Green Bin Audit Report Understanding contamination in curbside organics collection

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Green Bin Audit Report Understanding contamination in curbside organics collection"

Transcription

1 Green Bin Audit Report 2015 Understanding contamination in curbside organics collection

2 Contents Executive Summary... 3 Audit Background... 4 How Organic Waste is collected... 4 Education... 5 Inspection of green bins... 5 Audit findings... 6 Number of Contaminated bins... 6 Contamination by weight... 8 Contamination by volume... 8 Types of liners used... 8 Discussion... 9 Causes of contamination... 9 Small food related items... 9 Plastic bags... 9 Food in packaging Confusing items The use of compostable bags Conclusion and Next Steps Lessons for the future References Raw data... 12

3 Executive Summary The City of Nanaimo began to collect household organic waste in Organic waste is collected weekly with the separation of organics from garbage leading to a 50% reduction (by weight) in waste sent to landfill. The City of Nanaimo has invested considerable efforts into educating residents as to the proper separation and disposal of household organics. The 2015 audit aims to understand the efficacy of these efforts and to assess the level and type of contamination within the residential organic waste stream. 50 green bins from across the City of Nanaimo were audited. The audit found that 24% of the bins contained some type of contamination. The types of contamination can be categorised as follows: i. Small food related items ii. Plastic bags iii. Food in packaging iv. Confusing items Whilst a 24% contamination rate is less than desirable the actual amount of contamination compared to complaint materials is very small. The audit found that less than 1% of the weight and less than 1% of the volume of the material audited comprised of contaminants. The audit also found that 86% of residents line their green bin, with 82% of residents opting to use specially purchased compostable liners. A further 4% of bins were lined with paper. The following areas where further resident education is required have been identified: i. Increased vigilance when disposing of small food related items ii. The need to use compostable bags, not biodegradable bags iii. Increased vigilance when disposing of pre-packaged food iv. Clarification on certain confusing household items

4 Kg/household Audit 2015 The aim of the audit was to understand the level and type of contamination in the curbside organic waste collection with a means to assessing the effectiveness of the City s education program. Background How Organic Waste is collected Residential organic waste is collected by City refuse collectors. The City services single family dwellings and residences up to fourplexes in size. There are a small number of small businesses who also receive the service (those too small to arrange commercial pick up). In total; 26,698 households and 171 businesses receive curbside collection of organic waste (as of July 2015). Organic waste is collected weekly in 34 litre Orbis wheeled bins, known as Green Bins. The waste is manually loaded in to side loading garbage trucks. Upon completion of the route the waste is taken to Nanaimo Organic Waste, 981 Maughan Road, Nanaimo. Organic waste is banned from residential garbage and since implementation of the program in 2011 the amount of garbage collected at the curb has dropped by 50% Kitchen Waste Recycling Garbage

5 Education Over the years immediately preceding and following implementation of the Green Bin program residents have been constantly educated as to the requirements of the program. Examples of such education include: 1. Green Bin user Guide, first issued in 2011 to all households and updated in Green Bin How to video, released in Beyond Composting Website, originally launched in Green bins coming, Wasteline Fall How to care for your green bin, Wasteline Spring Summer Tips for your Green, released in On the path to a sustainable City, Wasteline Fall Food Waste collection, Wasteline Spring Curbside Green bin Guide, Wasteline Spring Why did we tag your can?, Trash Talk, Spring 2015 In addition to the above, refuse collectors take the time to educate residents at the curb. Where a refuse collector notices a non-complaint green bin they will knock at the door (where safe and accessible) to see if the resident is home for a friendly chat, if nobody is home collectors leave reminder stickers and handouts. The box at the bottom of the sticker is used to give details of the non-compliant material. Inspection of green bins The manual nature of organic waste collection in the City allows for cursory inspection of every bin collected. Typically, a refuse collector will remove large items of contamination from the bin to allow collection of compliant material. However, where the refuse collector has made multiple attempts to educate the resident the bin and its contents will be left behind. This means that any large items of contamination are spotted and eliminated from the waste stream. Any items that are too small for the refuse collector to notice should be screened out at the organics processing plant. Refuse collectors typically site that the main item of contamination within the waste stream is plastic bags used to contain compliant material. Often these bags feature printing that describes them as biodegradable. Residents can be unaware of the distinction between biodegradable and compostable bags. Considerable focus has been given to the need to use only compostable liners featuring the certified compostable logo.

6 Audit findings The Audit took place over three days in July A random sample of 50 bins was audited. The contents of the bins were weighed and sorted. Items of contamination were recorded, photographed, weighed and their volume as a percentage of the contents was estimated. The type of any liner used (if any) was also recorded. Number of Contaminated bins Of the 50 bins audited, 12 (24%) contained items of contamination. Of the 12 contaminated bins, one was contaminated obviously enough that the non-complaint material would have been spotted by a refuse collector. The other items of contamination were hidden within compliant organic material or contained within tied compostable bags. Details of contamination found in the 12 bins containing non-complaint material 1 1/2 a bread clip & Top off a juice box 2 Plastic sausage skin 3 Cheese string in packaging and yogurt tube 4 6 Plastic bags containing compliant compost (contained in compostable liner). 5 Q tip and candy wrapper 6 Filter material 7 Metal twist tie 8 Foil lined cardboard lid 9 Plastic straw wrapper 10 3 Metal twist ties 11 3 plastic bags 12 Pop bottle cap

7 Examples of Contamination found during audit

8 Contamination by weight The total contents of the audited bins weighed kgs. The average weight of as single green bins contents was 5.8 kgs. The total weight of the contaminants found was negligible at 33g (0.01%). The weight of contaminants had to be estimated as the items were too light to register on the digital scale. Contamination by volume It was estimated that the contamination within the bins represented 0.1% of the total volume of the bin contents. For this reason, with the exception of plastic bags, the contaminants encountered during the audit would be particularly difficult for refuse collectors to spot. Types of liners used 41 (82%) of the bins audited were lined using specially purchased starch based compostable liners. A further two (4%) bins were lined with paper; one specially purchased paper lined and one newspaper lined. Seven (14%) bins were unlined.

9 Discussion Although the sample size only represents a small selection of the City s households (0.2%), this sample can be considered representative of the City since 18 of the City s 35 routes were audited with an even distribution over the city. The audit sample included the full spectrum of dwelling types and socioeconomic areas that the City services. Levels of contamination appeared uniform across the City with no area out performing another. Causes of contamination The audit showed that it is unlikely that residents are actively attempting to hide non-compliant material within their organic waste. Rather there are specific reasons why the organics stream becomes contaminated. The findings of the audit imply the following lead causes of contamination to the organic waste stream: i. Small food related items ii. Plastic bags iii. Food in packaging iv. Confusing items Small food related items Six (50%) of the 12 contaminated bins contained small plastic food related contaminants that residents typically are aware are not compostable. This suggests that items find their way into the organics bin through oversight rather than misinterpretation of the guidelines. Plastic bags In two instances we found that residents had used plastic bags to contain otherwise compliant material. In the first instance the plastic bags were contained within a compostable bag. The plastic bags were clear with green writing indicating that they were biodegradable. It is likely that the resident had been confused by this distinction. In the second of these instances the auditor was able to speak with the homeowner about the use of plastic bags, the homeowner did not speak English and the auditor felt that he was unable to communicate effectively with the homeowner.

10 Food in packaging Food still in packaging accounted for two of the contaminated bins. Items were a sausage in plastic skin and individually wrapped cheese strings and yogurt tubes. It is likely that these items were placed in the bin from oversight since residents are generally aware that plastic wrapping is not compostable. Confusing items Two bins were contaminated with items that residents could be mistaken in believing are compostable. These were a foil lined lid from a take away food container and a piece of cotton type filter material. The use of compostable bags 82% of the bins audited were lined using specially purchased compostable liners made from plant starch. With average prices around 20c a bag this represents a considerable commitment by residents to source and use the correct liners for the purpose of keeping their kitchen catcher and green bins clean (the cost of compostable bags to each residence is estimated at 60c a week or $31.20 a year, (Region of York, 2011)). Compostable bags are available at most grocery and hardware shops in the City; the high usage of these bags is testament to the City s efforts to educate residents to look for the compostable logo. There is certainly further work to be done in terms of educating all residents about the need to use compostable bags over biodegradable. Based on audit results it could be considered that 5% of the City s residents are confused about this distinction. Furthermore, it could be considered that residents who speak English as a second language may not understand the educational materials provided. The use of paper bags was low compared to starch bags with only 2% of the sample bins featuring specially purchased paper liners. Paper liners are more expensive than starch liners with the average cost being 55c per bag ($1.65 per week or $85.80 per year per household, (Region of York, 2011)). 16% of residents opted to either not line their green bin or to use newspaper as a free alternative to a specially purchased liner. Conclusion and Next Steps At first glance, the contamination rate of 24% is alarming, however, upon closer inspection of the types, weight and volume of this contamination the situation is not so dire with less than 1% of the weight and volume of organics audited comprising of contaminants. Doubtless the ability of our refuse collectors to manually inspect the green bin further safeguards against contamination however, the lion share of contamination is not noticeable without ripping open bags and closely inspecting the contents. This finding is favourable since the City is considering a move

11 to automation which would remove our ability to manually inspect each can. With an automated system there will be cameras in the truck hopper to allow refuse collectors identify and remove large items of contamination. Lessons for the future The audit has pinpointed areas of focus for future education of residents, in order of priority these are: v. Increased vigilance when disposing of small food related items like bread clips vi. The need to use compostable bags, not biodegradable bags vii. Increased vigilance when disposing of food (remove packaging) viii. Clearing up confusion around certain items like cotton and foil-lined card References Region of York, Compostable bag retail price list.

12 Raw data

13

14

Approved University Standards Indoor Bins and Signs for Recycling, Trash and Compost. Last updated by Joe Abraham on

Approved University Standards Indoor Bins and Signs for Recycling, Trash and Compost. Last updated by Joe Abraham on Approved University Standards Indoor Bins and Signs for Recycling, Trash and Compost Last updated by Joe Abraham on 8-1-17 Introduction This document presents proposed standards for indoor recycle, compost

More information

3. QUANTITATIVE WASTE DIVERSION ASSESSMENT

3. QUANTITATIVE WASTE DIVERSION ASSESSMENT 3. QUANTITATIVE WASTE DIVERSION ASSESSMENT 3.1 Automated measurement of residual household waste Ongoing technical problems with the RCV and weighing system throughout the project constrained the amount

More information

Roadmap to WRAP. A guide to help promote plastic film recycling for municipalities, states, community organizers, and business stakeholders.

Roadmap to WRAP. A guide to help promote plastic film recycling for municipalities, states, community organizers, and business stakeholders. Roadmap to WRAP A guide to help promote plastic film recycling for municipalities, states, community organizers, and business stakeholders. OVERVIEW WHO WILL THIS GUIDE BENEFIT? Traditional community recycling

More information

Organics Collection in NYC

Organics Collection in NYC Organics Collection in NYC 22 nd US Composting Council Conference Oakland, CA January 28, 2014 Bridget Anderson NYC Department of Sanitation 1/28/2014 1 1/28/2014 2 NYC Requirements 2006 Solid Waste Management

More information

SOLID WASTE PROMOTION AND EDUCATION UPDATE

SOLID WASTE PROMOTION AND EDUCATION UPDATE 5 2007 SOLID WASTE PROMOTION AND EDUCATION UPDATE The Solid Waste Management Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation contained in the following report, August 21, 2007, from the Director,

More information

3 UPDATE ON MANDATORY COMPOSTABLE BAGS IN THE GREEN BIN PROGRAM

3 UPDATE ON MANDATORY COMPOSTABLE BAGS IN THE GREEN BIN PROGRAM 3 UPDATE ON MANDATORY COMPOSTABLE BAGS IN THE GREEN BIN PROGRAM The Environmental Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations contained in the following report dated April 26, 2013,

More information

1 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR CERTIFIED COMPOSTABLE BAGS

1 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR CERTIFIED COMPOSTABLE BAGS 1 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR CERTIFIED COMPOSTABLE BAGS The Environmental Services Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendation contained in the following report dated February 17, 2011, from

More information

San Francisco s Food Composting Program

San Francisco s Food Composting Program San Francisco s Food Composting Program Alexa Kielty Department of the Environment City and County of San Francisco alexa.kielty@sfgov.org Mid-Atlantic Organics Summit November 30, 2006 San Francisco Background

More information

CITY OF DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA MEMORANDUM. October 16, Cecil Brown, Senior Assistant City Manager Fred Ravin, Director of Solid Waste Management

CITY OF DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA MEMORANDUM. October 16, Cecil Brown, Senior Assistant City Manager Fred Ravin, Director of Solid Waste Management CITY OF DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA MEMORANDUM October 16, 1997 MEMO TO: THROUGH: FROM: SUBJECT: P. Lamont Ewell, City Manager Cecil Brown, Senior Assistant City Manager Fred Ravin, Director of Solid Waste

More information

Compostable waste the Bio-Bin for Bio-Waste

Compostable waste the Bio-Bin for Bio-Waste Compostable waste the Bio-Bin for Bio-Waste The association The association The association The association of local authorities for environment and levying of taxes in the district of Sankt Pölten is

More information

3.3.1 Garbage, Recycling & Composting Environmental Services

3.3.1 Garbage, Recycling & Composting Environmental Services HOW DOES THIS SERVICE CONTRIBUTE TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE CITY OF LONDON? The desired population results in the City of London s Strategic Plan: A Strong Economy, A Vibrant and Diverse Community,

More information

Source Separated Organics and Leaf & Yard Collection

Source Separated Organics and Leaf & Yard Collection Source Separated Organics and Leaf & Yard Collection The Important Role of Certified Compostable Bags In The Diversion of Leaf & Yard and Organic Wastes 1 Introduction Organics (and Leaf & Yard waste)

More information

SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY SPRINGETTSBURY EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL RECYCLING PROGRAM AND ALTERNATIVES

SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY SPRINGETTSBURY EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL RECYCLING PROGRAM AND ALTERNATIVES SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY SPRINGETTSBURY EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL RECYCLING PROGRAM AND ALTERNATIVES Prepared for: SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP, YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Prepared by: GANNETT

More information

LESSON 2 CONCEPTS: (pre-tour) FILL A LANDFILL. Activity Overview: Students will learn: Vocabulary: Time Requirement: Materials: Preparation:

LESSON 2 CONCEPTS: (pre-tour) FILL A LANDFILL. Activity Overview: Students will learn: Vocabulary: Time Requirement: Materials: Preparation: LESSON 2 (pre-tour) FILL A LANDFILL CONCEPTS: Students will learn: solid waste is composed of a variety of natural resources landfills are commonly used to dispose of solid waste many natural resources

More information

Nicosia Municipality Waste Management Practices and Policies. Nicosia 23 October 2016

Nicosia Municipality Waste Management Practices and Policies. Nicosia 23 October 2016 Nicosia Municipality Waste Management Practices and Policies Nicosia 23 October 2016 1 Michael Lagos Municipal Health Inspector Head of Nicosia Municipality Cleaning and Health Department 2 Task of the

More information

Briefing for Governments on Oxobiodegradable

Briefing for Governments on Oxobiodegradable Briefing for Governments on Oxobiodegradable Plastic 2011-07-07 Briefing for Governments on oxo-biodegradable Plastic by Professor Gerald Scott. Why should a government be interested in oxo-biodegradable

More information

Commercial and industrial waste in Sydney. Overview. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW

Commercial and industrial waste in Sydney. Overview. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW Commercial and industrial waste in Sydney Overview Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW House Commercial deconstruction and industrial waste in Sydney Manufacturers, shops and businesses

More information

A GUIDE TO WORKPLACE COMPOSTING

A GUIDE TO WORKPLACE COMPOSTING A GUIDE TO WORKPLACE COMPOSTING CONTENTS INTRODUCTION.... 3 START UP CHECK LIST: THE 6 C S.... 5 PLANNING A COMPOSTING PROGRAM AT THE WORKPLACE.... 6 Step One: Confirm Availability of Organics Collection....

More information

FROM: General Manager, Engineering FILE: (Garbage & Recycling) Pilot Program - Curbside Residential Organics Collection

FROM: General Manager, Engineering FILE: (Garbage & Recycling) Pilot Program - Curbside Residential Organics Collection CORPORATE REPORT NO: R229 COUNCIL DATE: November 1, 2010 REGULAR COUNCIL TO: Mayor & Council DATE: October 26, 2010 FROM: General Manager, Engineering FILE: 2320-20 (Garbage & Recycling) SUBJECT: Pilot

More information

Bristol City Council. The past, present and future of waste & recycling in Bristol

Bristol City Council. The past, present and future of waste & recycling in Bristol Bristol City Council The past, present and future of waste & recycling in Bristol A history of waste and recycling in Bristol From 1974: 2 Household Waste Recycling Centres opened. (In 2011, they now have

More information

Contact Information. General Service Inquiries: Customer Service Center Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-5pm (415)

Contact Information. General Service Inquiries: Customer Service Center Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-5pm (415) 1 Winter 2014 Contact Information General Service Inquiries: Customer Service Center Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-5pm (415) 456-2601 Organics Recycling: Ruben Hernandez Recycling Programs Coordinator:

More information

For younger students the teacher, or SES can do the calculations for your audits.

For younger students the teacher, or SES can do the calculations for your audits. Waste Audit School Garbage Sort The purpose of this audit is to determine what is in your school waste, and to help you calculate greenhouse gas emission reductions from a campaign you run to reduce waste.

More information

A SAMPLE RECOVERED PAPER SPECIFICATION FOR NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES SUPPLY SPECIFICATION & PROCEDURES DOCUMENT. (Section 1. for Ex-works Supply Only)

A SAMPLE RECOVERED PAPER SPECIFICATION FOR NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES SUPPLY SPECIFICATION & PROCEDURES DOCUMENT. (Section 1. for Ex-works Supply Only) A SAMPLE RECOVERED PAPER SPECIFICATION FOR NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES SUPPLY SPECIFICATION & PROCEDURES DOCUMENT (Section 1. for Ex-works Supply Only) 1 CONTENTS: 1. MATERIAL. 1.1 Specification:. 1.2 Grades:

More information

COMMUNITY RECYCLING. paperrecycles.org. Communicating the What? How? Where? and When?

COMMUNITY RECYCLING. paperrecycles.org. Communicating the What? How? Where? and When? paperrecycles.org COMMUNITY RECYCLING Communicating the What? How? Where? and When? Tips and perspectives from the American Forest & Paper Association The Paper Recycling Success Story In 2010, an impressive

More information

Compostable/Biodegradable Bags Island Waste Management Corporation s Experience

Compostable/Biodegradable Bags Island Waste Management Corporation s Experience Compostable/Biodegradable Bags Island Waste Management Corporation s Experience 4 th Canadian Waste Resource Symposium April 13th 16 th, 2008 Westin Nova Scotia Hotel Halifax, NS Presented by: Heather

More information

1. Background 2 2. Methodology Audit Analysis Mixed Recycling Audit Analysis General Waste. 5. Audit Analysis - Composting 11

1. Background 2 2. Methodology Audit Analysis Mixed Recycling Audit Analysis General Waste. 5. Audit Analysis - Composting 11 Contents 1. Background 2 2. Methodology 3 3. Audit Analysis Mixed Recycling 4 4. Audit Analysis General Waste 8 5. Audit Analysis - Composting 11 6. Audit Analysis Cardboard 11 7. Conclusion 12 8. Recycling

More information

INTRODUCING FOODWASTE COLLECTIONS: KEY LEARNINGS FROM AUCKLAND S PILOT TRIALS

INTRODUCING FOODWASTE COLLECTIONS: KEY LEARNINGS FROM AUCKLAND S PILOT TRIALS INTRODUCING FOODWASTE COLLECTIONS: KEY LEARNINGS FROM AUCKLAND S PILOT TRIALS PRESENTATION OUTLINE 1. Ian Stupple, Manager, Solid Waste Overview 2. Danielle Kennedy, Project Manager, Waste Minimisation

More information

Waste Audit : Executive Summary

Waste Audit : Executive Summary Waste Audit : Executive Summary Students Sort Trash and Recyclables During Earth Week 2013 Office of Sustainability 1 Compiled by: Jennifer Maxwell Published: Spring 2014 Introduction Consistent with the

More information

A framework for. greater consistency in household recycling in England

A framework for. greater consistency in household recycling in England A framework for greater consistency in household recycling in England Contents Foreword 3 Greater consistency in household recycling 4 Introduction 5 Why greater consistency? 6 Greater consistency explained

More information

DATE: March 18, 2013 REPORT NO. PW Chair and Members Committee of the Whole Operations and Administration

DATE: March 18, 2013 REPORT NO. PW Chair and Members Committee of the Whole Operations and Administration PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION DATE: March 18, 2013 REPORT NO. PW2013-027 TO: FROM: Chair and Members Committee of the Whole Operations and Administration Geoff Rae, MBA, P.Eng. General Manager, Public Works

More information

Refuse Collections Division Solid Waste Services Department Anchorage: Performance. Value. Results.

Refuse Collections Division Solid Waste Services Department Anchorage: Performance. Value. Results. Refuse Collections Division Solid Waste Services Department Anchorage: Performance. Value. Results. Mission Provide solid waste collection and disposal service to rate-paying customers within our defined

More information

BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings 3.0 Waste Auditing Requirements

BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings 3.0 Waste Auditing Requirements BOMA BEST Sustainable Buildings 3.0 Waste Auditing Requirements This document provides the requirements for completing an audit compliant with the BEST Practice. For a more comprehensive description of

More information

L E V E L L E V E L L E V E L L E V E L

L E V E L L E V E L L E V E L L E V E L QUSTION: What is the recycle symbol? QUSTION: Name something that can be recycled that starts with the letter P. QUSTION: What does reusable mean? What is reusable in your lunch? QUSTION: Where does our

More information

Wes Westbrooks; Waste Logistics April 2014 GOING LANDFILL FREE; THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY

Wes Westbrooks; Waste Logistics April 2014 GOING LANDFILL FREE; THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY Wes Westbrooks; Waste Logistics April 2014 GOING LANDFILL FREE; THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY WASTE TOPICS INTENT The intent of this presentation is to give just an overview of what BMW Manufacturing went through

More information

Cape Breton District Health Authority. Solid Waste Management

Cape Breton District Health Authority. Solid Waste Management Cape Breton District Health Authority Solid Waste Management Cape Breton District Health Authority Includes the following hospitals within CBRM: Cape Breton Regional Hospital Northside General Hospital

More information

Waste Management RSA Strategic Planning Session #4

Waste Management RSA Strategic Planning Session #4 Waste Management RSA Strategic Planning Session #4 Composting February 10, 2014 Planning Session Objectives: Review strategic approach Review desired behavior changes Determine composting pilot approach

More information

CHITTENDEN SOLID WASTE DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL ORGANICS COLLECTION PROJECT FINAL REPORT

CHITTENDEN SOLID WASTE DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL ORGANICS COLLECTION PROJECT FINAL REPORT CHITTENDEN SOLID WASTE DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL ORGANICS COLLECTION PROJECT FINAL REPORT I. PROJECT SUMMARY From October 1999 to May 2001, the Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) conducted a study on the

More information

STRATEGY 1 Increase composting by county employees to achieve 85% waste diversion; continue education about including soiled paper in compost stream

STRATEGY 1 Increase composting by county employees to achieve 85% waste diversion; continue education about including soiled paper in compost stream INTRODUCTION Zero Waste or Darn Near is Boulder County s commitment to sensible resource management in government operations, where staff won a 2012 state award for reducing solid waste by 69% in county

More information

Commercial Recycling 17 Leadership Stories

Commercial Recycling 17 Leadership Stories SUSTAINABILITY/CLIMATE CHANGE Commercial Recycling 17 Leadership Stories These stories were compiled between May 2009 and May 2011 in partnership with the California Integrated Waste Management Board (now

More information

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus-Wide Compost Feasibility Study. USCC January 25, 2011 Nicole Chardoul, PE, Principal and C.O.O.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus-Wide Compost Feasibility Study. USCC January 25, 2011 Nicole Chardoul, PE, Principal and C.O.O. University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus-Wide Compost Feasibility Study USCC January 25, 2011 Nicole Chardoul, PE, Principal and C.O.O. OVERVIEW Project Objectives Background Data Collection and Analysis

More information

North Elementary School PTO. Children s Clothing, Toy & Equipment Resale

North Elementary School PTO. Children s Clothing, Toy & Equipment Resale North Elementary School PTO Children s Clothing, Toy & Equipment Resale Sycamore High School Field House WEDNESDAY, September 27 11:59 pm Registration Closes FRIDAY, September 29 11:00 am Volunteer Registration

More information

Chapter 42 SOLID WASTE*

Chapter 42 SOLID WASTE* Chapter 42 SOLID WASTE* * Cross References: Buildings and building regulations, ch. 14; manufactured homes, ch. 22; litter, mud, dirt, stone and debris control, 26-6; utilities, ch. 54. Sec. 42-1. Contracting

More information

How Can I Reduce Waste? LESSON 3

How Can I Reduce Waste? LESSON 3 How Can I Reduce Waste? LESSON 3 Reduce The most effective way of managing waste is to not produce it in the first place. Each of us can reduce our footprint by changing the way we think and act. There

More information

A Philadelphia Guide to Zero Waste Events

A Philadelphia Guide to Zero Waste Events A Philadelphia Guide to Zero Waste Events Introduction In addition to requiring recycling at public events, the City of Philadelphia is committed to expanding food composting at events as part of a citywide

More information

Town of The Blue Mountains Waste Diversion Plan

Town of The Blue Mountains Waste Diversion Plan Report on Waste Diversion Plan Completed by: Adam McMullin Environmental Initiatives Coordinator October 2012 This Project has been delivered with the assistance of Waste Diversion Ontario s Continuous

More information

Resourceful Rubbish. Studies of Society Place and Space Features of places.

Resourceful Rubbish. Studies of Society Place and Space Features of places. Resourceful Rubbish Lesson aims How can you turn rubbish into a resource? Students will learn about recycling, separating rubbish and how we can use re-use items rather than put them in the waste bin!

More information

Organics Recycling at Events

Organics Recycling at Events Organics Recycling at Events About Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions Department Solid waste planning, policy and reporting to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Programming for recycling, organics

More information

CONDUCTING A WASTE AUDIT AT CONCORDIA

CONDUCTING A WASTE AUDIT AT CONCORDIA CONDUCTING A WASTE AUDIT AT CONCORDIA Drafted by: Faisal Shennib, Environmental Coordinator Environmental Health and Safety Last Edited: 2015-02-02 OVERVIEW Waste audits are a critical tool for assessing

More information

Solid Waste Management Services recommended 2015 Operating and Capital Budgets and Rates Divisional overview:

Solid Waste Management Services recommended 2015 Operating and Capital Budgets and Rates Divisional overview: January 20, 2015 Solid Waste Management Services recommended 2015 Operating and Capital Budgets and Rates Divisional overview: What Solid Waste Management Services does: Manages approximately 1 million

More information

ECONOMIC FACTS AND PERFORMANCE

ECONOMIC FACTS AND PERFORMANCE RECYCLING ECONOMIC FACTS AND PERFORMANCE JAMES J. BINDER AND PATRICK J. CALPIN Alternative Resources, Inc. Concord, Massachusetts ABSTRACT As the recycling ethic takes hold at the state and municipal level,

More information

Curbside Recycling & Rewards Programs: Philadelphia s Story Maryland Recycling Network 2015 Annual Conference

Curbside Recycling & Rewards Programs: Philadelphia s Story Maryland Recycling Network 2015 Annual Conference Curbside Recycling & Rewards Programs: Philadelphia s Story Maryland Recycling Network 2015 Annual Conference Phil Bresee Director of Recycling City of Philadelphia Philadelphia Background Fifth-largest

More information

THE STORY OF ARGENTONA

THE STORY OF ARGENTONA Zero Waste Europe was created to empower communities to rethink their relationship with resources. In a growing number of regions, local groups of individuals, businesses and city officials are taking

More information

A Trashy Timeline: Where Does our Garbage Go?

A Trashy Timeline: Where Does our Garbage Go? A Trashy Timeline: Where Does our Garbage Go? Fourth Grade: A Trashy Timeline: Where Does our Garbage Go? We all make way too much garbage. According to the US EPA Americans generate about 4.5 pounds of

More information

PRODUCT CATALOGUE. ecobags.co.nz 0800 BAGS 2 U ( )

PRODUCT CATALOGUE. ecobags.co.nz 0800 BAGS 2 U ( ) PRODUCT CATALOGUE ecobags.co.nz 0800 BAGS 2 U (0800 224 728) jas@ecopack.co.nz CONTENTS 1 Degradable Bags 5 - Degradable Checkout Bags 2 Compostable Bags - Compostable Checkout Bags 9 3 Recycled Plastic

More information

March 17, Kevin Tobias Borough Manager Borough of Wyomissing 22 Reading Boulevard Wyomissing, PA 19610

March 17, Kevin Tobias Borough Manager Borough of Wyomissing 22 Reading Boulevard Wyomissing, PA 19610 Kevin Tobias Borough Manager Borough of Wyomissing 22 Reading Boulevard Wyomissing, PA 19610 Subject: SWANA Technical Assistance Project Dear Mr. Tobias: This letter report summarizes R. W. Beck s analysis

More information

Volume to Weight Conversion Ratios for Commercial Office Waste in New York City

Volume to Weight Conversion Ratios for Commercial Office Waste in New York City Volume to Weight Conversion Ratios for Commercial Office Waste in New York City Authors: Amy Marpman, Matthew Shurtleff, Ross Guberman, Richard Fuller Date: January 2013 Abstract This paper establishes

More information

Waste Watch Keeping Our Island Green

Waste Watch Keeping Our Island Green Waste Watch Keeping Our Island Green 18th National Composting Conference Chateau Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec September 17-19, 2008 Presented By: Heather Myers, Disposal Manager Island Waste Management Corporation

More information

Recycling Re-education in New Jersey. What are we covering?

Recycling Re-education in New Jersey. What are we covering? Recycling Re-education in New Jersey Center for Government Services Conference Eric Gabrielson Recycling Consultant March 19, 2015 What are we covering? Material values/current recycling markets Vendor

More information

Make your own recyclable gift wrap by decorating paper bags and newspaper. Avoid over-packaged products by giving the gift of experiences.

Make your own recyclable gift wrap by decorating paper bags and newspaper. Avoid over-packaged products by giving the gift of experiences. NOVEMBER 2017 Tackle Holiday Waste Packaging: It s the unintended gift of the holiday season. From bubble wrap to cellophane to bulging plastic molds in every shape and size, your trash bin could fill

More information

Shelf Ready Packaging

Shelf Ready Packaging Shelf Ready Packaging Suppliers Guide June 2015 Shelf Ready Packaging Suppliers Guide 2015 1 Shelf Ready Packaging Suppliers Guide 2015 2 Contents Summary... 4 Introduction... 5 Design principles 5 easy

More information

WASTE MANAGEMENT: Part 6

WASTE MANAGEMENT: Part 6 Supplier Questions by Waste Type Category: WASTE MANAGEMENT: Part 6 These could be baseline requirements that the contractor must demonstrate that s/he will provide and/or require of subs, or (if you decide

More information

Falcon Heights Recycling Report. Greg & Willie Tennis Tennis Sanitation 2/14/2014

Falcon Heights Recycling Report. Greg & Willie Tennis Tennis Sanitation 2/14/2014 2013 Falcon Heights Recycling Report Greg & Willie Tennis Tennis Sanitation 2/14/2014 Index of Recycling Report Letter of Purpose. Page 1 Recycling Data Summary.... Page 2 Recycling Data (Single Family)...

More information

war on waste food packaging study: wave 3

war on waste food packaging study: wave 3 war on waste food packaging study: wave 3 War on Waste 3 Prepared for: Local Government Association Prepared by: Angela Charlton, Claire Bassett, Eleni Romanou BMRB Social Telephone: 020 8433 4404 Email:

More information

TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH STORMONT RECYCLING PROMOTION AND EDUCATION (P&E) PLAN. Introduction

TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH STORMONT RECYCLING PROMOTION AND EDUCATION (P&E) PLAN. Introduction TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH STORMONT RECYCLING PROMOTION AND EDUCATION (P&E) PLAN Introduction Planning and executing consistent and professional Promotional and Education (P&E) activities is an important element,

More information

Evaluation of Enhanced Residential Waste and Recyclables Collection and Processing for New Castle County

Evaluation of Enhanced Residential Waste and Recyclables Collection and Processing for New Castle County Evaluation of Enhanced Residential Waste and Recyclables Collection and Processing for New Castle County FINAL REPORT OCTOBER 15, 2003 Presented to Delaware Recycling Public Advisory Council Prepared by:

More information

October 26, 2011 RIGID PLASTIC PACKAGING ACC OVERVIEW

October 26, 2011 RIGID PLASTIC PACKAGING ACC OVERVIEW October 26, 2011 RIGID PLASTIC PACKAGING ACC OVERVIEW ACC s Plastic Division The Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents leading manufacturers of plastic resins. The Rigid

More information

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Lesson Plan: NRES G1-1

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Lesson Plan: NRES G1-1 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Lesson Plan: NRES G1-1 1 Anticipated Problems 1. What do reduce, reuse, and recycle mean? 2. Why is reducing, reusing, and recycling important? 2 Terms recycling reducing reusing

More information

Town of Canmore Solid Waste Services

Town of Canmore Solid Waste Services Town of Canmore Solid Waste Services Bear Proof Waste Handling System The Town of Canmore Experience Overview This paper will detail the events, challenges and successes that lead to the elimination of

More information

Multi-Family Diversion Program Best Practices

Multi-Family Diversion Program Best Practices Multi-Family Diversion Program Best Practices Prepared for: The City of Calgary Multi-Family Waste Diversion Stakeholder Engagement & Strategy Project No. 116507501 Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Ltd.

More information

SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY FINAL REPORT IMPROVING CURBSIDE COLLECTION METHODS AND EDUCATION FOR THE CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM

SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY FINAL REPORT IMPROVING CURBSIDE COLLECTION METHODS AND EDUCATION FOR THE CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY FINAL REPORT IMPROVING CURBSIDE COLLECTION METHODS AND EDUCATION FOR THE CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM Prepared for: CONSHOHOCKEN BOROUGH MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

More information

Zero Waste Pauley Final Report Spring 2014

Zero Waste Pauley Final Report Spring 2014 Zero Waste Pauley Final Report Spring 2014 Talia Young Katie Zeller Rachel Chung Kimberly Mak Peilun Sun Rich Mylin Associate Director, UCLA Recreation Event & Facility Operations Table of Contents Executive

More information

Household Container Recycling - High School Student Worksheet. Newspapers, Plastic Bottles, Glass Jars, Cardboard Boxes, etc.

Household Container Recycling - High School Student Worksheet. Newspapers, Plastic Bottles, Glass Jars, Cardboard Boxes, etc. Name: Date: Part I: Introduction 1. List 4 household items that can be recycled. Newspas, Plastic Bottles, Glass Jars, Cardboard Boxes, etc. 2. What is Single Stream Recycling? A system where all types

More information

Technologies for Waste Management/Infrastructure Agra (India)

Technologies for Waste Management/Infrastructure Agra (India) Technologies for Waste Management/Infrastructure Agra (India) 1. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT A typical waste management system in Agra is similar to any other medium city in India and has following major steps:

More information

Toward Zero Waste FOOD SERVICES TOOLKIT. Whatcom County. A step-by-step guide for food related businesses

Toward Zero Waste FOOD SERVICES TOOLKIT. Whatcom County. A step-by-step guide for food related businesses Toward Zero Waste FOOD SERVICES TOOLKIT Whatcom County A step-by-step guide for food related businesses Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Page 2 Table of contents TOOLKIT Overview 3 Create a Plan 4 Track and

More information

A&D ASSEMBLY & DISTRIBUTION THE OTTO WAY

A&D ASSEMBLY & DISTRIBUTION THE OTTO WAY A&D ASSEMBLY & DISTRIBUTION THE OTTO WAY OVER 1,400,000 ASSEMBLED & DELIVERED TO INDIVIDUAL HOMES JUST IN THE LAST 2 YEARS! MANY MANY BENEFITS FOR YOU LOGISTICS Each project has a dedicated Project Manager

More information

About Being a Green Hospital

About Being a Green Hospital About Being a Green Hospital Introduction The purpose of this paper is to outline and note important opportunities in becoming a green hospital. A green hospital can be defined as a hospital that is seeking

More information

Recycling in Great Britain and Germany. A comparison between both countries

Recycling in Great Britain and Germany. A comparison between both countries Recycling in Great Britain and Germany A comparison between both countries Thorben Eckhoff Christian Tumpach Introduction Recycling is processing used materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste

More information

Google Bay Area Waste Case Study

Google Bay Area Waste Case Study White Paper Published September 206 Authors Richard Navarro Emma Richardson Table of Contents Challenge Action Results Future Action 4 5 Google Bay Area Waste Case Study Challenge At Google, operating

More information

I Want To Be Recycled. National Recycling PSA Campaign May 19, 2015

I Want To Be Recycled. National Recycling PSA Campaign May 19, 2015 I Want To Be Recycled National Recycling PSA Campaign May 19, 2015 1 Ad Council Model 2 The Challenge Lack of access or inconvenience While access has grown, many people cite lack of access in their community

More information

Coordinating Composting & Zero Waste Events in the Dana Building

Coordinating Composting & Zero Waste Events in the Dana Building Coordinating Composting & Zero Waste Events in the Dana Building Dana now strongly encourages composting at all food events held in the building. The material below describes how to incorporate composting

More information

Activity Book. North Carolina is Recycling!!!

Activity Book. North Carolina is Recycling!!! North Carolina is Recycling!!! Activity Book N.C. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES Division of Pollution Prevention & Environmental Assistance WWW.RECYCLEGUYS.COM The Recycle Symbol Each arrow

More information

PSU Urban Center Building

PSU Urban Center Building PSU Urban Center Building Materials Assessment Prepared for Portland State University Eric T. Crum Moonrose Doherty Gretchen Sandau December 9, 2013 Director Materials Assessment Manager Materials Assessment

More information

recycling at home Your guide to Easy as Everything you need to know inside

recycling at home Your guide to Easy as Everything you need to know inside Your guide to recycling at home Easy as 1 2 3 Everything you need to know inside Recycling at home is really easy. This leaflet can help you recycle over 80 per cent of your waste, which helps the local

More information

Waste and Recycling. RECYCLING (Lab Specific) Single Stream. Hazardous Waste. EMPTY your containers! Cardboard boxes

Waste and Recycling. RECYCLING (Lab Specific) Single Stream. Hazardous Waste. EMPTY your containers! Cardboard boxes Waste and Recycling Single Stream RECYCLING (Lab Specific) Cardboard boxes Pipette tip boxes and plastic chemical bottles (#1-7) Hazardous Waste EMPTY your s! Metal cans used in shipping and foil Glass

More information

CITY OF TORONTO Solid Waste Management Services 2011 Recommended Operating Budget & Capital Plan

CITY OF TORONTO Solid Waste Management Services 2011 Recommended Operating Budget & Capital Plan CITY OF TORONTO Solid Waste Management Services 2011 Recommended Operating Budget & 2011 2020 Capital Plan January 10, 2011 Agenda 1. Program Overview 2. 2010 Service Performance 3. 2011 Recommended Operating

More information

Regional District of Mount Waddington. An experience in Printed Paper and. Packaging EPR

Regional District of Mount Waddington. An experience in Printed Paper and. Packaging EPR Regional District of Mount Waddington An experience in Printed Paper and Packaging EPR Regional District of Mount Waddington Community Population Access Port Hardy 4,008 Paved Road Port McNeill 2,505 Paved

More information

Blue Sleuth Activities Activity #1: Know Your 3Rs!

Blue Sleuth Activities Activity #1: Know Your 3Rs! Blue Sleuth Activities Activity #1: Know Your 3Rs! Vocabulary Lesson and Secret Code Overview: Students de@ine important recycling vocabulary and decode a secret message. Arizona Department of Education

More information

Tribal Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) Recycling Toolkit

Tribal Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) Recycling Toolkit Tribal Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) Recycling Toolkit This toolkit focuses on using the community-based social marketing (CBSM) process to promote recycling behavior, based on a CBSM Case Study

More information

ECONOMICS OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION. Tim Raibley

ECONOMICS OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION. Tim Raibley ECONOMICS OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION Tim Raibley 916.817.4914 Tim.Raibley@hdrinc.com 2014 HDR Architecture, 2014 HDR, Inc., all rights reserved. ECONOMICS OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION 2014 HDR, Inc., all rights

More information

DAY 8 GREENEST F O O D W A S T E

DAY 8 GREENEST F O O D W A S T E PROJECT GREEN CHALLENGE 2017 DAY 8 GREENEST F O O D W A S T E BENJAMIN WONG ROHAN REDDY BENJAMIN YAO ROBERT YU OUR FINDINGS 01 CURRENT LEFTOVER SITUATION 02 COMMUNITY FOOD DONATIONS Currently food is disposed

More information

Responses to Stewardship Ontario Questions in Module 2 Workbook

Responses to Stewardship Ontario Questions in Module 2 Workbook Responses to Stewardship Ontario Questions in Module 2 Workbook Do you prefer the catchment-based approach to undertaking transition? If not, why not? What would you propose instead? The catchment-based

More information

EXHIBIT 5: TRANSITION PLAN. Residential Recycling Collection Service Contract

EXHIBIT 5: TRANSITION PLAN. Residential Recycling Collection Service Contract EXHIBIT 5: TRANSITION PLAN Residential Recycling Collection Service Contract EXHIBIT 5 Transition Plan Overview CWS will provide and include the following Residential Recycling (RR) services to the City

More information

Sustainability Report 2013

Sustainability Report 2013 Sustainability Report 2013 We ll Take Care Of It Burrtec s mission statement We ll Take Care Of It encompasses the Burrtec philosophy that shines through to what we value; our customers, our communities,

More information

Residential Resource Guide

Residential Resource Guide Residential Resource Guide Join us on the journey to zero waste. Is that achievable? Yes! Taking steps in your daily routine to reduce and eliminate waste is easy to do and this useful guide will help

More information

VELIBRE S BIODEGRADABLE RATIONALE. Why Velibre is the world s most sustainable capsule product

VELIBRE S BIODEGRADABLE RATIONALE. Why Velibre is the world s most sustainable capsule product VELIBRE S BIODEGRADABLE RATIONALE Why Velibre is the world s most sustainable capsule product The Velibre BioPlastic Capsule of Today The Velibre capsule is made entirely of raw materials that biodegrade

More information

City of Dallas Zero Waste Plan: Multi-family/Commercial Update

City of Dallas Zero Waste Plan: Multi-family/Commercial Update City of Dallas Zero Waste Plan: Multi-family/Commercial Update Quality of Life, Arts & Culture Committee January 22, 2017 Danielle McClelland Zero Waste Program Manager Sanitation Services Presentation

More information

SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY PROPOSED BRADFORD COUNTY FIBER PROCESSING FACILTITY

SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY PROPOSED BRADFORD COUNTY FIBER PROCESSING FACILTITY SWANA RECYCLING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY PROPOSED BRADFORD COUNTY FIBER PROCESSING FACILTITY Prepared for: NORTHERN TIER SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY WEST BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, BRADFORD COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

More information

Current practices to recycle, reuse, reduce waste, & conserve energy

Current practices to recycle, reuse, reduce waste, & conserve energy Current practices to recycle, reuse, reduce waste, & conserve energy Major initiatives with greatest impact Utilize Indiana-based company to purchase locally sourced produce. Goal is 20% of all produce

More information

Utilizing Anaerobic Digester Capacity to Process Source Separated Organics: Two Case Studies

Utilizing Anaerobic Digester Capacity to Process Source Separated Organics: Two Case Studies Utilizing Anaerobic Digester Capacity to Process Source Separated Organics: Two Case Studies Anastasia Rudenko PE, ENV SP GHD October 30, 2013 North East Biosolids & Residuals Conference Presentation overview

More information