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January Newsletter

Environmental Consulting Agency Newsletter
January 15, 2010
by Denette Dunn

I am often asked "What makes a successful recycling program?" I decided to try and answer some of the most common questions pertaining to curbside recycling also referred to as single stream or co-mingled recycling in Arizona. I have also included information on commercial recycling.

Single stream recycling needs to be clean and free of food, wet and green waste. ( Please see the chart below.) To make collection possible and economically feasible weight and route density is a very important consideration because of the transportation costs involved. I highly recommend finding a facility or encouraging the city where you reside to accept glass and plastics 1-7. This is important for the municipality collecting the material because a heavier load generates more revenue and creates a higher diversion rate saving landfill space and or costs due to tipping fees. This is crucial to maintain and keep rates from increasing for the residents residing in that city. It should be understood that recycling should be simple without a lot of restrictions. Look for a recycler who will accept bottles with lids, again the keep it simple theory. I also like to make sure glass is recycled into new glass products and not just used for landfill cover, this insures a higher energy savings. Education is also a key component of any successful recycling program.

It is very important when considering a recycling program to have a professional perform a waste audit and recommend a plan to divert and convert what was once considered trash into revenue for your company. The recycling commodities market can be volatile, knowing the right consultant familiar with the market, end users and transportation companies is important in maintaining consistent movement. I would recommend doing your homework and find someone with an established track record who has integrity and who knows enough about market indicators to ensure you receive the best rebate for your material.

Commercial Recycling is also important and can help a company divert and save on their monthly trash bill. Many businesses bale or compact their OCC Which stands for Old Corrugated Cardboard. Larger bales are necessary to fill a container or truck for optimal pricing when shipping overseas or to a port. It is also necessary to get the right equipment and maintenance program to ensure steady and reliable movement of your material.

Used and new equipment is readily available in today's economy and can be a very wise, cost effective investment. As stated above do your homework! You will also need to know how much power is available. You will need three phase electric with amps matching your equipments requirements. Other considerations include availability of cement footings and clearance for covered areas. Most small commercial accounts can use a 60 inch down-stroke baler or a compactor. A baler can bale fiber, plastics, and some metals. If you generate baled material and ship a full load 20 to 22 tons this should increase your rebate. There are other options of course and a good consultant should be able to give you the information to best fit your needs.

Environmental Consulting Agency specializes in matching the right consultant able to customize a sustainable program for recycling, LEED building and design, diversion and cost saving options and programs as well as grant writing and education.

ECA can help you maximize your profitability and add to your bottom line. We match you with recognized professionals with proven track records known for their integrity and their get it done attitude. Please contact us and let set up an interview with one of our professionals for a free initial consultation.

Single Stream Co-Mingled Recycling
ACCEPTABLE ITEMS

DO NOT bag your recyclables, but do bag and tie your trash.

Plastics (with the symbol #1 through #7) - water jugs, milk jugs, juice jugs, detergent bottles and water bottles, squeezable bottles, yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese containers, fountain drink plastic cups, disposable clean plates, CD cases, rigid plastics.

Not recyclable: plastic bags cause damage to equipment called star screens at a Materials Recovery Facility otherwise called a M.R.F. The plastic bags should be recycled at your local grocery store or Bag Central Station and not put in your curbside receptacle.

Paper & cardboard - newspaper, magazines, junk mail, phone books, office and writing paper, broken down boxes, cereal boxes, detergent boxes, and shoe boxes, frozen food boxes, soda carriers.

Shredded Paper - must be tied in clear or transparent plastic bag. One of the main reasons colored or opaque bags are not accepted is for the safety of the sort line employees.

Metal - aluminum (beverage cans) and steel cans (vegetables, fruit, soup cans), empty aerosol cans (no paint, pesticide or oven cleaner cans), foil paper and clean pie plates.

Not recyclable: paint, pesticide or oven cleaner cans, computers and large electronics. These can be recycled through specialized companies.

Glass - jars, containers and beverage bottles.

Not recyclable: window panes, mirrors, light bulbs, windshields, car windows, treated glass, glass table tops, televisions. These can be recycled through specialized recyclers.

Other items that should not be placed in your recycling barrel: grass trimmings, household trash, white goods (appliances) medical waste, packing material, or foam (Styrofoam) products.

Please note:

The Arizona Recycling Coalition has its annual membership meeting January 27th 2010 from 10am to 1pm at Cox Communications 17602 North Black Canyon Highway Phoenix Arizona Lunch will be served and board elections will be held.