SUMMER 2018customer update

Page 1 • Summer 2018

Inside

Residential customers looking for up-to-date information about our holiday schedule, call our Holiday Hotline at 303-448-2280 or look it up at westerndisposal.com. The following holidays are observedby Western Disposal:• Independence Day . . . July 4, 2018• Labor Day. . . . . . . . . .Sept. 3, 2018• Thanksgiving Day . . Nov. 22, 2018• Christmas Day . . . . . Dec. 25, 2018• New Year’s Day . . . . . .Jan. 1, 2019• Memorial Day . . . . . May 27, 2019

1 . . . . . C&D Diversion Challenges

2 . . . . . Can I Recycle…?

2 . . . . . Trash Bash/Impact

3 . . . . . 4 & 6 Yard Dumpsters

3 . . . . . Compost Corner

3 . . . . . Unwanted Summer Visitors

4 . . . . . Safety

4 . . . . . Shred Days

4 . . . . . Online Billing

CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DIVERSION CHALLENGES

(continued on page 2)

Holiday Schedule

Across the Front Range, surging economic and population growth have stimulated the construction industry.  New homes, apartment complexes and buildings are being built while older buildings are being removed or renovated.  This construction activity creates jobs, homes, and offices, but at the same time, generates a significant amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste.  Keeping this C&D waste out of the landfill is a challenge that many communities and organizations are trying to overcome.According to estimates, nearly 30% of the all the waste going to the landfill is C&D waste.  The most common materials making up C&D waste includes:

• Aggregates (concrete, asphalt, brick)• Cardboard• Shingles• Carpet• Drywall• Wood (dimensional lumber, plywood, pallets)• Scrap metal

While Western Disposal provides recycling options for some of the C&D material, there are a number of challenges that prevent more of this material from being diverted from the landfill.  Lack of Recycling Facilities.  C&D waste is commonly mixed on-site with all waste materials placed in a single container.  In order to recycle this waste, it must be sorted, much like how our curbside single stream recyclables are handled.  Facilities for sorting C&D waste, called material recovery facilities (MRFs) are prevalent in states such as California, but there are no official C&D MRFs in Colorado to sort mixed loads of C&D.  One of the main reasons for this is Colorado’s low landfill tipping fees which makes it much cheaper for mixed C&D waste to be sent to the landfill rather than processed and recycled.  Therefore, there is often little economic incentive to building facilities for sorting mixed C&D.  Colorado does have a number of private and public facilities for the recycling of some source-separated materials, such as aggregates, scrap metal, cardboard, and wood which helps divert thousands of tons of waste from the landfill every year.  However, their availability often varies by community.  Lack of Markets.  For many of the materials making up C&D waste, there are few or no markets in Colorado for processing and recycling the material.  One example is asphalt shingles.  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) launched pilot programs across the state to create markets for converting asphalt shingles into material for road construction. However, in 2015, CDPHE adopted a policy that asphalt shingles are no longer considered a recyclable material in Colorado.  This was due to recycling facilities accepting thousands of tons of roofing shingles and then abandoning them due to lack of demand.    Separation On-Site.  As mentioned, placing all C&D waste on-site into a single container is generally the most common method of waste disposal at construction sites due to a few reasons. First, space is often limited at a construction site and only one container may fit on site. Second, it is generally much more expensive to have multiple containers for the collection of sorted materials on site. Finally, with multiple contractors on site during a construction project, ensuring materials are properly sorted can be a difficult job.

Page 2 •Summer 2018

Can I Recycle...?Summer is here! For many of us, summertime means camping at one of the countless magical spots here in Colorado. For others, this is the time to finally get some projects done around the house while also keeping that yard looking good. However, did you know that both activities create a unique waste item that must be disposed of properly at Boulder County’s Hazardous Materials Management Facility (HMMF)?Lithium Ion BatteriesMany of the power tools we use around our homes are now powered by lithium ion batteries. These rechargeable batteries are more powerful than previous generations of rechargeable batteries, and this has led to a surge in popularity of these battery powered tools. These tools include drills and saws as well as yard tools ranging from weed whips to even lawn mowers. While these battery powered tools are convenient, the batteries powering them need proper disposal for both environmental and safety reasons.On the environmental side, many of the battery components and chemicals can be recycled for use in new batteries when properly disposed. Regarding safety, there have been numerous fires at recycling facilities in the past few years that can be attributed to lithium-ion batteries — which are notorious for combusting. There were 289 reported facility fires across the United States in 2017 (not to mention fires that were not reported), many of which were likely caused by batteries. For these reasons, it is important to dispose of these batteries properly at a facility such as Boulder County’s HMMF.  At this facility, the batteries are safely handled and sent to recycling facilities.  Remember, these batteries should never be placed in your household trash or recycling. Camping Propane CylindersOne of the most prevalent items used while camping are the small, one-pound propane cylinders for use on most camp stoves.  Unfortunately, these small tanks are single-use, and therefore must be disposed of when empty.  However, they cannot be placed in the trash or your recycling at home and should be taken to a facility such as the HMMF.  At the HMMF, the empty cylinders are vented and punctured by staff, then clearly marked before metal recyclers will accept them as scrap metal for recycling. However, there is now an option to both eliminate this waste and save money.   Available for purchase from the HMMF are reusable, one-pound Flame King cylinders.  Flame King now makes a kit that allows people to refill their one-pound Flame King cylinders using your own larger BBQ-style propane tank.  These kits are on sale now for $31 at the HMMF and offer a great opportunity for convenience and to reduce the waste we generate while camping.  There are also a few retailers such as Jax or REI that are now selling the refillable one-pound cylinders.  At this time, Coleman propane cylinders are not refillable.HMMF InfoThe HMMF is located at 1901 63rd St.  and the hours of operation are Wednesday-Saturday, 8:30 am-4 pm.   For more information call 720-564-2251.

CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DIVERSION CHALLENGES (continued from page 1)

In spite of these challenges, for-profit companies, non-profits, and governmental entities have all sought to develop waste diversion solutions that encourage and, in some cases, require diversion from the landfill. One example is the U.S. Green Building Council launching the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program in 2000.  LEED provides a framework to encourage the implementation of numerous sustainability measures during construction and demolition projects. LEED is widely recognized and has created a market for “green” buildings thereby incentivizing builders to strive for LEED certification.  One area to obtain points towards certification is waste reduction and recycling, and therefore builders seeking certification have an incentive to recycle C&D waste despite cost and sorting challenges.  Western has worked with several projects seeking this certification to ensure their waste is recycled where possible.Local governments have also been active in trying to increase diversion.  While some local governments have sought to increase C&D diversion through general educational resources for contractors, others have enacted policy based approaches to require diversion.  The City of Boulder and Boulder County require a specified level of diversion from residential construction projects as part of their green building ordinances.  These ordinances have helped drive some diversion and increased awareness of diversion opportunities. However, enforcing these ordinances has proved challenging, which can decrease their effectiveness.  Finally, a unique aspect of C&D waste compared to other types of waste is that much of it can be reused.  Whether it is dimensional lumber, old kitchen cabinets, decorative tile or counter tops, there are organizations that have created programs and business opportunities for the reuse of C&D waste.  Resource Central (formerly Center for Resource Conservation) assists residential projects with deconstruction plans, hauling of salvageable material, and sale of salvageable material to the community at their ReSource yard at 6400 Arapahoe in Boulder.Colorado’s economy is booming but unfortunately, so is C&D waste.  There is no denying that Colorado has significant hurdles to overcome to increase the C&D waste diversion, but it is encouraging to see both the public and private sectors developing resources and options to create more diversion opportunities.

We’ve all heard the statistics; Colorado’s funding for education is among the lowest in the Country, drop-out rates for

students with economic challenges are almost twice as high as for other students, and locally each year

16,000 kids start the year without the school supplies they need. Focused on these issues in our community is Impact on Education, a local non-profit whose mission includes addressing economic and learning

barriers that curtail success, promoting innovation in education, and fostering excellence in instruction.

Western Disposal has been a proud supporter of this worthy cause for eleven years, donating and fundraising for programs that

directly touch thousands of local kids annually, including the Crayons to Calculators backpack and school supply program and the Impact Opportunity Fund, which ensures students have the opportunity to attend field trips, represent their school through athletics and enrich their education through music.This year Western’s 11th annual Trash Bash fundraiser, themed “Boots & Bling”, was again a rousing success. Together with our suppliers we will be contributing more than $165,000 to Impact on Education programs in 2018, bringing our total contribution to more than $1.3 million over the course of our partnership!

MAKING AN IMPACT ON EDUCATION

Boots &

Compost CornerBackyard composting is an effective way to reduce your household carbon footprint, and it can be very rewarding to produce your very own quality compost for the garden.  While there is certainly a lot of science behind backyard composting, a little know-how will take you a long way. To produce your own “black gold”, nurture your compost pile by following these five basic rules:1. Begin with, and maintain, a 50/50 ratio, by volume, of

“browns” and “greens” at all times. If you add a handful of kitchen scraps (which are “greens”), to your pile, you’ll need to add a handful of “browns” (like dried leaves).This means you need to keep a stash of browns handy at all times.

2. Feed your pile a balanced diet of greens (the variety of food waste from your kitchen scraps) but no meat, dairy, or animal products except egg shells (these materials are compostable, but they require high temperatures and can attract unwanted critters). While a variety of browns is great (dried leaves, dried grass, or other brown yard waste), dried leaves can be used as all of your browns.  So, save a few bags of leaves each fall for use throughout the year for composting.

3. All materials going into your bin (greens or browns) must be cut down to 1”-2” in size. Smaller isn’t better. However, coffee grounds are ok.

4. Dumping your kitchen scraps on the top of your compost pile and walking away is the worst thing you can do, generating odors and attracting wildlife. Instead, open your bin, dig out a spot with your hand, empty your kitchen scraps into the pit, add an equal amount of browns, and cover up the new materials with the pile, then close the bin.

5. Keep your pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge and turn often with a garden pitchfork. Keep pile accessible to the garden hose and water it by sticking the hose, running, in the pile and soak it for a minute or two.  Then mix thoroughly to even out the moisture content.  Grab a handful from the bin and squeeze.  Isn’t damp as a wrung-out sponge yet?  Repeat above until it is. Watering and turning should be done ideally once a week, but no less than once a month.

For best results I recommend the Soil Saver Compost Bin. It can be purchased directly from Boulder County, at cost, for only $55! Check out bouldercounty.org/environment/composting/compost-bins/to learn more.Contributed by master composter and avid gardener Melanie Nehls Burow. Melanie teaches Boulder County’s Basics of Backyard Composting Classes and has been teaching Composting Education in Boulder County for nearly 17 years.

Page 3 • Summer 2018

It’s the time of year we all enjoy being outside in the sun and fresh air, unfortunately it’s also the time of year that attracts pesky creatures to feast on the material in our compost carts. To help keep bugs at bay, we suggest washing out your cart on a regular basis and freezing compost scraps until your compost collection day. If pests have made it indoors and you are fighting a fruit fly battle on your kitchen counter, try this home-made, non-toxic trap recommended by Real Simple magazine:Made a homemade trap by forming a cone-shaped funnel with an 8-by-10-inch piece of paper, sealing it with tape, and sticking it into a clean jar or wine bottle. Bait the jar with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a slice of ripe banana. Place one or more of these traps on counters or in pantries where the pests are seen most often. The flies go in easily but can’t fly out. After you trap all visible flies, kill them with a pest spray or release them outside. Re-bait and replace jar traps, as necessary.

UNWANTED SUMMER VISITORS

CONTAINERS FOR SMALL PROJECTSCleaning out the garage or working on a small remodel project? Don’t need a roll-off but have more material than will fit in your cart? Consider renting a temporary 4- or 6-yard container from Western.The capacity of a 6-yard container is about 10 times that of our largest cart. Containers rent by the month, giving you maximum flexibility in completing your project. Featuring a minimal footprint, these containers can be conveniently placed in hard to access areas or in a spot where a roll-off won’t fit.

For more information on this no-hassle cleanup solution, call Customer Service at 303-444-2037.

Page 4 • Summer 2018

Don’t forget we offer convenient online billing and payment options. Eliminate paper invoices and have the peace of mind of automatic payments – or make instant one-time payments. Visit westerndisposal.com and sign in or sign up under “My Account”.

If you go paperless and want to continue to receive your newsletter, sign up for e-minders at westerndisposal.com.

Online Billing

Win One MonthFree Trash ServiceSeveral lucky residential customers will receive one month of free trash service for finding their names in this newsletter!

If you find your name, call our Customer Service Department at 303-444-2037 to receive credit on your account for one month of free service. Sorry, names mentioned as part of the stories are not eligible.

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1970

Ways to Reach Us...5880 Butte Mill Road • P.O. Box 9100

Boulder, Colorado 80301ph. (303) 444-2037Fax (303) 444-7509

contact@westerndisposal.comwesterndisposal.com

Please Follow Us Online!

Extended Hours: 7 A.M. – 5 P.M. Monday through Saturday (ends November 18)

TRASH & RECYCLE CENTER

Join us at Western Disposal’s Trash and Recycle Center, 5880 Butte Mill Road, Boulder, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your confidential materials such as tax returns, medical forms, bank statements, etc. for safe and secure destruction. These events are for Western Disposal residential customers only and are not open to the general public.

Dates: August 5th and October 7th

• Volume limit: 5 copy boxes or 32-gallon bags weighing no more than 35 lbs. each

• Clips and staples are okay• Folders and notebooks are okay. No 3-ring binders please!• No phonebooks, catalogs or magazines • No electronic media—paper documents onlyImpact on Education will be on hand collecting donations for programs to benefit low-income students in the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain School Districts. Your spare change is appreciated – everything helps!

TWO DOCUMENT-SHREDDING DAYS LEFT!

SAFETY IS MISSION CRITICAL Western Disposal has always taken pride in providing a safe environment for both our workers and our customers. We have been rewarding excellence in safety since 1980, when we first recognized five Safe Drivers. Since then,

Western Disposal has been recognizing our drivers and workers who meet and exceed our expectations to keep our roads and facilities safe.

But, what exactly is safety? For Western, that means operating accident and injury free every day. Last year our drivers logged 1,336,698 miles. With that much time on the road, we need to ensure our drivers are well trained, cautious, and courteous. When you see a Western truck on the road you can be sure that driver has been tested and retested to make sure they are in the best position to keep you and themselves safe.

Every one of our drivers completes in-depth training on all traffic laws, meaning every stop sign, traffic light, crosswalk, and right-of-way is obeyed every single time. They

also complete a thorough back-up procedure training, fulfill all OSHA regulated trainings and complete on-board fire training. All this training is applied each time a driver steps in to

their truck. These practices are also abided by at our Transfer Station. We have employees behind the scenes that allow Western to operate smoothly. Just as importantly, they have similar safety guidelines and regulations they need to follow so that they may stay accident and injury free.We make sure this training is properly utilized by sending our route supervisors out with our drivers regularly and score them based on a 25-point criterion. This allows our supervisors to provide coaching where needed and offer praise where deserved. Every year Western Disposal celebrates those drivers and workers who demonstrate superior dedication and performance at our Annual Safety Award Banquet. Drivers and workers who are invited to attend have completed the entire year without accident or injury. In 2017, 75% of our drivers were recognized. 38 out of those 46 drivers are considered Elite drivers meaning they have had no accidents, incidents or injuries 2017.

We have been rewarding excellence in safety since 1980, when we first recognized five Safe Drivers. Since then, Western Disposal has been recognizing our drivers and workers who meet and exceed our

expectations to keep our roads and facilities safe.But, what exactly is safety? For Western, that means operating accident and injury free every day. Last year our drivers logged 1,336,698 miles. With that much time on the road, we need to ensure our drivers are well trained, cautious, and courteous. When you see a Western truck on the road you can be sure that driver has been tested and retested to make sure they are in the best position to keep you and themselves safe.

Every one of our drivers completes in-depth training on all traffic laws, meaning every stop sign, traffic light, crosswalk, and right-of-way is obeyed every single time. They

also complete a thorough back-up procedure training, fulfill all OSHA regulated trainings and complete on-board fire training. All this training is applied each time a driver steps in to

This year we are especially proud of Pedro Pargas-Vega. Pedro has been with Western for 16 years and for the entirety of his career with us, he has been honored as an Elite Safe Driver for his excellent driving record. We have confidence that 2018 will be another accident-free year for Pedro. When that happens, he will have tied the record for the most consecutive years of earning the award. Congratulations Pedro!