Fall 2011 Recycling newsletter

4
Saint Louis County residents will soon be hearing a lot more about the convenience of curbside recycling thanks to a partnership between the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP) and the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Solid Waste Management Program. CVP is an invitation-only, national program designed to help communities grow their curbside programs through education and increased attention to data. Since 2005, CVP has partnered with 28 communities and four states to develop, execute, and measure effective recycling education campaigns. Saint Louis County was chosen as one of its latest partners after several communities across the country were interviewed. “We are pleased to have Saint Louis County as our latest partner. The county already has some impressive recycling participation in some areas,” said David Gill, CVP board chair and global account director for Novelis Corporation, an aluminum product manufacturer. “We are looking forward to working with them to develop a unified campaign that can be used by everyone to help elevate recycling county-wide and increase participation even more.” The services of CVP are provided at no cost to the county and will target those who don’t recycle or who recycle less than is possible. This is a grass roots effort and we are seeking suggestions for civic-minded organizations or groups that could help support the campaign, even if they are not environmentally focused. If you have a group in mind, please call (314) 615-8958 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information on CVP, visit www.recyclecurbside.org. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Did Saint Louis County meet its 2010 waste diversion rate goal of 50%? •Take the ZeroWaste Household Challenge • Public Space Recycling at Many County Facilities DON’T FORGET: The following items can be put in your recycling cart: Aluminum and steel cans Clean aluminum foil, trays, and pans Glass bottles and jars Paper products, including: newspapers, magazines, junk mail, phone books, cardboard, juice cartons, and cereal boxes Plastic containers such as: - milk and juice jugs - laundry and dish soap bottles - butter and yogurt tubs - shampoo and lotion bottles News RECyCLiNG FALL 2011 SAINT LOUIS COUNTY SELECTED as a Curbside Value Partnership Community take it to the curb CVP has partnered with many communies to launch successful educaonal campaigns. Shown here: a compaign with the City of Omaha Public Works Department.

Transcript of Fall 2011 Recycling newsletter

Saint Louis County residents will soon be hearing a lot more about the convenience of curbside recycling thanks to a partnership between the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP) and the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Solid Waste Management Program.

CVP is an invitation-only, national program designed to help communities grow their curbside programs through education and increased attention to data. Since 2005, CVP has partnered with 28 communities and four states to develop, execute, and measure effective recycling education campaigns.

Saint Louis County was chosen as one of its latest partners after several communities across the country were interviewed.

“We are pleased to have Saint Louis County as our latest partner. The county already has some impressive recycling participation in some areas,” said David Gill, CVP board chair and global account director for Novelis Corporation, an aluminum product manufacturer. “We are looking forward to working with them to develop a unified campaign that can be used by everyone to help elevate recycling county-wide and increase participation even more.” The services of CVP are provided at no cost to the county and will target those who don’t recycle or who recycle less than is possible. This is a grass roots effort and we are seeking suggestions for civic-minded organizations or groups that could help support the campaign, even if they are not environmentally focused. If you have a group in mind, please call (314) 615-8958 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information on CVP, visit www.recyclecurbside.org.

By the Numbers

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: •DidSaintLouisCountymeet its2010wastediversionrate goalof50%? •TaketheZeroWasteHousehold Challenge •PublicSpaceRecyclingatMany CountyFacilities

DON’T FORGET:

The following items can be put in your recycling cart:

• Aluminum and steel cans • Clean aluminum foil, trays, and pans • Glass bottles and jars • Paper products, including: newspapers, magazines, junk mail, phone books, cardboard, juice cartons, and cereal boxes • Plastic containers such as: - milk and juice jugs - laundry and dish soap bottles - butter and yogurt tubs - shampoo and lotion bottles

NewsR E C y C L i N G

FALL2011

SaiNt LouiS CouNty SeLeCted asa CurbsideValue PartnershipCommunity

take it to the curb

Sources: Missouri 2010 Green Jobs Report, 2010 Saint Louis County WDR Progress Report, EIERA, Missouri Department of Economic Development, 2008 MDNR Waste Composition Study

HHW Facility Making Progress!

IN THE U.S. iNMiSSOURi iNSAiNTLOUiSCOUNTy

tons of waste were recycled in 2010.

tons of waste were landfilled in 2010.

tons of waste were reduced in 2010.

90,366

654,360

797,488

people are employed by the recycling and reuse industry.

jobs are created from recycling for every one landfill disposal job.

is the number of recycling and reuse establishments that exist across the country.

1.1 million

4

56,000+

is generated from the export sales of recycled goods, remanufacturing, and reuse.

$265 million

is the potential value of recyclable materials that are landfilled every year instead of recycled.

$208 million

jobs have been created statewide by the recycling and reuse industry.

25,000

This newsletter and programs described herein are made possible by the voter-approved 5% surcharge on waste disposed in Saint Louis County landfills. The Health Department uses these funds for the benefit of Saint Louis County residents. A paperless newsletter benefits the environment, and saves time and space.

CVP has partnered with many communities to launch successful educational campaigns. Shown here: a compaign with the City of Omaha Public Works Department.

WhenwillthefirstpermanentHouseholdHazardousWasteFacilityopen?

We know this is a question on the minds of many residents. Unfortunately, too many factors are in play that could either speed up or slow down progress, so it’s not possible to provide an opening date at this time. We can report that the design phase for the first site is complete and we are beginning the construction phase. RFPs have been issued for waste management services and the development of an educational website – a website that will also include a reservation system to allow residents to schedule drop-off appointments. Future updates will be available on the information line at (314) 615-8989 or online at www.RecycleSaintLouis.com.

the electronics Pile-upDid you know that consumer electronics may be responsible for 40% of the lead found in landfills! Nearly two million tons of used electronics are discarded each year and an estimated 128 million cell phones annually are retired from use.

We are fortunate in our area to have multiple recycling outlets to keep

hazardous or toxic materials from electronics out of the landfill and to recover precious metals, glass and plastic for new uses.

Data destruction services are available, so don’t let fear of identity theft from personal information on a hard drive keep you storing that old Commodore

anymore! Visit ecyclestlouis.org to learn what can be recycled and to find an e-cycle location near you.

SpectrumEcycleSolutions:Clayton US Bank10 N. Hanley Rd.Clayton, MO 63105Saturday, Sep. 24th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Secure data destruction on all computers dropped off for recycling. Check the Spectrum Ecycle Solutions website for details about this event.

MRCRecycling:STLCC Florissant Valley Campus3400 Pershall Rd.Ferguson, MO 63135Saturday, Oct. 1st, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

MRC Recycling ffers data destruction services for any company or individual. Please see their website for future recycling events at www.midwrc.net.

WiTS:Affton US Bank8301 Gravois RdSt. Louis, MO 63123First Sunday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Sunset Hills City Hall3939 S LindberghSt. Louis, MO 63131Third Saturday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Chesterfield Athletic Complex17818 N. Outer 40 RdChesterfield, MO 63005Fourth Saturday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Ritenour High School9100 St. Charles Rock RdSt. Louis, MO 63114First Saturday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. WITS accepts electronics and other items. For a complete list, visit witsinc.org.

upcoming Community electronic Recycling events:

For some, the ultimate goal is “zero waste.” This doesn’t really mean “zero” waste, but rather any situation in which 10% or less of all waste is sent to landfills. Sound impossible? It’s not. Businesses like Epson, Honda, and Pillsbury have already

achieved it at some of their sites and cities like Austin, Los Angeles, and Seattle have committed to reaching it too. Zero waste may seem difficult, but through a multifaceted approach that includes reducing, reusing,

recycling, and composting, you can reach a waste diversion rate of 90% or more!

Thezerowastephilosophyincludes:

1. A focus on eliminating waste rather than managing it. 2. Sustainable product design, clean production, and smart packaging.3. Smart consumption (taking or purchasing only what is needed).

4. Thinking of waste as a potentially valuable resource worth recovering.

And what about you? Is your household close to zero waste? Are you recycling everything that can be recycled? Think about the things you throw away in your

home. Are there ways you could prevent this from happening? Could you reuse some of the items or could someone else reuse them? Finally, after reducing and reusing, are you properly composting organic materials in your backyard so that you can get closer to being a zero waste household?

Our website includes information about composting and other waste reduction strategies that you may find helpful. See if you can meet the next challenge: become

a zero waste household.

Send us your feedback by e-mail to [email protected] and we may choose your personal story to share on our website!

The diverted waste includes recycling, landfill-banned items (yard waste, tires, appliances, etc.), and items diverted through source reduction (reducing and reusing). 55.9% is great progress, but we aren’t finished yet!

All together, recycling accounts for only 36.2% of the diverted materials, so there remains tremendous potential to increase our waste diversion rate even further just by encouraging more recycling. In fact, just raising recycling recovery by 25% would give us an overall diversion rate of almost 65%!

But could we go even higher? The MARC Solid Waste District in Kansas City has set a goal of 80% waste diversion by 2023. Is Saint Louis County ready for 80% waste diversion … or more?

50% Waste diversion Goal … Recycling While on the Go

Recent Gains in the industry

Recycle bin at the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center

Recycle bins at the MetroBus Clayton Transit Center

MovingForwardMetandexceeded!

55.9%! That was Saint Louis County’s 2010 waste diversion rate based on a review of 2010 data from solid waste facilities and recycling centers. In 2005, a study by R.W. Beck concluded the county only had a 30% waste diversion rate in 2003 and was not likely to increase that rate without serious changes.

After much study and planning, a goal was set to increase the waste diversion rate to 50% by 2010. As a result of various strategies, thousands of county residents started or expanded their recycling efforts, asked for recycling at their workplace, and now expect recycling options at festivals, stadiums, and special events.

Saint Louis County’s commitment to recycling has expanded with the introduction of recycling bins in public areas at many county facilities. Over the last year, the Saint Louis County Department of Health has worked to provide recycling bins in public spaces for visitors to use.

Visitors to the county’s Clayton campus, two health centers, and recreation complexes, and the MetroBus Clayton Transit Center will now be able to recycle items that previously had to be thrown

in the trash. These new green bins represent the face of recycling for county government and continue County Executive Charlie Dooley’s commitment to “greening” the county.

“We have been asking our residents to recycle and it’s important they know that Saint Louis County government is committed to recycling as well,” said Mr. Dooley.

One of the Health Department’s next goals is to capture recyclables

generated outside the home. Over 70% of all beverage containers purchased and consumed away from home are discarded as trash when convenient recycling options are not available.

Funding for the new public space recycling bins came from a federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.

If you want to learn more about recycling at home or work, visit www.RecycleSaintLouis.com.

Next Steps … Zero Waste?

Look for Recycling in Public Places

As of March 2011, the recyclable materials industry employed 115,000 people nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s an increase of 12,000 people since March 2010 – just one year before. In addition to expanding employment, the recycling industry has grown in monetary value since 2009, according to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). The reuse and recycling industry has

rebounded from the recession and its future looks bright!

“We know that the scrap recycling industry is very healthy and poised to expand further,” said IRSI President Robin Weiner.

Recycling is something simple we can all do to divert valuable materials from our landfills to create jobs right here in St. Louis.

Land�ll44.1%

Total WasteDiverted

55.9%

Source Reduction

5%

Recycled Items36.2%

Banned Items14.7%

2010 Waste Data

For some, the ultimate goal is “zero waste.” This doesn’t really mean “zero” waste, but rather any situation in which 10% or less of all waste is sent to landfills. Sound impossible? It’s not. Businesses like Epson, Honda, and Pillsbury have already

achieved it at some of their sites and cities like Austin, Los Angeles, and Seattle have committed to reaching it too. Zero waste may seem difficult, but through a multifaceted approach that includes reducing, reusing,

recycling, and composting, you can reach a waste diversion rate of 90% or more!

Thezerowastephilosophyincludes:

1. A focus on eliminating waste rather than managing it. 2. Sustainable product design, clean production, and smart packaging.3. Smart consumption (taking or purchasing only what is needed).

4. Thinking of waste as a potentially valuable resource worth recovering.

And what about you? Is your household close to zero waste? Are you recycling everything that can be recycled? Think about the things you throw away in your

home. Are there ways you could prevent this from happening? Could you reuse some of the items or could someone else reuse them? Finally, after reducing and reusing, are you properly composting organic materials in your backyard so that you can get closer to being a zero waste household?

Our website includes information about composting and other waste reduction strategies that you may find helpful. See if you can meet the next challenge: become

a zero waste household.

Send us your feedback by e-mail to [email protected] and we may choose your personal story to share on our website!

The diverted waste includes recycling, landfill-banned items (yard waste, tires, appliances, etc.), and items diverted through source reduction (reducing and reusing). 55.9% is great progress, but we aren’t finished yet!

All together, recycling accounts for only 36.2% of the diverted materials, so there remains tremendous potential to increase our waste diversion rate even further just by encouraging more recycling. In fact, just raising recycling recovery by 25% would give us an overall diversion rate of almost 65%!

But could we go even higher? The MARC Solid Waste District in Kansas City has set a goal of 80% waste diversion by 2023. Is Saint Louis County ready for 80% waste diversion … or more?

50% Waste diversion Goal … Recycling While on the Go

Recent Gains in the industry

Recycle bin at the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center

Recycle bins at the MetroBus Clayton Transit Center

MovingForwardMetandexceeded!

55.9%! That was Saint Louis County’s 2010 waste diversion rate based on a review of 2010 data from solid waste facilities and recycling centers. In 2005, a study by R.W. Beck concluded the county only had a 30% waste diversion rate in 2003 and was not likely to increase that rate without serious changes.

After much study and planning, a goal was set to increase the waste diversion rate to 50% by 2010. As a result of various strategies, thousands of county residents started or expanded their recycling efforts, asked for recycling at their workplace, and now expect recycling options at festivals, stadiums, and special events.

Saint Louis County’s commitment to recycling has expanded with the introduction of recycling bins in public areas at many county facilities. Over the last year, the Saint Louis County Department of Health has worked to provide recycling bins in public spaces for visitors to use.

Visitors to the county’s Clayton campus, two health centers, and recreation complexes, and the MetroBus Clayton Transit Center will now be able to recycle items that previously had to be thrown

in the trash. These new green bins represent the face of recycling for county government and continue County Executive Charlie Dooley’s commitment to “greening” the county.

“We have been asking our residents to recycle and it’s important they know that Saint Louis County government is committed to recycling as well,” said Mr. Dooley.

One of the Health Department’s next goals is to capture recyclables

generated outside the home. Over 70% of all beverage containers purchased and consumed away from home are discarded as trash when convenient recycling options are not available.

Funding for the new public space recycling bins came from a federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.

If you want to learn more about recycling at home or work, visit www.RecycleSaintLouis.com.

Next Steps … Zero Waste?

Look for Recycling in Public Places

As of March 2011, the recyclable materials industry employed 115,000 people nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s an increase of 12,000 people since March 2010 – just one year before. In addition to expanding employment, the recycling industry has grown in monetary value since 2009, according to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). The reuse and recycling industry has

rebounded from the recession and its future looks bright!

“We know that the scrap recycling industry is very healthy and poised to expand further,” said IRSI President Robin Weiner.

Recycling is something simple we can all do to divert valuable materials from our landfills to create jobs right here in St. Louis.

Land�ll44.1%

Total WasteDiverted

55.9%

Source Reduction

5%

Recycled Items36.2%

Banned Items14.7%

2010 Waste Data

Saint Louis County residents will soon be hearing a lot more about the convenience of curbside recycling thanks to a partnership between the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP) and the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Solid Waste Management Program.

CVP is an invitation-only, national program designed to help communities grow their curbside programs through education and increased attention to data. Since 2005, CVP has partnered with 28 communities and four states to develop, execute, and measure effective recycling education campaigns.

Saint Louis County was chosen as one of its latest partners after several communities across the country were interviewed.

“We are pleased to have Saint Louis County as our latest partner. The county already has some impressive recycling participation in some areas,” said David Gill, CVP board chair and global account director for Novelis Corporation, an aluminum product manufacturer. “We are looking forward to working with them to develop a unified campaign that can be used by everyone to help elevate recycling county-wide and increase participation even more.” The services of CVP are provided at no cost to the county and will target those who don’t recycle or who recycle less than is possible. This is a grass roots effort and we are seeking suggestions for civic-minded organizations or groups that could help support the campaign, even if they are not environmentally focused. If you have a group in mind, please call (314) 615-8958 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information on CVP, visit www.recyclecurbside.org.

By the Numbers

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: •DidSaintLouisCountymeet its2010wastediversionrate goalof50%? •TaketheZeroWasteHousehold Challenge •PublicSpaceRecyclingatMany CountyFacilities

DON’T FORGET:

The following items can be put in your recycling cart:

• Aluminum and steel cans • Clean aluminum foil, trays, and pans • Glass bottles and jars • Paper products, including: newspapers, magazines, junk mail, phone books, cardboard, juice cartons, and cereal boxes • Plastic containers such as: - milk and juice jugs - laundry and dish soap bottles - butter and yogurt tubs - shampoo and lotion bottles

NewsR E C y C L i N G

FALL2011

SaiNt LouiS CouNty SeLeCted asa CurbsideValue PartnershipCommunity

take it to the curb

Sources: Missouri 2010 Green Jobs Report, 2010 Saint Louis County WDR Progress Report, EIERA, Missouri Department of Economic Development, 2008 MDNR Waste Composition Study

HHW Facility Making Progress!

IN THE U.S. iNMiSSOURi iNSAiNTLOUiSCOUNTy

tons of waste were recycled in 2010.

tons of waste were landfilled in 2010.

tons of waste were reduced in 2010.

90,366

654,360

797,488

people are employed by the recycling and reuse industry.

jobs are created from recycling for every one landfill disposal job.

is the number of recycling and reuse establishments that exist across the country.

1.1 million

4

56,000+

is generated from the export sales of recycled goods, remanufacturing, and reuse.

$265 million

is the potential value of recyclable materials that are landfilled every year instead of recycled.

$208 million

jobs have been created statewide by the recycling and reuse industry.

25,000

This newsletter and programs described herein are made possible by the voter-approved 5% surcharge on waste disposed in Saint Louis County landfills. The Health Department uses these funds for the benefit of Saint Louis County residents. A paperless newsletter benefits the environment, and saves time and space.

CVP has partnered with many communities to launch successful educational campaigns. Shown here: a compaign with the City of Omaha Public Works Department.

WhenwillthefirstpermanentHouseholdHazardousWasteFacilityopen?

We know this is a question on the minds of many residents. Unfortunately, too many factors are in play that could either speed up or slow down progress, so it’s not possible to provide an opening date at this time. We can report that the design phase for the first site is complete and we are beginning the construction phase. RFPs have been issued for waste management services and the development of an educational website – a website that will also include a reservation system to allow residents to schedule drop-off appointments. Future updates will be available on the information line at (314) 615-8989 or online at www.RecycleSaintLouis.com.

the electronics Pile-upDid you know that consumer electronics may be responsible for 40% of the lead found in landfills! Nearly two million tons of used electronics are discarded each year and an estimated 128 million cell phones annually are retired from use.

We are fortunate in our area to have multiple recycling outlets to keep

hazardous or toxic materials from electronics out of the landfill and to recover precious metals, glass and plastic for new uses.

Data destruction services are available, so don’t let fear of identity theft from personal information on a hard drive keep you storing that old Commodore

anymore! Visit ecyclestlouis.org to learn what can be recycled and to find an e-cycle location near you.

SpectrumEcycleSolutions:Clayton US Bank10 N. Hanley Rd.Clayton, MO 63105Saturday, Sep. 24th, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Secure data destruction on all computers dropped off for recycling. Check the Spectrum Ecycle Solutions website for details about this event.

MRCRecycling:STLCC Florissant Valley Campus3400 Pershall Rd.Ferguson, MO 63135Saturday, Oct. 1st, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

MRC Recycling ffers data destruction services for any company or individual. Please see their website for future recycling events at www.midwrc.net.

WiTS:Affton US Bank8301 Gravois RdSt. Louis, MO 63123First Sunday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Sunset Hills City Hall3939 S LindberghSt. Louis, MO 63131Third Saturday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Chesterfield Athletic Complex17818 N. Outer 40 RdChesterfield, MO 63005Fourth Saturday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Ritenour High School9100 St. Charles Rock RdSt. Louis, MO 63114First Saturday of every month 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. WITS accepts electronics and other items. For a complete list, visit witsinc.org.

upcoming Community electronic Recycling events: