[Update: House Bill 463 has passed the House and Senate!]
Senate Bill 247 , passed by the 2009 Montana legislature established record keeping requirements for recyclers purchasing non-ferrous (e.g. copper) and precious (e.g. catalytic converter) metals. Any purchase of $50 or more must include a scan or copy of the sellers ID, a description of the vehicle and documentation of the purchased material.
House Bill 463 establishes that the damages caused by metals theft are based on the cost to restore the equipment or property affected by the theft to its previous condition. In many cases, the damages caused by this theft far exceed the scrap or recycled metal price of the material stolen.
This bill builds upon the original legislation which created a tool for law enforcement, recyclers, and effected communities and businesses to address metals theft. HB 463 set appropriate penalties consistent with other types of theft and recognizes the impact to public safety, private property, and community exceeds the raw value of the metal stolen.
Proponents included Recycle Montana, NorthWestern Energy, Pacific Steel & Recycling, BNSF Railway Company, Montana Retail Association, Gilman Construction (Butte), Montana Contractors Association, Montana Building Industry Association, Montana Telecommunication Association, and the Montana Electrical Cooperatives’ Association.
House Bill 463 has been transmitted to the Senate and was heard in Senate Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs March 6th at 9a.m. The bill passed unanimously on March 7th, with a minor amendment to clarify one line in the bill. The bill has passed the Senate and is now in the House for concurrence with the amendment. The House concurred on Second reading Saturday, March 23, and will vote again on Monday, March 25 during 3rd reading.
- RecycleMontana.org
Recycle Montana is a non-profit committed to promoting recycling in the State of Montana! More details at RecycleMontana.org
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Bust of Metal's Theft Suspect in Helena Highlights Importance of Recent Law and Cooperation by Businesses, Law Enforcement, and Recyclers!
Metals theft has hurts businesses and communities across Montana. The damage to equipment, productivity losses, and piece of mind caused by the theft far exceeds the cash value of the metal itself when it is recycled. With the support of the recycling industry, the 61st Montana Legislature passed Senate Bill 247 to help law enforcement, communities, and the recycling industry establish the tools needed to catch metal thieves. The 2009 law requires making a copy of the sellers ID for any
transaction over fifty dollars and that detailed records be kept for the purchase of non-ferrous and precious metals. Additionally, the scrap recycling industry has setup ScrapTheftAlert.com to instantly get the word out about any metals theft to the surrounding area.
The following news stories highlight recent success of the 2009, ScrapTheftAlert.com, and good communication by the victims of the metals theft, the recycler, and local law enforcement. Eric
Meredith, Helena Branch Manager for Pacific Steel and Recycling, was
able to alert all of their branches throughout our region following
a detailed letter by Mr. Wenger of Northside Welding & Fabrication.
The Helena Police Department quickly opened a case file and filed an alert with ScrapTheftAlert.com. When some of the stolen material showed up days later in Missoula, the records were in place to clearly identify the suspect and link him to the stolen materials. The arrest of the suspect in East Helena yielded additional material, likely to be connected to additional theft at a Montana Rail Link property and at a
construction site in Helena.
Recent Coverage of Metals Thief Arrest in Helena Area:
Recycling company pushes for cooperation in reporting scrap thefts
Posted: Jan 28, 2013 4:27 PM by Lindsey Gordon
http://www.kxlh.com/news/
http://www.kxlh.com/news/
Man arrested for $23,000 in metal theft
JANUARY 25, 2013 1:22 PM • BY SANJAY TALWANI INDEPENDENT RECORD
Suspect arrested in Helena welding supply thefts
Posted: Jan 25, 2013 5:41 PM by Evan Weborg - MTN News
Updated: Jan 25, 2013 5:42 PM
Updated: Jan 25, 2013 5:42 PM
Recycle Montana is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to recycling in Montana. Please "like" us on facebook, follow us on twitter and blogger, and join our free mailing list to stay up to date on recycling news, events, and opportunities across the state!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Montana Waste Pollution Prevention Listserve by Sandra Boggs January 25, 2013
Bin Loan Program for Special Events
WasteP2 Listserve
by Sandra Boggs
Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
recycle.mt.gov
News and Updates
1. Bin Grant Program: Coca-Cola¨ and Keep America Beautiful
The Coca-Cola 2013 Recycling Bin Grant program begins accepting applications on Monday,
January 28th. Applications will be accepted until March 4, 2013.
Public Space Bin Grants
Who can apply? Non-profit organizations, government agencies, schools and religious
organizations. Learn more about the Public Space Bin Grants.
Collegiate Bin Grants
Who can apply? Colleges and universities. Learn more about the Collegiate Bin Grants.
2. EPA Webinar: “Getting those BIG office Buildings to Recycle’
Thu, Feb 7, 2013 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM MST
This webinar will focus on recycling professionals who have successfully worked with property
managers and others to set up and run programs to recycle paper, OCC and containers from
several large office buildings, government and commercial.
What you will learn from attending this webinar:
• What are the triggers that cause an individual to “go green”?
• Who are the at-risk groups when it comes to recycling? Which demographics lead?
• What are the top barriers to recycling and what can be done by the EPA to break them down?
• Where are Americans making strides in recycling? What can we learn from these positive case
studies?
‘Getting those BIG office Buildings to Recycle’!
Date: February 7, 2013
Time: 1-2:30 pm EST
Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/611857762
3. Recyclers See Soft Prices
Prices fluctuated quite a bit over the last two months of 2012, with fiber (paper-based) taking a
big hit due to China’s reduced demand. China encouraged their boxboard mills to shut down for
two weeks to conserve water. China is reportedly also applying pressure to lower prices on
imports from the U.S. Experts were hopeful that such pressure from China will encourage more
sales of fiber to U.S. domestic mills. In addition, Mexico reduced their demand for fiber from
the U.S. and a Canadian mill was shuttered; experts do not expect paper prices to increase, or if
they do, it will be slowly.
Plastic prices went down as is usual during this season as demand decreases and manufacturers
use up current stock before the end of their fiscal year.
Steel and metals saw a sharp decline in October but began rebounding in December. Experts say
the downturn was related to several different circumstances, including a reduced demand for
scrap metal due to less demand by domestic steel mills. Nonferrous metals (copper, aluminum,
nickel, zinc) prices did see a rebound in December but experts predict that the prices will not
raise much more.
4. Paper Mill Reopens in Washington
Harbor Paper Mill (formerly Grays Harbor Paper Mill) has been able to reopen and hire 175
employees as a result of public and private financing deals. The mill has been shut for a year and
a half due to poor market conditions. The mill continues to produce their Harbor 100 product, a
100% recycled-content paper. A major customer is International Forest Products which supplies
Staples¨. Since Staples is the State of Montana’s Central Stores vendor….we may once again
have a reasonably-priced 100% r/c choice when buying copier and printer paper.
5. Espresso and Trash Service: All in One Location!
Talkeetna Refuse north of Anchorage, Alaska may be the only place there is an espresso
stand/transfer station combination! The transfer station is the only privately owned one in
Alaska and, not surprisingly, it was there first. An administrative assistant with a flair for
espresso convinced the owner to open a part-time espresso business which she operates out of
the same place that folks come to drop off their trash!
Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More
International Perspectives from Community Leaders on Sustainable
Consumption
February 12, 2013
TBD
Free
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
U.S. Policies that Encourage Sustainable Consumption
March 12, 2013
TBD
Free
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
Changes Choices: Choosing to Consume Sustainably
April 9, 2013
TBD
Free
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
[reposted with permission by Recycle Montana]
Saturday, January 12, 2013
WasteP2 Listserve - January 10, 2013
WasteP2 Listserve - January 10, 2013
by Sandra Boggs
Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
recycle.mt.gov
News and Updates
1. SAVE Recycling Drive This Weekend January 11th-14th!
S.A.V.E. will be collecting aluminum, #1 and #2 plastics at 1100 N Last Chance Gulch (near the
YMCA). The drive will run from January 11th-14th, and will operate from 8A.M. - 6P.M. each
day. Donating aluminum cans to the SAVE drive provides income to support continued
expansion of their events.
S.A.V.E. accepts type 1 and 2 plastics at this event; click here for detailed examples and
instructions for how to be prepared. SAVE thanks Tri-County Disposal, City of Helena, Pacific
Steel & Recycling, General Services of the State of Montana, the Montana Beverage
Association, Carroll College, and all volunteers for making these events a success!
Volunteers Needed!
Help your community and VOLUNTEER this January 11th-14th! S.A.V.E. relies heavily on
community support to make their drives successful. Volunteers are needed for this weekend’s
collection. Help SAVE this weekend! Gloves, cocoa, tea and other treats are provided to help
keep you warm. Call 449-6008 for details.
2. Eureka Recycles! Volunteers Crucial to Getting It Started
Lincoln County in northwest Montana known for majestic mountains, deep valleys, wild rivers,
and beautiful mountain lakes. Geographically, it’s a large county that encompasses 3,613 square
miles and includes less than 20,000 residents.
Libby is where the only major landfill is located in Lincoln County, so out-lying areas must
transport all trash to Libby. Trash is hauled from several county-owned container sites;
including Eureka – a 70 mile drive along the shores of Lake Koocanusa, Happy’s Inn – a 35 mile
haul, and Troy – a mere 20 miles away. But keep in mind that these are mountainous highways,
in the summer full of tourists, and often icy and dangerous during the winter.
Despite their remoteness, Lincoln County residents wanted to recycle. A volunteer movement
that started in Eureka in 2007 snowballed to become a county-wide recycling program by 2010.
Helped along with two stimulus grants, the county has placed recycling trailers (ProTainer and
Dempster) in several communities in which paper, plastic, aluminum cans, steel cans, and
cardboard are collected. Recyclables are hauled by county employees to Kootenai Recycling in
Libby, where the commodities are baled with a baler purchased in 2011 with the help of stimulus
money.
The recycling program continues to grow. A recycling collection and storage building was
constructed at the Eureka Class III Landfill in 2011. This building has greatly reduced the
number of trips needed to haul recyclables to Libby. Beginning in October 2012, all plastics are
accepted for recycling, instead of just #1 and #2 plastics. Additional locations to collect
cardboard have been added at the Libby and Eureka Landfills. There are plans to add more dropoff
locations to make recycling more convenient for residents. Proceeds from the sale of
recyclables are put back into the recycling program, or donated to spay/neuter programs.
3. “Recycle Day” at the Capitol is March 25th.
Recycle Montana is organizing a “Recycle Day” at the Capitol during this legislative session.
Recycle Montana is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to recycling in Montana.
http://recyclemontana.org/index.htm
Stay up to date on recycling news, events, and opportunities across the state by "liking" RecycleMontana on Facebook, follow them on twitter and blogger, and sign up for their free mailing list!
4. Recycling Help for Communities: Staff
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is the sponsoring agency for Energy
Corps Internships and applications for host sites are currently being solicited. The program
provides hands-on energy assistance, energy education, and community recycling and other
sustainability planning, to help communities. To learn more about Energy Corps and
AmeriCorps, go to www.energycorps.ncat.org
5. Recycling/Sustainability in Montana News
On Thursday, January 3rd, Montana Public Radio (KUFM) included a newscast on recycling in
the Flathead Valley: : http://www.mtpr.net/news_archive.html In addition, that evening’s
commentary focused on sustainability issues and was provided by Emily Post of the Alternative
Energy Resource Organization (AERO).
6. County Wins in Flow Control Case
Horry County in South Carolina won in U.S. District Court during an appeal by private solid
waste firms. The Court ruled that the county ordinance giving the Solid Waste Authority power
to direct disposal of trash generated within county boundaries is legal. The 2009 ordinance
requires that trash generated within county boundaries may only be disposed of in the County’s
landfill or another landfill as directed by the Solid Waste Authority. The County argued that the
ordinance protects the County against liability for contamination at non-county landfills. Private
solid waste firms argue that revenue is lost due to flow control; jobs have been eliminated due to
the large decrease in trash received and they have few options to replace that revenue.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/01/04/3254997/horry-county-solid-waste-authority.html
-The Sun News
7. Call2Recycle Program Big Hit with Consumers
Rechargeable batteries can be recycled for free at many retail stores that participate in the
Call2Recycle national take-back program: Home Depot, Radio Shack, Staples, Office Depot,
Batteries Plus, Lowe’s and many, many more. Over 50% of consumers then stay in the store and
make other purchases, according to Call2Recycle. Retailers get free advertising on
Call2Recycle, Earth911.org and other recycling websites visited by consumers.
http://www.call2recycle.org/drop-shop-retail-recycling-programs-provide-great-environment-for-consumers/
8. Textbook Recycling
The National Wildlife Federation, McGraw-Hill Companies and NewPage published A Research
Study on Textbook Recycling in America in November 2012. The University of Wyoming is
featured in the case studies.
http://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-USA/Our-Partners/Textbook-Recycling-Program.aspx
9. 2013 Paper Recycling Awards: Entries Now Being Accepted
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is accepting entries for their recycling
awards until February 15, 2013. Businesses, communities or schools can tout their paper
recycling activities and receive national recognition, as well as a $2,000 grand prize. Last year
Perry High School in Ohio recycled 466 pounds of paper per student to win! Other winners
included a property group and a naval base.
http://paperrecycles.org/news/press_releases/2013_recycling_awards_call_for_entry.html
10. Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More
- January 16, 2013 / Noon/ Free
Green Your Office Equipment! Introductory Webinar
Sponsored by the State Electronics Challenge
(click here to register)
- February 12, 2013 / TBD / Free
International Perspectives from Community Leaders on SustainableConsumption
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
- March 12, 2013 / TBD / Free
U.S. Policies that Encourage Sustainable Consumption
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
- April 9, 2013 / TBD / Free
Changes Choices: Choosing to Consume Sustainably
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
by Sandra Boggs
Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
recycle.mt.gov
News and Updates
1. SAVE Recycling Drive This Weekend January 11th-14th!
S.A.V.E. will be collecting aluminum, #1 and #2 plastics at 1100 N Last Chance Gulch (near the
YMCA). The drive will run from January 11th-14th, and will operate from 8A.M. - 6P.M. each
day. Donating aluminum cans to the SAVE drive provides income to support continued
expansion of their events.
S.A.V.E. accepts type 1 and 2 plastics at this event; click here for detailed examples and
instructions for how to be prepared. SAVE thanks Tri-County Disposal, City of Helena, Pacific
Steel & Recycling, General Services of the State of Montana, the Montana Beverage
Association, Carroll College, and all volunteers for making these events a success!
Volunteers Needed!
Help your community and VOLUNTEER this January 11th-14th! S.A.V.E. relies heavily on
community support to make their drives successful. Volunteers are needed for this weekend’s
collection. Help SAVE this weekend! Gloves, cocoa, tea and other treats are provided to help
keep you warm. Call 449-6008 for details.
2. Eureka Recycles! Volunteers Crucial to Getting It Started
Lincoln County in northwest Montana known for majestic mountains, deep valleys, wild rivers,
and beautiful mountain lakes. Geographically, it’s a large county that encompasses 3,613 square
miles and includes less than 20,000 residents.
Libby is where the only major landfill is located in Lincoln County, so out-lying areas must
transport all trash to Libby. Trash is hauled from several county-owned container sites;
including Eureka – a 70 mile drive along the shores of Lake Koocanusa, Happy’s Inn – a 35 mile
haul, and Troy – a mere 20 miles away. But keep in mind that these are mountainous highways,
in the summer full of tourists, and often icy and dangerous during the winter.
Despite their remoteness, Lincoln County residents wanted to recycle. A volunteer movement
that started in Eureka in 2007 snowballed to become a county-wide recycling program by 2010.
Helped along with two stimulus grants, the county has placed recycling trailers (ProTainer and
Dempster) in several communities in which paper, plastic, aluminum cans, steel cans, and
cardboard are collected. Recyclables are hauled by county employees to Kootenai Recycling in
Libby, where the commodities are baled with a baler purchased in 2011 with the help of stimulus
money.
The recycling program continues to grow. A recycling collection and storage building was
constructed at the Eureka Class III Landfill in 2011. This building has greatly reduced the
number of trips needed to haul recyclables to Libby. Beginning in October 2012, all plastics are
accepted for recycling, instead of just #1 and #2 plastics. Additional locations to collect
cardboard have been added at the Libby and Eureka Landfills. There are plans to add more dropoff
locations to make recycling more convenient for residents. Proceeds from the sale of
recyclables are put back into the recycling program, or donated to spay/neuter programs.
3. “Recycle Day” at the Capitol is March 25th.
Recycle Montana is organizing a “Recycle Day” at the Capitol during this legislative session.
Recycle Montana is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to recycling in Montana.
http://recyclemontana.org/index.htm
Stay up to date on recycling news, events, and opportunities across the state by "liking" RecycleMontana on Facebook, follow them on twitter and blogger, and sign up for their free mailing list!
4. Recycling Help for Communities: Staff
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is the sponsoring agency for Energy
Corps Internships and applications for host sites are currently being solicited. The program
provides hands-on energy assistance, energy education, and community recycling and other
sustainability planning, to help communities. To learn more about Energy Corps and
AmeriCorps, go to www.energycorps.ncat.org
5. Recycling/Sustainability in Montana News
On Thursday, January 3rd, Montana Public Radio (KUFM) included a newscast on recycling in
the Flathead Valley: : http://www.mtpr.net/news_archive.html In addition, that evening’s
commentary focused on sustainability issues and was provided by Emily Post of the Alternative
Energy Resource Organization (AERO).
6. County Wins in Flow Control Case
Horry County in South Carolina won in U.S. District Court during an appeal by private solid
waste firms. The Court ruled that the county ordinance giving the Solid Waste Authority power
to direct disposal of trash generated within county boundaries is legal. The 2009 ordinance
requires that trash generated within county boundaries may only be disposed of in the County’s
landfill or another landfill as directed by the Solid Waste Authority. The County argued that the
ordinance protects the County against liability for contamination at non-county landfills. Private
solid waste firms argue that revenue is lost due to flow control; jobs have been eliminated due to
the large decrease in trash received and they have few options to replace that revenue.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2013/01/04/3254997/horry-county-solid-waste-authority.html
-The Sun News
7. Call2Recycle Program Big Hit with Consumers
Rechargeable batteries can be recycled for free at many retail stores that participate in the
Call2Recycle national take-back program: Home Depot, Radio Shack, Staples, Office Depot,
Batteries Plus, Lowe’s and many, many more. Over 50% of consumers then stay in the store and
make other purchases, according to Call2Recycle. Retailers get free advertising on
Call2Recycle, Earth911.org and other recycling websites visited by consumers.
http://www.call2recycle.org/drop-shop-retail-recycling-programs-provide-great-environment-for-consumers/
8. Textbook Recycling
The National Wildlife Federation, McGraw-Hill Companies and NewPage published A Research
Study on Textbook Recycling in America in November 2012. The University of Wyoming is
featured in the case studies.
http://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-USA/Our-Partners/Textbook-Recycling-Program.aspx
9. 2013 Paper Recycling Awards: Entries Now Being Accepted
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is accepting entries for their recycling
awards until February 15, 2013. Businesses, communities or schools can tout their paper
recycling activities and receive national recognition, as well as a $2,000 grand prize. Last year
Perry High School in Ohio recycled 466 pounds of paper per student to win! Other winners
included a property group and a naval base.
http://paperrecycles.org/news/press_releases/2013_recycling_awards_call_for_entry.html
10. Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More
- January 16, 2013 / Noon/ Free
Green Your Office Equipment! Introductory Webinar
Sponsored by the State Electronics Challenge
(click here to register)
- February 12, 2013 / TBD / Free
International Perspectives from Community Leaders on SustainableConsumption
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
- March 12, 2013 / TBD / Free
U.S. Policies that Encourage Sustainable Consumption
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
- April 9, 2013 / TBD / Free
Changes Choices: Choosing to Consume Sustainably
Sponsored by EPA Region 10
Friday, November 30, 2012
"Recycle Montana" Commentary on Montana Public Radio!
Listen at the following link or tune in tonight:
http://mtprnews.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/matt-elsaesser-commentary-recycle-montana/
Thanks!
- Recycle Montana
http://mtprnews.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/matt-elsaesser-commentary-recycle-montana/
Thanks!
- Recycle Montana
Monday, November 26, 2012
Recent Recycle Montana Highlights!
Fall Recycling Presentations
- Jim Dochnalh visited over 2,600 students in eleven communities,
including multiple presentations in many, especially Billings and Butte.
Details at Recycle Montana's Blog!
"Celebrate America Recycles Day" by Mark Nelson ran in The Billings Gazette, The Roundup (Sidney), and The Valley Journal (Ronan).
Recycle Montana(facebook photo link) hosted an educational booth at America Recycles Day in Helena. Board Member Sherrel Rhys was pictured in the Helena Independent Record in costume!!!
Recycle Montana commentary to run this Friday, November 30th, on Montana Public Radio's Evening Edition.
Recycle Montana Education Program Wraps Up Fall Season! More presentations across Montana this Winter and coming Spring!
Following last years success of giving recycling presentations across the state, this year Recycle Montana presentation by Jim Dochnahl has reached over 2,600 students in Lolo, Dillon, Joliet, Columbus, Billings, Manhattan, Butte, Choteau, Lincoln, Helmville, and Seeley Lake. Winter presentation will include Amsterdam, Whittier, Deer Lodge, and Twin Bridges. Spring presentations are still being scheduled. Contact Recycle Montana at (406) 461 - 9106 for more information.
Mr. Dochnahl's interactive presentation includes a challenge for students to match up which items can find a place among the 3Rs and what ends up in a landfill.
Jim highlight, and the above exercise shows, that more items than you often think can be reduced, reused, and recycled to reduce waste!
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