December 2015    printable version      web page

November Board Meeting notes     MassDEP's Greg Cooper discusses Glass issues     Ewaste RFQ results2015 HHW round upSSRC awarded $82,000 SMRP grantSylvester School Green Machines learn about pizza box recyclingPaint Legislation nears voteImportant mercury info from SEMASSMercury Levels Down in Freshwater Fish!Mass. Textile Stakeholder SummitNERC Glass ForumNat'l Product Stewardship Forum Tackles Drug Take-Back, Packaging, Climate ChangeTrash talk at COP21 in Paris

November 2015    printable version      web pageOctober Board Meeting notes

Capital Paper Recycling

Trash Bash 2016?

CEF, E-Waste legislation

SE MRC Municipal Organics Collection presentations

Ewaste issues, RFQ interest?

SEMASS offering mercury shedsSEMASS sending mercury rebate paymentsKingston BOS vote to present PAYT to votersSSRC releases plastic bag op-ed for ARDMAPSC, PSI set municipal goals for product stewardship actionsNational Product Stewardship Forum coming to BostonDirector's notes: EBC Solid Waste ConferenceWebinar: Best Practices for Implementing Reuse EventsIndustry bites back after New York Times recycling column

October 2015    printable version      web page

September Board Meeting notes 

     Mid City Scrap sponsors breakfast     EBoard re-elected     FY2016 PlanHHW Roll Off RFQSSRC towns get $107K in Round 1 DEP SMRPWebsite updateDirector testifies on Ewaste Producer Responsibility billDirector invited to regulatory advisory groupZero Waste Solutions facility opening pegged at AprilMass DEP Textile Recovery Stakeholders MeetingMassRecycle, MBTA Launch recycling program at AlewifeUSDA, EPA set national food waste reduction goals 

September 2015  printable version        web pageJuly Board Meeting notesDuxbury, Hanson endorse Paint Stewardship BillHanson doubles recycling rate with 'pay-as-you-throw'Kingston recycling antifreeze, large rigid plasticsContainers available for event recyclingMuni Organics Programs to be featured at SE MRCState promotes mattress recyclingU.S. Recycling Workers Face Hazards, High Injury RatesERI, iFixit work together to recover, sell partsBoost Plastic Film Recycling in Your CommunityKAB "I want to be recycled" video contest produces winnersAmerican recycling biz woesTips for Tackling Contamination in Recycling StreamsJuly 2015   printable version    web pageJune Board Meeting 

SCS Engineers – compost site managementPaint Stewardship bill support lettersFall HHW collectionsDEP regulatory remediesSSRC Propane tank pricing

 Plymouth BOH passes hauler recycling regNorwell votes for Pay-as-you-throwSSRC Director testifies State House hearing SSRC applies for field staff grantCRTRecycling still operating despite fireSE Muni Recycling Council – tech aides for muni programs Recyclables market synopsis (NRRA)

Tips from SWANA Listserv: Automation of Garbage CollectionMassCEC Awards $1.1 Mil for Anaerobic Digestion Projects  

May 2015     PDF version    web page

April Board MeetingConigliaro Industries sponsor presentationDEP SMRP Grant infoWebsite Tour, feedbackExecutive Director's Report

Bridgewater-Raynham High school presentation 

Vegetable oil collection optionsMiddleboro site accepting food wasteHingham HS named US DOE Green Ribbon SchoolAnaerobic Digestion facility breaks ground in FreetownGreat Locker GreenoutConnecticut Launches First-in-US Mattress Recycling Program

April 2015     PDF version      Web page

16th Anniversary Trash Bash gets rave reviewsPlymouth, Hanson, Scituate "Municipal Trash Bashers"Panel Discussion and Comedy

New HHW contract, program worth $32,000/yr to Member TownsFebruary Board Meeting news

Recycle ThatMass. Product Stewardship CouncilPaint Producer Responsibility billMattress Recycling quotes

March Board Meeting NewsBig Hearted BooksFree/paying vegetable oil optionsRegional curbside contract investigationKingston PAYT forum

New State Contract: bins, carts, and roll-offsUTEC Mattress Recycling headlines in GlobeScaring away seagulls"Don't Flush That" infotainment video

 

February 2015   MailChimp version    PDF version

January Board Meeting News

Bay State TextilesReusable Bag distributionPackaging Stewardship legislationDirector's Report:

Recyclable RFQUniversal Recycling billBig Hearted BooksRecycle ThatStyrofoamⓇ recycling

Recycling Dividends Program planningSSRC Releases HHW RFPSSRC's March "Trash Bash" to feature Jimmy Tingle

Miller Recycling puts mattress recycling to sleepEwaste, Mattress PricingNeed help spending your Grant money wisely?

Mass. Product Stewardship Council revving upDEP Reports due Feb. 15Commonwealth Mag Asks: Is This The Best We Can Do?

  

December 2014 printable version 

11/20 Board Meeting News    Glycol Blending Service    Recyclables RFQ    Trash Bash planning    Reusable Bag order status    HHW RFP    Third Party TS Inspections    UBB Retrospective    Universal Recycling Bill    Norwell thinking SMART    Abington nabs illegal dumper    Styrofoam® recycling    Big Hearted Books paymentsAbitibi bought by American Paper11 SSRC towns awarded $267KNew propane tank pricingSEMASS year end mercury pickupsName your mercury rebate recipient now

Taunton grant for public space recyclingThe changing waste streamSingle stream contamination

  

9/5/2014  printable version 

Board Meeting Notes and updates 7/10/2014Patti Howard, Rich O'Connor, Covanta SEMASSStreamlining HHW reciprocity systemFY15 plan and priorities

Free eWaste/Appliance collections nets 130 tons from 23 townsSSRC Recycling carts put to good use this summerWhat the Third Party Inspection rules mean to us

Republic Services absorbs local waste/recycling companiesCarpet recycler opens in AttleboroFree Anti-freeze recyclingNew source for Recycling StickersSmoke detector, ballast, battery recycling NOT covered by SEMASS MSPHanover Schools join textile recycling program

Hingham BOH starts Business Recycling IncentiveProgramSouth Shore Schools, Classes receive 'Green Team' AwardsMassRecycle R3 Webinar - Diversion Options for Mattresses 9/25

Community Composting webinar: Lessons from New York City & Beyond 9/16Reuse Marketplace posting – nice tablesHull's "Quintessential volunteer" Kramer honored

6/19/2014Board Meeting Notes and updates 5/22/2014

Bay State Textiles updateAbington, Weymouth and Plymouth: automated cart funding, execution, resultsBoard votes to oppose bill prescribing municipal recycling services

Executive Director's ReportRecycling Dividends ProgramGrant projectMercury RebatesUniversal Recycling Bill

Spring HHW collections smooth, well attended; Fall schedule setGood news on textile collections (Brooke Nash, MassDEP))From the Recycle-MA listserv: Public space recycling discussionSolid waste facility third party inspection info (John Fischer, MassDEP)

What's up with the Bottle bill?Hedlund again leads Senate effort to expand Bottle Bill (State House News)Expanded bottle law likely headed for ballot (David Abel, Boston Globe)As deadline nears, compromise in legislature at impasse (State House News)

PaintCare in NH- Almost but not quite (Michael Durfor, NRRA)One week Compost Management Operations training late July, Ithaca NY

The SSRC Office will be closed from June 24-July 4 

Next Board meeting July 10, Duxbury Senior Center  

5/9/20144/10/2014 Board Meeting Notes and updates

Materials Management Group recycles gypsum, asphalt shingles, and moreMarch Event reviewGrant video project reportBook recycling updates

 FY15 SMRP grants

 May Board meeting/open house: 3 curbside cart program presentationsHanson signs disposal contract with Zero Waste SolutionsGreat American Rain Barrel bulk orderNew Waste Characterization Study - less recyclables, more compostables in trash

PSC Environmental acquired by Stericycle Intermunicipal Competition Aims to Boost RIRecycling RatesEVENTS

    

4/7/201415th Anniversary "Trash Bash" features field trip, food, facts and fanfare

Four named Environmental HeroesBoard Meeting Notes and updates

2013 Annual ReportBook recyclingGrind, screen contract awardsVideo grant projectHHW event flyers

Hanson boards approve Pay as You ThrowStyrofoamⓇ Recycling pilots on CapeBridgewater firm accepts StyrofoamⓇ daily; Weymouth does one-day collectionAnaerobic Digestion Feasibility grants availablePatrick Administration finalizes food waste disposal banMassDEP Approves Stop & Shop's anaerobic digestion project in FreetownFinal Solid Waste Regulation amendmentsMunicipalities discuss benefits of Paint Takeback law Three South Shore speakers at MassRecycle R3 Conference"Local Solutions: Northeast Climate Change Preparedness Conference" set for MayDo you have an Earth Day event in your community? 

 

1/17/2014 

Board Meeting Notes and updates 12/19/2013Zero Waste Solutions (NBWS) presentationPlymouth curbside/ dropoff/ SMART programScituate municipal building recyclingIMA extensionSpring HHW scheduling

Grind Screen IFB releasedWhat happened to Got Books?15th Anniversary Celebration in the worksCall for Environmental Hero award nominations

Hingham Universal Recycling bylaw delivering impressive resultsOrleans/ Daley signs 10 year disposal contract with NBWSWhat's in a name?Correction regarding Paint Legislation grant

Executive Director on vacation 1/30-2/5  

12/13/2013 

Board Meeting Notes and updates 11/14/2013Merle Brown honored for fifteen years of leadership

Positive Effects food waste collectionHHW contract with PSC extended through FY15Grind-screen IFB

SSRC affiliations, membershipsExecutive Director's Report:Fall HHW summaryIMA extension to spring warrantsLegislationGoats beat machines clearing Duxbury brushCorrection on SEMASS’ role in mercury spills:  prevention, not remediationDirector gives recycling class to Scituate DepartmentsZero Waste Solutions Receives Building Permit from RochesterFrom the Recycle-MA listserv:  Carton recycling in schoolsPaint takeback legislation discussed at regional summitUniversal Recycling Bill workgroup makes progress at second meetingNE Municipal Recycling Council:  China’s Green Fence, plastic bag contamination

 

11/11/2013 

Board Meeting Notes and updates 10/17/2013Covanta SEMASS Mercury rebates

  Board votes to oppose Litter Tax/Bottle Bill repealExecutive Director's Report:

HHW RFPGrind-Screen IFB

Remembering Joseph LambertSSRC, Member Towns awarded $460K Grants

Hingham HS, Pacheco, Gobi honored at MR AwardsPlymouth SMART (PAYT) system earning its wayDirector, Delaney give Scituate students recycling showStudent takes broken mercury thermometer to school in Rockland

New Bedford Waste Services Receives Mass DEP Permit

Universal Recycling bill making the rounds, pulls in MHOACRTRecycling receives R2 certificationGood deals on Sharps boxes

New York City hosts January "MulchFests" for Christmas TreesOctober 2013 Market Prices (NRRA)

 

10/11/2013

Board Meeting Notes and updates 9/19/2013

Ras-Tech (Recycled Asphalt Shingles) presentationRegional disposal contract updateUpdated Bottle Bill hearing, ballot initiativeUniversal Recycling Bill discussed at stakeholder Working Group meeting; MHOA involvedAbington to host free electronics collection on Nov. 2Hingham bylaw reduces commercial wasteKingston unveils State of the Art Transfer StationMarshfield Fair waste continues to dwindle (that's a good thing)

Photo of Kingston Transfer station deposit shed, wind turbineState fines trash haulers for illegal dumping at South Hadley landfill

9/13/2013SSRC still 14 towns strong for FY14Board Meeting Notes and updates 6/6/2013

New Bedford Waste Services/ABC Disposal presentationPromotional handouts unveiled

 New EBoard elected

Board Meeting Notes and updates 8/8/2013Waste Zero's Trash Metering program services (aka SMART and PAYT)Paint Recycling updateClumping kitty litterData from spring HHW collectionsFall HHW schedule

Regional disposal contract negotiations a resounding success for townsRindge Energy paying for propane tanksLegislation

Universal Recycling Bill making progressUpdated Bottle Bill – ballot and legislationE-Waste Producer Responsibility bill discussed with SW&M 

Connecticut passes first-in-nation Mattress Producer Responsibility lawVermont, Minnesota pass 5th and 6th Paint Stewardship laws

Boston pilots residential drop-off composting25 tons of organics collected in first month of NYC pilot organics program

 5/24/2013Board Meeting Notes and updates 5/9/2013

Secure-A-Lot vehicle access controlCRTRecycling offers free TV, propane tank recycing, concrete barriersPromotional handouts almost ready

 FY14 grant proposal recommendation- video production

Executive Director's Report:

Ewaste collection quotes (5 vendors)

Legislation Progress: UBB, Universal Recycling, Plastic Bag Ban

Combustion Moratorium lifted

Some DEP Data surveys still need to be submitted

Scituate Harbor Marina to implement recycling program

School Textile Recycling Boxes net $ thousands

Municipalities consider regional disposal contract terms, options

Covanta SEMASS offers bounties, assistance for mercury product recycling

Hedlund files, Keenan cosponsors UBB with Senate budget; PASSED! (conference

committee next)

Final 2020 Solid Waste Master Plan approved

Big Apple to pilot residential organics collection

Conn. DEEP approves paint takeback program rules

Single stream vs. dual stream paper: a local end market's story  

4/23/2013Board Meeting Notes 4/11/2013

Troupe Waste and Recycling to add organics collectionPromotional handout reportLegislative BreakfastSustainable Materials Recovery Program grantsExecutive Director's Report:

Ewaste RFQCompost bin status?Regional disposal contract negotiation

Hanson BOS hosts discussion of SMART/PAYTPlymouth TM approves new waste management program(s)Legislation

Universal Recycling billUpdated Bottle BillE-Waste billLegislature Marks Earth Day by Advancing Ban on Plastic Bags

MassDEP web links to change (groan) 

3/29/2013Board Meeting Notes 3/14/2013

Residential Food Waste Collection has come to the South ShoreBay State Textiles updateE-waste RFPHandling fee commentsOutreach grant handout reportHingham mandatory recycling/ enforcement officer reportHoliday tree managementExecutive Director's Report:

LegislationRegional disposal contract negotiationHHW flyers

MassDEP Municipal Grants; Recycling SurveySSRC involved in three exciting April events:

Bottle Bill forum"Leading the Sustainable Wey" FairJimmy Tingle hosts The Battle for the Bottle Bill

Register your Earth Day event onlineEWaste Producer Responsibility bills clear first hurdle of sessionFines for Trashy RecyclingNow promoting recycled toilet paper... Crapman

 3/1/2013Board meeting notes 2/7/2013

PSC EnvironmentalE-waste RFPAbington curbside cart, enforcement, education program successLegislation guidance requests: Universal Recycling H765

Municipal cost savings H758Updated Bottle Bill H2943

Executive Director's Report: Conference speakerships; data reminderNext meeting

Hamilton, Wenham MA Have Curbside Food Waste Collection$400,000 grant awarded for Anaerobic Digestion Facility at Dartmouth LandfillAn entertaining and informative PPP on Disaster Debris ManagementScrap metal scavenging perspectives– from the Recycle-MA listservLeading the Sustainable Wey- Regional Fair set for April 6Scituate Has 100% Renewables for Municipal ElectricitySchool newsThe Green Team

Vote for Kennedy Middle School in Natick compost videoMassachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) 2012 Conference

 2/1/2013Board meeting Notes 1/10/2013

Harvest Power organics managementHousehold hazrdous waste contract extendedSSRC files Universal Recycling billExecutive Director's Report

Regional contract negotiation statusPayroll documentationOffice moveNext meetings

KAB, Coke bin grant program continuesPlease submit DEP solid waste data surveyMassachusetts sets the table for an organics banSummary of MassDEP's new organics regulationsMassRecycle plans discussion on moratorium comments at R3 conferenceFree assistance for greening your organization'soffice equipment

 

12/18/2012Board meeting Notes 11/29/2012

Casella Waste, Recycling and Organics SystemsGrind screen contract extensionsOutreach grantSolid Waste legislation status, priorities for new sessionExecutive Director's Report

HHW collection summaryTedtile collectionsSolid Waste Master Plan MassDEP Organics RegulationsMaterial Separation Plan 6

Cambridge to pilot food waste curbside collectionMasDEP to host Recycling Enforcement workshopNRRA adds voice to EPR and Product StewardshipJoin the new Mass. Recycling listserveSan Francisco Hits Landmark 80% Diversion RateRecyclingWorks Mass. adds featuresGarbology:  Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash (book review)

 12/7/2012    Board Meeting Notes   - will be in next issue

    5 SSRC towns, and SSRC, awarded Material Recovery grants by MassDEP

Hingham High School transforms food waste into funds

MassDEP streamlines site assignment, WWTP regulations

Big cash stash found at Wellesley Transfer Station Book Exchange

Schools: start planning for National Green Week!

Events  

10/25/2012  pretty printable version

 Board Meeting Notes

Interstate Battery System buys and sells lead-acid batteries

Preparing for proposed food waste ban

Other meeting banter ("New Business")

SSRC: Hedlund, Cantwell, Nyman UBB Champions

Notes from Pathways to Zero Waste workshop, hosted by US EPA Region 1

Northeast Reuse Marketplace replaces Materials Exchange

News for Schools

Events

 

10/4/2012  pretty printable version

Board Meeting Notes

Clean Harbors automotive fluids collection

Marshfield Fair Grounds Crew honored

Hedlund, Cantwell and Nyman to be recognized

Executive Director's Report

SEMASS Material Separation Plan 6 proposal

Organics waste ban regulation, processing capacity

MassRecycle Municipal Recycling Council Meeting:

Unwanted medications disposal options

Residential Medical sharps disposal options

MBTA to host Recycling Event in Kingston Oct. 20

SSRC Director to present at SWANA Recycling Conference

EPA hosts Pathways to Zero Waste, New England Workshop

Register your America Recycles Day Event today

Events

 

8/28/2012

Board Meeting Notes

Bay State Textiles Update

FY13 Plan

DEP Outreach grant proposal

Fall HHW flyers

Legislative breakfast, awards planning

Legislation wrap up

Technical Assistance Grant applications due TODAY

Regional disposal RFQ gets 6 responses

SSRC role in Marshfield Fair gets attention

School waste reduction checklist

Does the new CFC-free refrigerant require special handling?

Business and Institution Recycling Assistance program

Events

 

8/3/2012

 Abington expands sharps program

Help for sharps management

Join the Recycling Team at the Marshfield Fair

DEP offers technical assistance grants

Legislative session ends in stalemates, despite some heroics

Updated Bottle Bill; Heroes

E-Waste Producer Responsibility bill

Municipal Solid Waste bill

Failure to Launch: US good at throwing away the gold by Scott Cassel

Events

 

 7/6/2012

Board Meeting notes:

KLT Industries offers another recycling option

FY13 EBoard elected

Treasurer Dirk retires amid fanfare

DEP Grant proposal; Equipment grant

HHW Spring summary, Fall schedule

Legislation updates

Call for Recycling Ambassadors to the Marshfield Fair

Bottle bill battle rages on

Regional disposal contract going out to bid Monday

End of DARP: opportunity for public outreach

RI Paint Stewardship bill becomes law

Events: Office closed July 9-July 20

 

 

 6/11/2012

Legislative Breakfast mixes it up

Bottle Bill update; Special event Tuesday and other news

Weymouth School Textile competition a great success

DEP SMRP Grant applications, Data surveys due Wednesday

One more Latex paint collection

Municipal Organics management discussed at SE MRC

Recycling effort by Pittsfield schools saves $30K

Get the most out of School clean outs

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is ready to assist businesses

Events

 5/4/2012

  Board Meeting notes

Creative Outdoor Advertising-privately funded public space trash/recyclingEBoard Nominating CommitteeTextile UpdateGrant equipment orderLegislation UpdateEstablishing local food waste composting capacity

Anaerobic Digestion comes to Mass.Grants available for development of AD and Compost CapacityCommercial food waste to be banned; homes laterTrash on the (school) Lawn DayWhat happens when HHW collections don't have good traffic controlIn memory of Arthur LehrREMINDER: Please submit 2011 Data Surveys

 4/11/2012

  Board Meeting notes

Latex paint collection partnership

Corrections to CRTRecycling report

Time for DEP Grant applications, data surveys

Legislative breakfast to be Zero Waste event

Treasurer Dirk announces retirement from SSRC Board

Kingston gives green light to transfer station overhaul

Got Drugs? Several area towns to participate in 4/28 Takeback Day

SSRC meets with Senate Ways and means on E-Waste bill

Diehl adds his support to UBB

DOL sets separate Prevailing wage for trash and recycling

Plastic Recycling Webinars- Ass'n of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers

EVENTS

 

3/20/2012

Board Meeting notes

Weymouth promotes textile recycling with school competition

Textile banners in production

Privately funded public space recycling

Ewaste bill in motion, SSRC weighs in

TUE kicks bottle bill update further down legislative calendar

Middleboro DPW and schools cooperate, plan to begin recycling

More Than Words helps at-risk youth, seeks book donation locations

Waltham Waste Hauler Sentenced for Illegal Disposal of Solid Waste

MASSbuys EXPO May 2nd at the DCU Center in Worcester

2/29/2012

Board Meeting notes

CRTRecycling cuts recycling costs for SSRC munis

Windward Trading manages Red Cross textiles, offers muni rebates

SSRC advocates for a better E-Waste Producer Responsibility bill

Updated Bottle Bill still in TUE Committee

SCHOOL WASTE REDUCTION SUPPLEMENT

Disposables vs. Reusables in School Cafeterias - Analysis

The Framingham School Dishwasher Experience ...

... And Concord's too

MassRecycle's K-12 School Recycling & Composting Summit

EVENTS              

Quote of the year

2/9/2012

Satuit Hardware collecting thermostats

 Med Waste Disp Corp bought by Stericycle

Best Buy takes home electronics and TVs for free

Leave caps on, says recycling industry

RIP DARP. All muni trash now subject to load inspections

State House forays

Cape seeks Regional Recycling Planner

DEP Assistance program is open for Business, and for Institutions

RE-THINK Waste for a Sustainable Massachusetts:

MassRecycle's 2012 Recycling & Organics Conference

EVENTS

 

1/24/2012

Board Meeting notes

Bay State Textiles doubles rebate, hopes to double tonnage

SSRC releases 2011 Annual Report

Legislative Breakfast planning

SSRC to submit comments on E-Waste Bill

Whitman tightens rules, cuts trash by 14%

Janine's back as our MAC

CRTRecycling paying for desktop "towers"

Hull Sustainable Living Expo - Volunteer to staff SSRC exhibit

Events

1/6/2012

Board Meeting notes

Thousands attend free E-Waste collections

Cape Cod Biofuels paying for used vegetable oil

New England Recycling

HHW contract with PSC extended

Textiles Discussion

A costly "loophole" in trash regulations?

Abington St. Patrick's parade organizer may break 2 million mark in '12

Explosion prevention in your Battery Collection box

Road signs made from computer housings

Christmas Wrapping Paper – To Recycle or Not to Recycle?

11/28/2011

Board Meeting notes

ERI, Samsung to do 3 free E-Waste collections for SSRC

Grinding, screening contracts extended

Food waste, Single Stream recycling facility poised to open in Middleboro

Ewaste Producer Responsibility Bill reported out favorably

Storm Wood Debris Recycling/Reuse Outlets

MassDEP brings back Contracting Workshop

Waste Management Partners with RecycleBank

Sony Launches E-Waste Take-Back Website

Best Buy eliminates e-waste collection fee

"A Long Bottled Up Bill", Boston Sunday Globe, by Yvonne Abraham

A video guide to school recycling

Not suitable for recycling

11/7/2011

Board meeting Notes: school recycling discussion

  Free E-Waste collections being scheduledRegional disposal contract

SSRC awarded another DEP grantNorwell news: Veggie oil, compost workshop, Cub Scout tourSenator Hedlund, Rep. Bradley urge release of UBBDEP seeks comments on regulatory reformsWebinar: More jobs, less pollution- growing the recycling economySchool composting workshopYellow Pages Opt Out

  10/24/2011

Website gets a new look!

Board Meeting notes

AAA Recycling/ Frade's Disposal

Latex Paint Recycling grant progress

Hanover needs a Latex Paint sign

MARKET ALERT from Adam Clark at the Northeast Resource Recovery Association

Bottle Bill news

Register for The Green Team by October 31 for a chance to win

 

9/16/2011

Board Meeting notesNew Abington curbside regs yield big results

Swap Shops?

Sharps: Middleboro worker stuck

There's oil in that thar trash

Legislation updates

Irene closes Marshfield Fair early

3rd Drug Take Back Day planned

TS Permitting, Site Suitability from DEP èBOHèDEP

Connecticut passes food waste composting bill

Need attention-grabbing signs? 7th graders have what it takes!

8/26/2011

Board Meeting notes

EOMS Recycling

Electronic Waste Processing contract not awarded

Regional disposal contract negotiation

Meet Dan Balboni, our new DEP Municipal Assistance Coordinator

Technical Assistance Grant Applications due Tuesday, 8/30

The Paint Exchange seeks 1,200 square feet of warehouse space

What waste streams would you most like to give back to their producers?

CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens selling sharps, Rx mailback containers

Disaster Debris Planning

MassRecycle hires new Executive Director

Save the Date: America Recycles Day

Paul Basler ties the knot

Executive Director may be next

7/29/2011

Excel Recycling sponsors, presents at Board meetingSSRC Tour of Strategic Materials glass processing plant

Do you have a latex paint sign?

SSRC presence, testimony at UBB hearing

Mass. Product Stewardship Council seeks municipal participation

Paint producer responsibility law enacted in Connecticut

Vertical baler for sale

7/15/2011

SSRC Board elects FY12 Officers

SSRC releases RFP for Electronic Waste Management

Be a Recycling Ambassador at the Marshfield Fair

Scituate achieves Green Community Status

Hearing on Updated Bottle Bill next week

Disaster Debris Management Planning and the June 1 Tornado

Organics Task Force and Regulation Changes

Small TS permitting, site suitability back in DEP's court

Product Stewardship Strategies for Local Governments Conference

6/28/2011

Tour: Container Recycling Alliance, Franklin

Ewaste Management RFP advertised

Expressions of Interest in regional disposal/recycling bid

Come to the Bottle Bill hearing July 20

Legislators state positions on UBB at Breakfast

Get the Textiles out of the trash

Fall HHW schedule

Week of 3/4/2011

Board Meeting Presentation:  AbiBow Paper RetrieverRegional disposal bid expanded to include SSRC munisSSRC cohosting Legislative breakfast with PCHAHHW Collections run April 9 – June 18SSRC featured on Plymouth County CornerMassRecycle’s Paper Campaign TV promo features sweepstakes, Executive DirectorMassDEP Solid Waste Legislation Transition Task Force (this affects several of our Boards of Health)MassRecycle / MassDEP  Conference “Advancing Recycling & Organics Management”Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference

Week of 2/11/2011

SSRC Munis invited to join powerful regional disposal bidBob O’Connor Retires after 23 years at helm of Weymouth DPWMunicipal Recycling Data Surveys due TuesdayGet some local Bang out of MassRecycle’s Paper Campaign TV promoUpdated Bottle Bills score scores of cosponsors

Week of 1/24/2011

Board Meeting discussion: SSRC Latex Paint Recycling Grant

What’s your fine?  (for illegal dumping that is)

Gas Prices projected to increase this spring

Scituate’s back in the SSRC

SSRC Small Scale Targeted grant

Commodity markets are strong

MassRecycle’s Paper Campaign to air on CBS

NEW POLL SHOWS STRONG SUPPORT FOR BOTTLE BILL UPDATE

Week of 1/3/2011

SSRC Latex Paint Recycling grant

MassRecycle’s Paper Campaign to air on CBS

SSRC highlighted on PAC-TV

Covanta extends drug disposal program

Newton school reduces renovation cost, sends furniture for reuse through IRN

TerraCycle pays for hard to recycle “trash”

MassDEP extends small transfer station permits through 6/2012

MassDEP adds gypsum to list of waste-banned materials

MassDEP to streamline municipal waste and recycling data collection

New leadership at DEP, EOEEA

MMA Conference trade show passes available

MassRecycle’s Spring Recycling and Organics Conference

Week of 12/13/2010

December Meeting presentation – Capital Paper Recycling

Grinding and screening contracts extended

Spring 2011 HHW Collection Schedule

MassDEP/ BOH permitting authority update

Curbside waste reduction strategies: challenges and effectiveness

Gypsum wallboard disposal ban

Paint Product Stewardship LawsWeek of 11/29/2010

  11/18 Meeting presentation by United Waste Management notesMarshfield Fair Video

            Market comments from NRRA            MassDEP News:  Draft Guidance for BOH Permitting of small transfer stations (!)

SMRP Grant Award presentationSolid Waste Master Plan summary of commentsSolid Waste Advisory Committee meeting notesIllegal Dump Sites

                                    School bus company fined for idling violations            Bill Rafter obituary        Summer 2010 News  searchable version   pretty printable version with photos

  Base hit for Bottle Bill update  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . Page 1Nantucket: the possible dreamSSRC proposes Latex Paint grant project  .  .  .  Page 2Grinding & screening contracts awardedFall HHW collectionsSSRC steps outMEETING NOTES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . Page 3RecycleBank rewards good behaviorMercury updateStop Spewing Carbon sputtersTaunton MSW facility plan on schedule .  .  .  .  Page 4Cartridge World cuts printing costsLOCALMeet Abington’s new Health AgentHanson nixes transfer station feeKingston earns Green Communities designationAbington Clean-up inspires community  .  .  .  .  .Page 5Norwell changes to weekly single streamWeymouth collects unwanted meds at HHW dayREGION AND STATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  Page 6The next frontier: Food Waste CollectionGet your compost binsGet rid of your propane tanksRecyclers want bottle capsMassRecycle, MassDEP combine conferences   .  Page 7Draft SWMP out for commentEVENTS 

  Winter 2010 News  pretty printable version

  SSRC takes bottle refund update to residents  .  .  .   . page 1MEETING NOTES: PSC wins FY11-12 HHW contract .  .  page

2Grinding and screening contracts re-bidBig Brother Big Sister adopts CREWWM Avon Tour  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . page 3Secure-A-LotCasella Recycling update  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . page 4LOCAL:  Abington trash under budget gunSSRC advises KingstonNorwell examines MSWPlymouth may take SEMASS' offer  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  . page 5Ply. County Selectmen focus on trashCurby the Recycling Robot debuts in WeymouthREGION AND STATE: Cuts to DEP hurt muni programs page 6SWAC discusses SWMPMassRecycle MRCs share curbside strategiesEPP Fair to merge with STAREVENTS  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . page 7

   SSRC takes bottle refund update to residents

 The SSRC is working with several organizations to add

noncarbonated drink containers to the State’s deposit/refund system.   Executive Director Claire Sullivan has been invited by some local groups to explain why it’s important to municipalities that the 27 year old Mass. Bottle Bill is brought into the 21stcentury.

The North & South River Watershed Association and Mass. Audubon invited Sullivan and SEMASS’ Patti Howard to “talk trash” at its popular Water Watch series, held at the South Shore Natural Science Center.  With Sullivan playing it straight to Howard’s engaging humor, the pair explained what happens to area discards after they leave town, and how an expansion of the bottle and can redemption system would save towns money and reduce litter and disposal of valuable materials.  The host organizations are also enthusiastic supporters of the measure.

Sullivan also appeared with Dan Brielman, founder of Saving Abington with Green Energy(SAGE), at a

well-attended Council on Aging luncheon.  Brielman, a professional videographer, taped it for local cable.  She then joined a panel following a screening of the Oscar nominee “Garbage Dreams”, hosted by MassRecycle and the Quincy Environmental Network.  Quincy Recycling Manager John Sullivan and Eagle Recycling’s Tony Basile also participated. 

A Boston Area Sustainability Group presentation at House of Blues is on the agenda next week.

The latest invitation came from Bob Broker of the Responsible Energy Action Alternatives of Hingham, (REACH).  Sullivan will appear with Ms. Howard again at Glastonbury Abbey on May18.

 The SSRC Board voted unanimously to direct its legislators to support H3515, which updates the Massachusetts Beverage Container Law.  In addition, chief elected officials in Abington, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Hingham, Hull, Kingston, Norwell, Plymouth, Scituate, Whitman, and about 120 other municipalities have signed a resolution supporting this measure. 

The Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, which has held similar bills for over 12 years, just requested an extension of the March 17 deadline to report the bill out. The new deadline is July 14, two weeks before the end of the legislative session.  Chaired by the South Shore’s own Senator Morrissey, the TUE held a hearing last October which was packed with supporters. At that time, Chairman Morrissey promised that this time there would be a vote.  A favorable report would allow the bill to continue its journey through the legislative process.

Noncarbonated drinks now account for about a third of beverages sold.  Adding their containers to the redemption system would triple their recycling rate, currently around 25%, providing the needed incentive for people to diverthalf a billion containers each year from ball fields, roadsides and trash into new products.

MassDEP recently posted a study entitled “Benefits of an Expanded Bot tle Bill on Municipal Refuse & Recycling Costs & Revenues”.  It concludes that net costs to Mass. municipalities to manage non-deposit beverage containers are $4.3 million to $7 million/ year. Another recent DEP field study found that containers without a deposit are nine times as likely to be littered as those with deposits.

Other supporters of the update include the MassRecycle, MassDEP, Mass. Municipal Association, Mass. League of

Women Voters, Mass. Sierra Club, MassPIRG, the Environmental League of Mass., and the Cities of Boston, Cambridge, Springfield and Worcester.     back to top

  MEETING NOTES

 PSC wins FY11-12 HHW contract

The SSRC’s request for proposals resulted in a new vendor being awarded its Household Hazardous Waste contract for FY11-12.  Like our longtime service provider Clean Harbors, PSC Environmental had good references, sufficient resources, and qualified to be on the State Contract, which is no small feat.  Clean Ventures also submitted a proposal.

Lower rates than we are paying now, plus a dedicated contract/site manager and tent coverage in bad weather won PSC the 2 year SSRC contract, with three-1 year options to extend.  PSC is based in Providence, RI; the contract/site manager, John MacDonald, works out of Rockland. He will visit all our sites ahead of time, and can be reached at 781-879-4435, jmacdonald@pscnow.com. 

The contract format will be almost the same as in the past, with the added option of small quantity pricing, for vehicles bringing less than 5 gallons or 10 lbs of materials.  Cost for one household equivalent will drop from the current $45.10 to $43.  Cars bringing “Small quantities” cost $23.

PSC is one of largest environmental compa-nies in North America, with 4000 employees.  Mr. MacDonald has managed the contracts for the Minuteman Regional HHW facility in Lexington, and the regional facility in Barnstable County. 

PSC has new roll-offs, and would like to bid that service against private haulers; the rate may be lower than the $800 in the bid.  PSC also picks up paint from sheds (separately). Pricing is on the State Contract, FAC53.

Clean Harbors will conduct the spring collections on the current contract, and fall dates have been set with PSC.  The schedule is:

SPRING 20104/10     Weymouth DPW4/24     Hanover RTS (residents only)5/1       Duxbury Middle School, w/Kingston5/8       Plymouth DPW (residents only)5/15     Hingham, Plymouth River School

6/5       Scituate Hwy. Garage, w/CohassetFALL 2010

9/18     Whitman DPW, w/Abington10/2     Hanson, Plymouth County Hospital10/16   Plymouth DPW10/23   Weymouth DPW

10/30   Hanover Transfer Station, w/Rockland and Norwell    back to top

 Grinding and screening contracts re-bid

Nine companies responded to an invitation for yard waste management bids, which were opened on March 1.  Up to four contracts may be awarded, for horizontal and tub grinding, and star and trommel compost screening.

Bids were very competitive.  The Executive Director has checked references, and the Board will vote on the award(s) at our March 25 meeting.  The term is Calendar Year 2010, with three-1 year options to extend.    back to top

 Big Brother Big Sister adopts CREW

 Steve Beck, who founded nonprofit electronics

collector The CREW, is now the Executive Director of Big Brother Big Sister Foundation (BBBSF). He told our Board about plans to merge the organizations at our November meeting, which has since come to fruition.

BBBSF collects clothing and household goods to fund its mentoring program, Big Brother Big Sister.  It costs about $1,000 to match a volunteer to a child, which usually last 2-7 years.  10,000 volunteers in Greater Boston commit 4 hours/week to an at-risk child aged 7-15.

Last year, BBBSF processed 8,000 tons of clothes and 3,000 tons of household goods. Vehicle donations are also accepted. They dispose 5 tons of unusable materials/week.  Discards were mostly furniture; they have since stopped accepting it.

BBBSF sells clothing by the pound.  Unsalable clothing is  made into insulation.

The Foundation operates in 300 towns in Mass. It is working with realty companies to clean out foreclosed homes, and Mr. Beck is planning to open retail outlets, starting in Medford. BBBSF communicates with 1.3M

people each year via postcards, etc, and is approaching the $1M/year mark in funding. 

In partnership with Horizon House (Individuals in Recovery), BBBSF staffs containers at Lowe’s and Stop & Shop.  They check 42 bins daily, including some at municipal facilities (i.e. the Duxbury Transfer Station).

BBBSF has also incorporated the electronic waste that had been collected by Beck’s The Crew into its program.  Last year the CREW ran 32 e-waste fundraisers, raising $2.6M for local HS bands and music programs from Amherst, MA to Manchester NH.  He employs college students to staff events and door to door collections.

Learning that there had been issues with a one-day toy collection in Scituate, Steve assured us that he is working on donor relations training for drivers and warehouse staff. 

Another Board member reported good results with BBBSF during the downsize of his home.

Mr. Beck can provide posters for swap shops.  Contact him at 774-776-7200;info@bbbsfoundation.org   back to top

 WM Avon Tour

The SSRC hosted a tour of the Waste Management Recycle America material recovery facility in January, at the request of Treasurer Joanne Dirk and the Norwell Recycling Committee. We were joined by other Board representatives as well.  A few of our member towns send their recyclables to the facility.

Pat Milmoe, WM’s Avon Account Manager, explained the single and dual sort systems, showed us a short video and led us through the maze of conveyor belts, trammel screens, magnets, sort lines, hoppers and balers to show us how the mix is broken down into its component commodities. 

Lower sortation leads to more contamination and “outthrows”, both at the Avon facility and the end markets, but that is offset by the greater overall recovery due to added convenience.  Certain levels of unwanted materials in the bales are tolerable to the end markets, the amount which varies with supply and demand.

Mr. Milmoe was peppered with questions about acceptable recyclables. Since WM upgraded its equipment

to sort single stream recycling, they have found markets for most non-bottle plastic containers numbered 1-7, milk and juice cartons.

The company, and most of its competitors, still does not recycle expanded polystyrene, aka “Styrofoam” (which is mostly air). 

The biggest challenge it faces in the residential recycling stream is plastic bags, which jam up equipment.  Full plastic bags are treated as if they contain hazardous trash, for safety reasons, and are discarded.  The sort lines move too fast to open and evaluate the contents.

Municipalities can help keep recycling costs down by educating their residents to bring all their clean plastic bags to the grocery store and keep them out of their recycling setouts.

back to topSecure-A Lot

At our December meeting, Marc Landman and Bruce Schulman did a Power Point Presentation about their Secure-A-Lot (SAL) vehicular access control systems.  Their systems operate at all 3 Plymouth transfer stations, enabling a “sticker-less” permit system.  Residents can buy their permits online or in person.  All SAL needs is an electronic list of permitted vehicle license plates, eliminating the need to mail or distribute stickers.

The system uses cameras with zoom lenses located in the guard shacks or wherever they are best utilized.  The SAL software “reads” the license plates, stores the photos, and compares the plate numbers to database of permitted vehicles, eliminating bottlenecks at the gate for permit verification and enforcement.  If the plate number doesn’t match, it is sent to DPW staff to confirm that the vehicle is not permitted.  If DPW determines that it is unauthorized, the Police run the plates to identify owner's name and address.  The DPW then mails a violation notice with a $50 fine.  Since the evidence is permanent, there is no need for on-site enforcement.

The system costs $500 - $1500/month, depending on the level of service.  SAL owns and maintains system.

It reduces labor costs for permit sales and enforcement, and also disposal costs, since it is a deterrent to violators.  The savings on disposal, staff time and additional permit purchases covers more than the cost of the system.  Collection of fines is an added bonus.

Plymouth found that 8% of visitors had no permit. The Town

has citation authority, so if a violator doesn’t pay, they receive a hearing notice to appear in court.  If they don’t show, the RMV is notified and won’t renew the vehicle’s registration until the fine is paid. 

The DPW’s Arthur Douylliez sent 950 citations at $50 the first year, and 900 in the first month of FY10.  As a result, more permits were sold.  The savings are permanent, as scofflaws usually won’t offend again after fine.  Towns may enforce as each sees fit.

The system can be used for beach parking lots and other applications too, freeing up staff and eliminating cash issues.

If the town doesn't already have a database of sticker owners, then data entry is required at the start.  After implementation, there is permanent photo storage on site, a data trail, and enforcement becomes a part-time clerical office task.

Contact Secure-a-Lot at 800-585-2577, sales@secure-a-lot.com.  back to top

Casella Recycling updateLisa McMenemy and Steve Wenzel updated the Board

about Casella Recycling (formerly FCR) and itsRochester transfer facility at our February meeting. Ms. McMenemy has years of field experience, and is the new Municipal Development Rep. Mr. Wenzel runs the Rochester Division.

Casella operates Zero Sort (aka single stream, SS) processing facilities in Charlestown and Auburn, MA, and offers competitive pricing on both SS, dual stream and cardboard brought to Rochester.  Pricing depends on several factors, including curbside/ dropoff, operational constraints and sortation level.

Casella also offers hauling to Rochester.  The consolidated material is trucked to their sorting facilities. Charlestown is doing another retrofit, and will be open for tours in May.

The Rochester facility also accepts C&D, where they “kick sort” out the non-recyclable and material.  They accept mattresses with C&D at no extra charge, and put many to use for cleanup.  Cohassetbrings C&D and bulky to Casella, and is pleased with the service.

The Rochester facility is permitted to transfer municipal solid waste (MSW), but needs contracted volume before it is constructed. Casella has landfills in Mass., and a waste to energy facility in Maine.

The company can provide compactors and containers with 3 year contracts. It is paying based on Average Commodity Revenue, which is updated monthly (in-house). They are currently paying an average of $3.50/ton for SS. More separation nets a higher rebate due to lower processing cost.  Casella can also take big rigid plastics.

Plastic bags jam equipment.   Sorters empty some

clear plastic bags if possible. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS #6, “Styrofoam”) is light, and not economical to accept. Steve can make recommendations to maximize efficiency at municipal transfer sites.

Contact Ms. McMenemy at (508) 294-3979, or lisa.mcmenemy@casella.com, Mr. Wenzel at 508-291-1500, or stephen.wenzel@casella.com.

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LOCAL   

Abington trash under budget gunFacing a budget deficit of over $1M, Abington’s Acting

Town Manager Dori Jameison enlisted the help of SSRC Executive Director Claire Sullivan.  Sullivan presented the Board of Selectmen with options for shifting trash costs from the General Fund last month, followed by a meeting with the Board of Health. 

Options include a flat fee based system, a volume based fee system, and no municipal collection at all.

A major sticking point is that trash and recycling collection and disposal are funded by two separate overrides, one which was just passed last year. 

If that obstacle can be removed, Sullivan will work with town officials to implement whatever plan the Boards decide on.  She has already developed a budget for the startup costs.

SSRC advises KingstonWith large disposal cost increases looming and

inadequate recycling capacity at the town’s Transfer Station, Kingston Superintendent Paul Basler is brainstorming with the SSRC and the Board of Selectmen on the direction of facility improvements. 

Executive Director Claire Sullivan did an analysis and made recommend-dations to the Selectmen in December, including the installation of compactors for recycling, contracting for recycling service and higher staffing levels.   She also identified construction and demolition (C&D) waste as a major source of unrecovered costs, recom-mendding a restructuring of fees, or elimination of the service altogether.

The town had anticipated an infusion of capital funds for

transfer station upgrades from a planned 40R housing complex, but years of court battles with abutters killed that project, and the funding that went with it. 

Once the bulky cardboard, bottles and cans can be compacted, the staff will be able to enforce recycling rules, which will reduce trash tonnage.

Basler is negotiating with recycling processors that can provide hauling and containers. 

back to topNorwell examines MSW

The Norwell Advisory Board directed Town departments to cut costs for FY11.  To develop a plan, the Board of Health called in SSRC’s Claire Sullivan, MassDEP’s Edith DeMello and curbside hauler Mike and Angela Del Prete to provide direction at a February meeting.  Sullivan provided information on several options, including setout limits, waste ban enforcement, single stream and a fee system that includes a volume based component (PAYT). 

DeMello, who is working with the Town through a MassDEP In-Kind Technical Assistance Grant, went into depth   went into depth on various PAYT options, recommending bags rather than stickers, and the establishment of an enterprise fund. 

Del Prete explained the collection efficiency of single stream recycling, and has purchased a new packer truck for that purpose.  Norwell is negotiating with Del Prete & Sons to extend its contract for curbside collection.

The Board will further investigate implementing single stream recycling collection in July, and some form of PAYT for September.

back to top 

Plymouth may take SEMASS’ offerPlymouth may continue to enjoy the lowest disposal tip

fee in the region even after 2014, the current end date for their SEMASS contract.  Signing on as one of the first SEMASS contract communities before the facility was built, Plymouth continues to pay the 1988 tip fee plus change in law costs, now at $22.53/ton. 

Twenty-nine “Tier One” municipalities signed with SEMASS early, locking in now-enviable disposal rates now in the $20-35/ton range through 2014. With the end in sight, Covanta SEMASS proposed a 15 year contract

extension, with a 5 year “ramp up” beginning this year to a below market rate. Using the current tip fee as a starting point, Plymouth would land at $62.53/ton in 2014, with CPI escalators thereafter. 

The Selectmen are recom-mending that the extension be signed, which will mean tip fee increases would begin this year.  The agreement must be approved by Town Meeting vote.

Hanson, Kingston and Norwell are also Tier One towns, with tip fees in the $35/ton range.  The SSRC towns were included in a study conducted by Camp Dresser McKee, funded and organized by theCape Cod Commission to evaluate long term disposal options. 

The Executive Director has also been working with the towns to mitigate their costs in other ways.  Those towns are still considering whether to accept SEMASS’ proposal or ride out the current contract.  The Director has encouraged them to aggregate their waste tonnage with other towns whose contracts expire at that time and do a regional bid.

back to topPly. County Selectmen focus on trash

 Kingston hosted the January meeting of Plymouth County Selectboards, at which the topic was near and dear – managing trash.   Your Execu-tive Director was one of the speakers, along with MassDEP’sBrooke Nash and former Plymouth County Administrator Troy Clarkson.  Clarkson has since become Bridgewater’s Town Administrator.

 Ms. Nash spoke eloquently about trends in municipal waste management (PAYT, waste ban enforcement, single stream, …), the direction of the new Solid Waste Master Plan, and the Electronic Waste Producer Responsibility bill pending in the Rules Committee.  She pointed out that MassDEP encourages regional coopera-tion in collection and disposal contracting, citing cost savings, program benefits and upcoming grant opportunities, pointing to the SSRC as a great example of intermunicipal collaboration.

After thanking many of those present for signing the resolution supporting the expansion of the State’s Bottle Bill, SSRC’s Claire Sullivan delivered a primer about how the SSRC helps its member towns with hazardous and yard

waste management contrac-ting, technical support, information sharing and outreach.   Giving examples of successful waste reduction strategies and regional contracts, she offered help in facilitating program improve-ments and regional disposal, recycling and curbside collection contracts.

It’s encouraging to see that Chief Elected Officials from different towns are mirroring the example of the SSRC and learning from each other.

back to topCurby the Recycling Robot debuts in Weymouth

Capitol Waste provides outreach to Tri Towns

By Rosemary NolanWith dimini-shing budgets in recent years, the Tri

Towns (Brain-tree, Quincy and Weymouth)were concerned about their ability to continue outreach to residents.  As we have seen, once outreach decreases so does recycling.  Disposal costs rise with more recyclables wasted in the trash. 

In the Tri Town RFP, funding for outreach was requested throughout the 9 year contract.  The  following outreach assistance  provided to each community since July 2008 would not have been possible without this provision:

     Large cloth shopping bags with recycling message and each community’s name

     Professional Multi-media Recycling Campaign - spots for cable TV, schools, radio messages, graphics for brochures, signs, etc.

     Purchase of Curby the Robot (a talking trash can), which has been a hit at school and community presentations

     Contracting of person to assist with school presentations

     $5 coupons toward purchase of trash barrels to use as Single stream Recycling containers

     Single Stream Recycling Stickers     Printing of recycling brochures     Rewards programs at various schools/phonebook collection

Working with a local company whose owners meet regularly with the commu-nities has created a positive partnership, resulting in a variety of benefits for the residents being served.  

back to top   

REGION AND STATE 

Cuts to DEP hurt muni programs

The layoff of 67 staff people last fall, coupled with a years-long hiring freeze at MassDEP, is being felt at town halls.  With staffing at 50% of 2000 levels, municipalities are increasingly on their own when it comes to managing their solid waste.

The departures of grant managers Peggy Harlow and Regan Clover, mercury program managerLori Segall, data analyst Marc Fournier and Municipal Assistance Coordinator Jonathan Ferris, the retirement of PAYT guru Joseph Lambert, and the layoff of our own newly hired data analyst Janine Delaney have had a noticeable impact on our programs. Three other positions in the Bureau of Waste Prevention have been vacant for 3 years.

The SSRC is filling in some of the blanks, collecting municipal recycling data and providing technical assistance to member towns that request it. Edith Demello from the DEP SERO is also stretching her workload to help out.

When the Municipal Recycling Grant program was eliminated this fiscal year, it was anticipated that it would be replaced by a new program funded by the sale of Waste to Energy Credits from the electricity generated by 6 of the State’s seven municipal waste

combustors (including SEMASS).  Facilities have begun selling these credits and funding from their sale is expected to become available in early summer and fund the new Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. DEP is working to shuffle existing staff resources to develop and administer the anticipated to $5-8 million along with its more traditional technical assistance, permitting and compliance enforcement.

back to top 

SWAC discusses SWMP 

The 2010-2020 Solid Waste Master Plan process is also slowed down by the staff cuts.  In December, the Patrick Administration announced its priorities for the Plan, the draft which was to be released in January. At the January Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting, MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt outlined points she expects to be proposed in the Draft SWMP.  Once released, DEP will hold public hearings.

The Administration’s priorities include:     maintaining the 20 year old moratorium on new

municipal waste combustors.  Rather than adding disposal capacity, strategies to reduce waste will be emphasized.  Anaerobic digestion and composting of organic waste will be encouraged.

     passing producer responsibility legislation for discarded electronics

     expanding the bottle bill to include noncarbonated beverage containers

     providing assistance for municipal waste reduction measures such as PAYT

     leveling the playing field by requiring all haulers to provide recycling service.

back to top 

MRCs share curbside strategiesIn Mass., municipal trash programs are as varied as the

cities and towns themselves.  But there are recurring themes when it comes to the best ways to reduce trash tonnage.  Successful program strategies were analyzed in detail (and good humor) at both Northeast and

Southeast MassRecycleMunicipal Recycling Council meetings this winter.

It was no surprise that the winning strategy was volume based pricing, aka Pay As You Throw.  But other methods and combinations are variously effective  as well: serious waste ban enforcement, single stream recycling, automated collection, and staff time dedicated to outreach, educationand communicating with residents both before and after a new program starts.

DEP Municipal Assistance Coordinator Carolyn Dann is refining a spreadsheet with program details, effects on disposal and recycling tonnage, and before and after household generation.  The best approach for each community depends on many factors that make each town unique. For more information, contact Claire Sullivan.back to top

 EPP Fair to merge with STAR

 Beginning in 2011, the Mass. Operational Services

Division’s STAR (Statewide Training And Resources) Exposition will be “rebranded” to a Green STAR event.  It will showcase environmentally preferable products (EPPs) and include EPP workshops.

The plan to blend the two trade shows stems from Governor Patrick’s Executive Order 515, announced at last year’s EPP Fair, which Establishes an Environmental Purchasing Policy for the state. This puts EPPs and conventional products on equal footing. The merger was the obvious next step.

As OSD plans for the Green Star trade show in 2011, the fall EPP Vendor Fair will not be held this year. Attendees may register at no charge for the STAR Expo on May 4, 2010 at the Boston Convention and Expo Center.  There will be two workshops on green purchasing and a number of EPP exhibitors. Go to www.mass.gov/star.

back to topEVENTS

ù SSRC MSW Manager/Board meeting, Thurs., March 25, 9 am, Plymouth Public Library

ù MassRecycle University of Resource Management/ DEP Organics Summit, Tuesday, April 6, 8 am-4 pm, Doubletree Hotel, Westboro. R egister

ù  7th Annual Earth Day Sustainable Living Expo Sat., April 17, 10 am-2 pm, DCR Mary Jeanette Murray Bathhouse, 204 Nantasket Ave., Hull; hosted by Sustainable South Shore

ù SSRC MSW Manager Meeting, Wed., April 21, 9 am, Whitman

.  back to top 

Fall 2009 News pretty printable version  

Towns rally to update Bottle BillHHW Collection contract out to bidWebsite updatesMEETING NOTES:  Apple D’Or Tree advises board on grindingTo mix or not to mix? Managers share sort storiesSEMASS grant keeps MSP outreach goingLOCAL:  Michelle goes to PlymouthCohasset to the rescuePearls of wisdom from Duxbury Oyster festMarshfield Fair recycling in its 6th yearNorwell has 2 BigBellysPlymouth cites hundreds of violatorsIndependence Mall goes greenTier 1 towns work with Cape Cod neighborsREGION AND STATE:  New recycling grant program: SMRPWaste Ban StingMass. Material Trader site launchedState updates hazwaste, DTM contractsMassRecycle is selling more stickersMARKETS:  Recycling values back up to ‘07 levels

  Summer 2009 News

   Page 1

Second Earth Day Celebration reaches hundreds

So much news, so little time! SSRC Office is moving to WestwoodMEETING NOTES

April:  Doc Shredding Corp Page 2

May:  Spiegel South Shore Scrap Metal      June: Electronic Recyclers International, Inc..A new home for used latex paint Page 3LOCAL Abington goes Single streamWeymouth recycling up a year after SSHull Board rep Kramer honoredHull Recycling Center to closePlymouth "Sticker-less Sticker Program" marks 1 year Page 4Town collaborates with Sustainable ScituateREGION-STATECut out the Hg middleman-YOU!Use funds by Nov. or lose ‘emWTE RECs = Recycling $ for munisMunis, orgs rally to update Bottle Bill Page 5Ewaste Bill hearing draws a crowdMass Recycles Paper is riding the Red LinePhiladelphia to install 500 BigBelly trash compactorsFree Disaster Recovery Guide Available Page 6Plastic Export Market Watch

EVENTS  

Winter/Spring 2009 News  

Page 1

SSRC Honors Governor, McGovernEarth Day Celebration grows in second yearGrinding contract awarded to Apple D'Or Page 2

MEETING NOTESWM Recycle AmericaGet the most out of compostBourne cuts tip fee increasePlymouth Cy considers trash biz Page 3

NRRA membership, courtesy of SEMASSSEMASS thanks SSRCKeeping the Board up to date LOCAL

Hanson BOS gets trash lessonHolbrook transfer station on track Page 4 

Hull considers privatizing RCIPR seeks contract reliefKingston lawsuit dismissedPlymouth TS not closing REGION AND STATE

MassRecycle Muni Council: Market update, SWMP, E-Waste Page 5Recycling Markets...... and the Global EconomyGovernor proposes updating bottle Bill, more $ for recycling Page 6EVENTS

  Fall 2008 News

  Page 1

SSRC Celebrates 10 years of service10th Anniversary "Shredabrations"New printer, new look Page 2

MEETING NOTESCasella Waste ServicesNew England RecyclingIntegrated Paper Recyclers Page 3

HHP events busy in '08Screening contract extended; Grind bid consideredMeet Jonathan FerrisEarth Day Celebration 4/18/2009SEMASS sponsors sSRC outreachLOCAL

Abington opens mercury shed to businesses Page 4 

Hingham, Hull, shuffle Supts.Holbrook may host transfer stationKingston BOS signs MRP resolutionMarshfield schools break paper recordsWM runs E-waste collection in PlymouthWeymouth school in National Green Week Page 5   

Where does all the e-waste go? Page 6REGIONDon't let market crash ruin your programBoson OK's Hauler OrdinanceSTATE

MassDEP posts online mercury trainigNext SWMP being drafted

 Page 7Mass Recycles Paper rallies supportMassRecycle Muni Council: curbside collection alternativesRegister for MassRecycle's College of Municipal Recycling Page 8EVENTS  

Summer 2008 News  Page 1

Hull makes SSRC 16 towns strongFY09 speaker requestsMarshfield Fair recycling institutionalizedEBoard re-elected Page 2

MEETING NOTESSEMASS continues to divert mercuryTri-town Alliance explained Page 3

LOCAL

school composting catching onDuxbury PAYT: it's working!Hingham Recycling Committee ponders PAYT Page 4 

Plymouth HHP copayHolbrook Trash service in questionScituate hires DPW DirectorREGIONSEMASS proposes Tier 1 extensionTaunton meets bidders Page 5   

Mansfield AutomatesLG takes back TVs

Home Depot, IKEA take back CFLsSTATE

Grant aps due on 9/11FY09 Budget hanging inJanine goes to BostonMass Recycles Paper: Phase 2 Page 6Mass Recycles Paper: Phase 2 (cont'd)EVENTS  

Spring 2008 News  Page 1

Gore lauds SSRC efforts, Earth Day eventNumbers look good Page 2

Lawmakers talk trash with municipal managers    Rep. Frank Hynes receives awardMEETING NOTESTaunton Exploring disposal alternativesSEMASS appreciates the SSRC Page 3

Bourne plans aheadExcel Recycling ServicesOld Colony ScrapElectronic Recyclers Inc. expands proposal Page 4  LOCAL

Abington - paper contestDuxbury – Daley departsHanover – Bottles and cans to be separated at Hanover DayHingham – Schools recycle!              Teams recycle!Kingston – Litigation delays improvementsNorwell  - RC reaches residents through zoo

 

Page 5   

Hanover – recycling large plasticsPlymouth  - Scanners coming, PAYT not

REGION and STATE

Tri-Town AllianceWMRA Avon simplifies recycling Page 6No more mercury in the trash

Don't get stuck

EWaste bill movingNo update for the old Bottle billRecycling budget a bust againCEF bill in House W&M Page 7 MASSRECYCLE Southeast Municipal Recycling CouncilStickers for sale; Container purchase exploredMass Recycles Paper Campaign in Phase 2 Page 8  EVENTS  

Winter 2008 News  Page 1

Mass Recycles Paper! Kicks off

HHP contract extended

Hot trash letters get response

IMAs expiring, dues rising Page 2

3 companies buy “trash”: Got Books, Bay State Textile, Eagle Recycling

Board tours Capital Paper Recycling in Weymouth

Used cooking oil? Page 3

Electronic Recyclers, Inc. reduces rates

Bucks for Batteries

Earth day Celebration at the Mall

Donations complement Outreach Plan

RET Grants available to towns Page 4  LOCAL

Cohasset  - students audit wasteDuxbury – single stream, PAYT, Hauler ordinanceHanover – scouts donate $ to MRHanson – Rally to Recycle dayHingham – Green Family DayKingston – upgrading transfer station recyclingMarshfield  - PAYT succeeding; Phone book Recycling contestNorwell  - hazards in trash force evacuationPlymouth  - PAYT, union issuesWeymouth  - Shred Day, extra paper collectionWhitman  - PAYT

 Page 5   REGION and STATE

SEMASS estimates 2008 CIL surcharges

Muni load rejected for Wwaste Ban violations

Cape invites south shore to join in trash planning

SSRC on Beacon Hill Page 6

Be prepared for disaster

RET Grants easily available to towns

Recycling key in Federal Climate legislation

MassRecycle selling stickers again

E-Waste (mis)management featured in National Geographic Page 7

Executive Director Wins Award

Get ready for digital-only TV Page 8  EVENTS  

Summer 2007 News  Page 1Down with trash, Up with recycling

Hanson Joins SSRCJoin the “Mass. Recycles Paper!” campaign Page 2Sen. Creedon SSRC’s 6th Environmental HeroSEMASS back on lineCompost site adviceDisaster planning Page 3Look @ ‘09 contracts nowClean Harbors teaches Paint 101Stopping hot trash at its source  Hi-tech trash management at BourneCFLs have mercury too Page 4  LOCALPAYT debuts in MarshfieldDuxbury looks at funding optionsWeymouth continues campaignRoberts nabs haulerNorwell Recycles Calendar Page 5Hingham seeks site for yard wasteNew DPW chiefs in Marshfield, PlymouthAROUND THE STATEAgainst odds, DEP offers grantsCEF, UBB hearingsThe Budget BluesSullivan steps down as MR president Page 6EBoard re-electedBay State Textile to host SSRC meetingEVENTS  

Winter 2007 News   (now in printable PDF)  

Page 1Paper Recovery Campaign ready for liftoffGrinding, screening contracts awardedRecycling ads play ballSEMASS to host SSRC Appreciation DinnerFarewell, Rosemary, Welcome, Janine Page 2The CREW picks up electronicsBig belly eats public trashPlanet Police capture food wasteRetrievers starving for paper Page 3Clothing, book collections paying offSSBRP welcomes Jack ConwayHHP collections busy againLOCALMarshfield, Weymouth win phone book recycling contests Page 4Plymouth mandates recyclingPlymouth's Crombie retiresWhitman loses PettinelliSSRC helps Hull explore recycling optionsWellesley proposes Cohasset dealExec Director chats on Weymouth, New Bedford TVMarshfield reconsiders PAYT Page 5AROUND THE STATESen. Creedon, Rep. Koczera sponsor CEF billsMunicipal Recyclers' Workshop a hitWaste Ban sweep exposes violatorsSen. Hedlund files Updated Bottle BillTowns say "No visible recyclables in trash" Page 6

 

Has our time finally come?EVENTS  

Produced by Claire Sullivan, Executive Director. To comment or request a hard copy, email me  

Fall 2006 News   (now in printable PDF)  Page 1SSRC to host Statewide Paper Campaign grantPAYT > doubles paper recoveryGot books?  CDs? tapes?  GotBooks paysRecall Secure Destruction Service offers paper shredding at HHP collections Page 2Exec Director presents paper project at ConferenceNolan flying south for the winter, and beyondRMG Enterprise recycles electronicsSEMASS offers mercury workshopsMSP4 unveiled for comments Page 3LOCALHanover RTF to go glossyWeymouth adds recycling dropoffMarshfield Wins AwardNo more free C&D in DuxburyWeymouth, Marshfield pit school vs. schoolSchool Phone Book Recycling Contest flyer Page 4Marshfield Fair composts tooScoglio leaving Whitman postState Surplus, SSRC help Hull PoliceSTATE

Candidate Patrick passes recycling quiz

Page 5MassDPH, DEP to set sharps disposal policyRecycled paper $ = virginThe stickers are coming! (and check out the new MassRecycle logo) Page 6 

How does Newton do it?Get your America Recycles Day suppliesEVENTS 

  Summer 2006 News (now in printable PDF)

  Page 1Paper campaign gets headlines

Capital Paper Recycling a local option

Hull Schools win paper contest

 Page 25th Annual Legislative Breakfast the best yet

          Sen. Roert Hedlund receives award

 New HHP flyers correct mistakes in old ones

 New SSBRPartners

 Page 3LOCALHull hires Fournier as DPW Director...

 ...and harnesses the power of the wind

 Concord school furniture reused in Jamaica

 Duxbury takes trash for credit (or debit)

 Marshfield raises commercial, C&D rate

 Hull BOH approves hauler recycling reg

 Page 4STATEMercury Phase-out Bill becomes law

State recycling budget status quo

E-Waste bill still alive

 Page 5Executive director presses Guv candidates on recycling

NRRA reaches more Mass. recyclers at Silver Anniversary Conference

FY07 DEP Muni WR Grants

Page 6 

EPA Study confirms PAYT impactEVENTS The State of Waste in MassachusettsPaper Waste on the South Shore (table) 

   

Winter 2006 News (now in printable PDF)  

Page 1SSRC awarded paper outreach grantBoard reps, kids featured in thousand-ad campaignClean Harbors wins HHP contract Page 2NSRF keeps paper in Mass.Town of Wellesley offers market alternativeGot land? Got yard waste? Get together! Page 3Bourne C&D deja vuC&D alternative presented at meetingLOCALSchool papers to newspapersTowns consider trash reduction optionsNorwell school contest Page 4STATEMercury reduction through permitsNew Waste Bans require new plansNew DARP criteriaState offers deals on bins, buckets, toters Page 5MassRecycle teams up with NRRA for ConferenceSWANA Trainings coming to Nashua in June!EVENTS Produced by Claire Sullivan, Executive Director.   To comment or request a hard copy, email me.  

Fall 2005 News  Board approves $10K for Radio Ads; SEMASS to kick in $4.7K moreHHP Contract yet to be awardedPaper waste costs towns millionsFCR: Single stream is coming!

Abitibi offers paper waste solutionsEagle Can help with redeemablesNolan seeks town compost sitesVendor lists, tonnage and fee data availableSSRC T-shirts are hereBourne notifies towns of increase LOCALMarshfield Fair recycles againHull BOH considers hauler recycling regMarshfield produces recycling videoTwo weddings and a sabbatical STATEC&D Waste Bans promulgatedExecutive Director SWAC'edNew DARP criteriaMusical cubicles at DEPUpdated bottle Bill draws crowd to hearing MassRecycle keeps recycling managers in the loop EVENTS Summer 2005 News

Watershed partnership keeps us on WATDWays & Means takes Trash 101DEP FY06 Grants rolled outRags to riches LOCALSite visits with RosemaryHHP attendance back up; Scheduling 2006 datesRecycling wins at Marshfield FairHingham hires new Assistant SuperintendantMarshfield attacks waste from all sidesSSRC helps Rockland save at SEMASSWhich are the trashiest South Shore towns? 

MARKETSCompanies bying for paper, recyclablesE-waste solutionsFreecycle-an online Swap Shop STATEState Recycling budget best it's been (but that's not saying much)Single Stream flowing eastSSRC weighs in on legislation "No Time to Waste!" in SeptemberSullivan voted MassRecycle Prez EVENTS

  Spring 2005 News

  

April Media Blitz reaches thousandsLegislators Celebrate Earth Day with SSRC; Rep. Kathleen Teahan receives award

SEMASS funds SSRC outreachNew Grinding, Screening contractors

McNabb, Burnett step down , new members step up, and EBoard stays on LOCALMarshfield hires PT CoordinatorWhitman Town Meeting votes down PAYTCompetitors vie for Rockland, Marshfield’s trashHolbrook PAYT slashes trashNo more paint in PlymouthVolunteer to help Marshfield Fair recycle again! Marine Shrink Wrap Recycling Program enters third yearSTATE

DEP needs fines for funds; Steps up enforcement actions on town facilities

FY06 Recycling Budget still gaspingSWAC/SWMPSullivan Runs for PresidentEVENTS

  Winter 2005 News

SSRC goes on the air……And will again, with two grants

 NEWS YOU SHOULD USEAbandoned waste requirementsA/C PCBsFee restrictionsMercury managementSEMASS housekeepingBlack goldMattressesBoard gets the needle at Duxbury luncheonSEMASS hosts meeting, tourHHP attendance down2005 SSRC HHP Collection Schedule

 LOCALMarshfield rethinks trash systemHolbrook Implements PAYTWhitman Committee to look at PAYTHull curbside within reach, not graspMeet Rosemary Nolan, our new “MAC”

 STATESW Master Plan being revisitedCarron re-files E-Waste Producer Responsibility billRenewable Portfolio StandardRecycling Hits the Silver ScreenHome Composting on PBS

 EVENTS

 Fall 2004 News

  Marshfield Recycles Tons at FairBoard Adds to PlanHave Lunch in DuxburyNov. Meeting to Feature SEMASS TourMateo Reviews MSPED Completing Site VisitsSSRC to Go on the AirClearing Up C&D Contract ConfusionWebsite ImprovementsHHP Days Have a Wet StartSSRC Teams with Watershed Ass’n on GrantsKibitzing at the SE MRCSteve Parker Remembered LOCAL

Duxbury Saves the WhalesHolbrook Selling PAYT Bags for 10/18 StartHull Tables Muni CurbsideDiniak Takes Hanover DPW HelmHingham Seeks RTS SupervisorMarshfield, WM Negotiate Better ServiceMarshfield to Host Future District Coordinator STATE AND NATIONSWMP Update Discussion BeginsCelebrate America Recycles Day EVENTS   

Summer 2004 News  EBoard Re-electedC&D, DTM Contract AwardedCohasset, Hull, Marshfield Fairs Recycle with SSRC GrantLegislators Join BoardED Coming to a Transfer Station Near YouTime to Schedule 2005 HHP DaysC&D Management Revisited  

     LOCAL  Hanson Mulls MembershipTons of Trash Strain Muni SW BudgetsHolbrook to Institute New Trash System  

     MARKETS  Waste Oil Has ValueNew Outlet for TubesAmerican Waste BrokersMarket Updates from NRRA Conference  

     STATE  Legislature Keeps Some $ for Waste ReductionHearings on C&D, LF Regs Held$1M More for MACT Relief!DEP Disposal Fee Tabled

 NRRA Puts on Another Great ShowED "Talks Trash" at ConferenceLowell Folk Fest Call for HelpMRCs Discuss CRT Takeback BillBargainsEvents  

Spring 2004 News  Goins Outlines Bourne's PlanThanks to Garvey, ssrc.infoTowns Double Up for HHPBoralex Seeks Clean WoodHHP, Grind, Screen Contracts ExtendedLocal Events Consider Recycling"Solid Waste Planner" DitchedCohasset Awarded GrantMiller Recycling TourMarshfield, Hull Mull PAYTAnother   “Hero” to Get Award Cheverie Set to RetireMcCarthy Extols Mandatory RecyclingExec. Dir. to “Talk Trash” at SWANA ConferenceScrap Prices SoarGovernor Budgets Recycling $, EBBDEP Proposes Disposal Fee HikeCRT Takeback Bill Moving4thOrganics Summit PlannedBargains!Mass. Recyclers NetworkEVENTS  

Winter 2004 News  Bourne Gets Last Minute ExtensionSSRC Awarded GrantBoard Ratifies PlanGood News on Freon, School CRTs

HHPCollections: Costs Up, Ppt DownWhere Did Everybody GoSpecial Collections WorkCRT Takeback for Muni RFPsHP, Dell Takeback ProgramsGood Stuff CheapMunicipal Recycling Councils Meet AgainC&D Regulation UpdatesDEP to Hold 11th Annual Waste Reduction ForumCuts Force DEP to Refocus Efforts