse noted the tonnage landfilled in 2012 actually decreased by almost 103,000 tons from 2011, while the amount recycled or diverted increased by 26,446 tons over the same period.
 “Recycling generates real economic benefits for Montana communities,” noted DEQ Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “Recycling employs people across the state at the same time as it conserves valuable resources and saves energy.”
Rouse said recent state investment in a Hub-and-Spoke recycling program among smaller communities may have contributed to the growth. That program is designed to offer better collection and marketing opportunities by networking neighboring rural towns. Whatever the cause, Rouse said a national recycling calculator indicates the state saved 13.6 million BTUs of energy.  She added the reporting mechanism is “extremely conservative” and that the state likely recycles and diverts solid waste at an even higher rate. The data shows Montanans generate about 8.8 pounds of solid waste per day per person and that about 1.9 pounds per person per day is recycled or diverted from the waste stream. That’s a bit higher than the national average on both fronts, Rouse said.
For more information on recycling and composting in Montana, the public can visit the DEQ Recycling Program on the web at:www.deq.mt.gov/Recycle.  The most recent survey on landfill diversion is available at this page:http://www.deq.mt.gov/Recycle/recycling_statistics_Page.mcpx.  Figures for 2013 will be released in the fall of this year. 

Courtesy of: 

Paul Driscoll

Montana Department of Environmental Quality

Planning, Prevention & Assistance Division

Office: 406-444-6421

Chris Saeger
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Communications Director

Office: 406-444-2667

[wastep2] Plastics recycling this weekend; Bin GRANT program; Where's the beef?

Click here to download and to be able to use links! 

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