Organics Recycling at Events

Transcription

1 Organics Recycling at Events

2 About Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions Department Solid waste planning, policy and reporting to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Programming for recycling, organics and household hazardous waste (residents, businesses, schools, and events) Provide funding for city recycling programs and technical assistance Provide funding for business technical assistance and grant opportunities

3 Why Recycle? Economic Benefits Total job activity associated with recycling in Minnesota: 37,000 Recycling industry adds $8.5 billion total to Minnesota economy each year 200 businesses in Minnesota use recycled material to manufacture products We still throw away 1.2 million tons of recyclables worth $285 million and spent $200 million to dispose of it (2011 figures) Source:

4 Why Recycle? We have to the Legislature says so. At least three materials from businesses, public entities and four from homes. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is the Legislature s enforcer. State goal to recycle 75% of our waste by 2030 Organics recycling is considered another form of recycling! Composition of the waste in Minnesota going for disposal and not recycled.

5 What are organics? Organics is the biodegradable portion of trash that can be composted. This includes: all food scraps such as leftovers, peelings and spoiled food soiled, non-recyclable papers such as paper towels, napkins, delivery pizza boxes certified compostable products such as compostable plastic food ware and bags labeled with a Cedar Grove Composting or Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) logo

6 Step 1: Planning What type of event? What type of waste to be generated? What organics do you want to collect? Food waste and BPI certified compostable items or just food waste Coordinate with hauler to contract for organics recycling service

7 Step 1 Planning Communicate with vendors about food service packaging and diversion goals Purchase FSP that is BPI certified Communicate with event space organizers about recycling organics (waste collection staff like volunteers or janitorial staff) Find and coordinate volunteers Assign tasks to partners

8 Step 2: Implementation Plan for using reusable tableware/linens if possible. Ensure vendors have certified compostable food service packaging (either purchase it from your organization budget or require it of vendors and offer suggested companies to purchase compostable products from Selfeco.com amazon

9 Step 2: Implementation Ensure you have the proper bins for your waste stations with clear signage indicating items to go in each bin. Clearstream style Determine # of waste stations & obtain bins Nowthen Heritage Festival, 2015

10 Step 2: Implementation Ensure event has compostable bag liners and waste stations incorporating bins for organics recycling, give extras to staff monitoring bins Restroom areas Walkways Food areas

11 Step 3: Set-up & Execution Deliver and place waste stations Clearly label all bins Have bins physically touching

12 Step 3: Implementation Double check to make sure vendors have BPI certified compostable FSP or reusables If not tape examples of non organics recycling above trash or recycling container before start of event Inform staff and volunteers about organics recycling via letters, s ahead of time and then remind day of event during set up. Check in with hauler, vendors throughout event

13 Step 4: Follow Up Get diversion figures from hauler Follow up with planning group with What worked well Recommendations for improvements moving forward Diversion rates from event Hats off to the group

14 Questions? Maggie Yauk Public Information, Planning & Policy Specialist