WINTER 2016
The Report
THE VISION AND VOICE OF RECYCLING IN WASHINGTON STATE
In This Issue: The Recycling Foundation: Bringing Philanthropy Back to Support the Recycling Industry..................... 1 President’s Message................................................ 2 Calendar of Events................................................... 2 Get Involved with WSRA!.......................................... 3 WSRA Conference Sponsorship Opportunities............ 5 WSRA is Seeking Auction Donations for the 2016 Conference!.......................................... 6 Welcome Our Newest Members!................................ 6 Statewide Group Working to Reduce Contamination in Collected Organics......................... 8 E-Cycle Update ....................................................... 8 Lewis County Leaf Exchange Bouncing Back............... 9 Port of Port Angeles Breaks Ground on Composite Recycling Technology Center.................... 10 Virtual Workshop Gives Pierce County Residents Easy Access to Solid Waste Plan Input........................ 11 Students Address Waste Issues Challenge with Recology CleanScapes Team..................................... 12 King County’s Dave Galvin Receives “2015 ‘Gandalf’ Award for Exceptional Guidance and Advising”.......... 13 USAgain Announces Winners of America Recycles Day Challenge .............................. 14 Snoqualmie Firefighters Serve Pancakes with a Side of Sustainability.................................... 14 Member Milestones................................................. 15 Thank You Precious Metal Partners!.......................... 16
The Recycling Foundation: Bringing Philanthropy Back to Support the Recycling Industry Jeff West, President, The Recycling Foundation, jeff@newdayrecycling.com The Recycling Foundation (TRF) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2000 to further recycling through research and education in Washington state. The foundation’s goals are: • To promote education and research about recycling and its benefits • To foster recycling content procurement, waste reduction, and reuse • To support recycling educational activities. A new board of directors of veteran industry leaders was recently named to revitalize TRF. The new board consists of Jeff West (President), Scott Campbell (Vice President), Susan Thoman (Secretary/Treasurer), Susan Long, Dustin Bender, Troy Lautenbach and Chris Piercy. The board is meeting monthly to put together fundraising and marketing strategy in support of 2016 grants and scholarship process. “The Recycling Foundation has historically funded innovative, duplicable and sustainable recycling projects through their grant programs. In these challenging times the TRF brings new opportunities for likeminded groups and individuals to make an impact,” shared President Jeff West. “Society has realized the importance of
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prudent resource management and the role recycling plays in the circular economy. We believe now is the time for action and we are excited about the support we can provide.” Jeff added, “in 2016 we will once again begin to accept grant applications and potentially scholarship applications as well and cannot wait to see what can be accomplished.” More about TRF will be shared at the upcoming WSRA Conference & Trade Show.
President’s Message Chris Piercy, Kitsap County Public Works, cpiercy@co.kitsap.wa.us Happy New Year, fellow recyclers!
As some of you know 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the WSRA. Personally, I can’t comment on the state of the industry in 1976, since I wasn’t around to be part of it. However, I do know that the industry was very different than it is now. The waste stream has changed dramatically; recycling is part of peoples’ daily lives now. We are recycling nearly half of the waste generated in this state. I doubt that when WSRA was founded in 1976 that anyone could have imagined how far the recycling industry would go in 40 years. This industry has truly grown up and matured.
I hope each and every one of you had a joyous holiday season. With a new year, comes new and exciting events and initiatives for the WSRA. Some of these include: • New Washington Recycles Everyday (WRED) events lineup • New initiatives for the Policy & Advocacy Committee to look at during this short legislative session • Our 36th annual WSRA Conference
At this year’s conference, we will celebrate WSRA’s 40th anniversary. We hope it will serve as a reminder that although there is much work to be done to keep the industry advancing, we have come a long way since our early years. While some would say that 40 is the prime of one’s life, I believe that WSRA and the recycling industry is not quite to its prime yet. The people in this industry are enterprising, creative, and visionary. I have no
Speaking of the WSRA Conference, did you know that conference registration for 2016 is already open? I cannot wait until we all join together again to learn, discuss, and network for four busy days in Wenatchee. If you haven’t already done so, please mark your calendars for May 15–18 at the Coast Wenatchee Hotel and Wenatchee Convention Center and get your registration in! I look forward to seeing you all there.
Chris Piercy, WSRA President
doubt that we, as an industry, will continue to push the envelope well in to the future. As we all join together this year to celebrate 40 years of progress, let’s not forget to continue to look ahead and make the most out of the opportunities and challenges in front of us. Here’s wishing you all a healthy and successful 2016.
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events Training Social Marketing Training with Nancy Lee October 26 & 27, 2016 Tukwila, WA Register at wsra.net
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SPRING 2015
Submit an article to the next issue! Share your company’s news, achievements, upcoming events, personal life updates and more with other WSRA members by submitting an article for the next issue of The Report! This is a great opportunity to inform and inspire other WSRA members by showcasing your or your company’s recent news. To submit an article, simply follow the Article Guidelines.
ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL RECYCLERS AND PLANTING THE SEEDS FOR A SECURE FUTURE.
In This Issue: Join WSRA for our 35th Annual Conference & Trade Show ........................................ 1 President’s Message ............................................... 2 Calendar of Events .................................................. 2 Conference and Event Sponsors ............................... 5 WSRA Announces 2015 Recyclers of the Year and Recycling Hall of Fame Inductees ............................. 7 Recycling Hall of Fame ............................................ 10 The Mania is Back! Bothell Community Invited to Sustainamania Event on June 6............................ 11 Welcome Our Newest Members! ............................... 11 WSRA Hosts Inaugural Professional Development Training on Topic of Cultural Competency ................ 12 Restaurant Rescue ................................................. 13 Seattle Central College and Recology CleanScapes Sort it Out to Increase Waste Diversion..................... 14 Bring Your Bag! Plastic Bag Reduction Policy Coming to Kirkland March 2016 ............................... 15 Olympic Technology Resources ................................ 15 Threadcycle campaign encourages donation of all clothes, shoes, and linens ....................................... 16 Washington State Residents Give a Thumbs Up to Clothing Recycling .............................................. 17 Recology CleanScapes Opens Customer Service Center & Retail Store in Burien ................................ 18 Good News for Foam Recycling! ............................... 18 Ecova’s New Waste Manager Module Will Help Clients Shrink Waste For 2015 .......................... 19 Magnum’s 2014 Environmental Savings .................... 19 Members on the Move ............................................ 20 Members Give Back ................................................ 21 Thank You Precious Metal Sponsors!......................... 22
The Report Join WSRA for our 35th Annual Conference & Trade Show WSRA’s annual conference and trade show is always a prime opportunity to connect with colleagues, clients, and friends in one place. The strong agenda delves into many pivotal issues facing our industry, and this year’s conference also boasts more breakout sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities than in previous years. We’re really looking forward to seeing all of you at the historic Davenport Hotel on May 17–20th in Spokane! Leading the Way to Zero Waste This year’s theme is “Leading the Way to Zero Waste,” and we are thrilled to welcome Sue Beets-Atkinson, President of the United States Zero Waste Business Council, and Corporate Sustainability Manager at SBM as our opening keynote speaker. Beets-Atkinson brings to the conversation a wealth of experience in designing and implementing large and complex recycle programs across the country, and her keynote address will offer an invaluable perspective on zero waste planning. Meet Your Exhibitors Following the opening keynote address on Monday morning, conference attendees will have a unique opportunity to meet our 2015 exhibitors in a fun, relaxed format: Vendor Speed Networking! This new session is designed in a speed dating format to help
Non-Member
Member
Non-Member
Business card
$35
$70
Business card
$125
$250
Quarter page
$75
$150
Quarter page
$375
$475
Half page
$125*
$250
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$750
$950
Full page
$250**
$500
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$950
$1900
*FREE for Silver and Bronze precious metal members *FREE for Gold, Platinum and Titanium members you match a face with a name or company, participate in genuine dialogue, and have some fun! This truly is a networking opportunity rather than a time to present and promote specific products or services. You will also be entered into a VIP raffle drawing and receive a thumb drive with contact information for all participating recycling professionals and vendors. Come with your smile on, but your collateral off!
cont. on pg. 3 >>
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E-mail your completed article and separate photos to recycle@wsra.net. We look forward to sharing your news with other recyclers!
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One Year of Ads (4 issues) Member
Advertise in The Report Your advertisement will reach more than 700 subscribers with a wide range of environmental interests. Precious metal members receive free advertising as part of their sponsorship. For more information: recycle@wsra.net or (206) 244-0311.
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The Report Get Involved with WSRA! Conference Planning and helping execute a financially successful 2016 Conference & Trade Show in Wenatchee that will include a balance of educational and networking opportunities for WSRA members and the annual golf scramble. “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” Author Unknown The quote says it all—make WSRA the association you want to be involved in! Volunteering for one of WSRA’s diverse and engaging committees gives you the opportunity to gain experience and learn new skills, establish relationships with like-minded individuals and organizations, and have some fun! There are many ways to get involved, and we have created teams that will help us match your talents and interests with our volunteer needs.
Development Guides and participates in fundraising and member recruitment efforts to support the work of WSRA. Education Oversees the planning and implementation of public education programs; manages the Conference student guest program, and staffs the WSRA booth at educational events. Member Programs & Services Helps create programs that educate, inform, and stimulate membership professional development—making WSRA the primary learning and knowledge source for recycling professionals in Washington. This committee also plans WSRA’s Washington Recycles Every Day (WRED) event series. Networking & Fun The “professional greeters” at events, seeking out first-time attendees and welcoming them into the association. They also help plan and execute events to provide more networking/social opportunities to attract more diverse attendance. Policy & Advocacy Monitors and evaluates legislative and regulatory issues of interest to the WSRA membership, develops white papers, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Awards Plans and executes the Recycler of the Year Awards program designed to recognize the top achievers in Washington’s recycling community.
Contact Anne Piacentino for more information about volunteering with WSRA.
Communications & Marketing Creates, promotes and distributes publications, including WSRA’s quarterly newsletter, The Report, as well as developing of WSRA marketing initiatives.
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Winter 2016
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Registration is now open!
WSRA’s 36th Annual Conference & Trade Show May 15-18, 2016
Wenatchee Convention Center Wenatchee, WA
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wsra.net
The Report WSRA Annual
Conference Sponsorship
nd and Beyo cling y 16 c 0 e e2 To R nc re W SR A
opportunities
Annual CONFERENCE
e nf Co
May 15 - 18, 2016 Wenatchee, WA
This year, as WSRA celebrates 40 years of work in Washington State, we look forward to joining together those committed to recycling for an outstanding conference in Wenatchee.
Why SPONSOR?
Demonstrate your company’s investment in a stronger, more connected industry of recycling businesses and professions in the state of Washington. Market your business to over 1,000 companies and individuals in the industry. Engage with a high level business audience at the conference and gain recognition for your recycling and waste prevention initiatives and achievements. Each sponsorship level offers different benefits and ways that WSRA can promote you. As support for WSRA increases, so do your benefits. Our goal is to foster new partnerships to help ensure the recycling work continues. Whether you are a past sponsor or a new sponsor, we thank you for considering becoming a sponsor of WSRA. Presenter $3,000
Innovator $1,000
Champion $500
Partner $350
Supporter $150
Pre-Event Recognition Recognition in press releases, social media posts and other conference promotional pieces Recognition in email blasts to the membership and community partners Recognition in WSRA weekly e-digest distributed to over 500 recycling professionals
WSRA Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
Logo on the conference sponsor section of the WSRA website for 12 months
On-Site Recognition Recognition in the 2016 Conference Brochure (electronic and paper) Sponsor ribbon on name tag Logo on the WSRA sponsor banner and slide show displayed at the conference Company name & logo on event signage Recognition from the podium Opportunity to give a 3 minute “informercial” from the podium Mailing labels of conference attendees Opportunity for banner in primary all-group meeting space (sponsor provides banner) Branded event recognition
Post-Event Recognition Recognition in two editions of the WSRA Newsletter, The Report Recognition in event follow-up Email Blast Recognition in next year’s Sponsorship Package
If interested, please contact Anne Baunach (abaunach@wsra.net) or Anne Piacentino (apiacentino@wsra.net) or at 206.244.0311.
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Winter 2016
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Welcome Our Newest Members!
Welcome To Our Newest Members! Resource Synergy PO Box 8474 Spokane, WA 99203 www.resource-synergy.com
Idaho County Recycling P.O. Box 262 Grangeville, ID 83530 www.idahocounty.org/recycling
Erik Makinson Owner erik@resource-synergy.com (509) 796-3749
Kris Perry Steering Committee Member macgyver@wildblue.net (208) 983-2843
Resource Synergy is a Spokane-based recycling consultancy.
Idaho County Recycling is a non-profit organization, formed in 2009, operating under the umbrella of Idaho County. We provide a sustainable recycling program, cost neutral to the county. Our goal is to reduce the tonnage hauled to the regional landfill in Missoula, Montana, and to eventually become part of Idaho County’s solid waste program.
Lisa Friend Individual Member lisafriend@hotmail.com Eliana Schwartz Individual Member schwaret@whitman.edu
WSRA is Seeking Auction Donations for the 2016 Conference! WHY DONATE Donating to our auctions is a creative way to show your support for the recycling industry, and you will be recognized at the conference for your generous contribution.
WHAT TO DONATE The following items make great auction donations: • Gift Certificates • Event Tickets
100% of auction proceeds go directly to advancing recycling in Washington, and enhancing the knowledge, skills, and careers of recycling professionals.
• Experiental Tours, Trips, Travel, etc.
Your donation can give a second life to items you no longer want or need, or showcase your talents, skills and services! Donations may be tax-deductible as a business expense.
• Services
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• Homemade/Handmade Goods • Gift Baskets (give them a fun theme!) • Recycled/Upcycled Goods
HOW TO DONATE Donating to WSRA’s auction is easy—simply go to www.wsra.net to fill out our online auction donation form or download a printable version. WSRA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit. Contributions or gifts to WSRA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions on federal tax returns, however, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses.
• Local Food, Drinks, Art, etc. (Showcase your city!) • Gently Used Items (Re-gifting encouraged!)
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The Report
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Volume 36
January 2014
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Statewide Group Working to Reduce Contamination in Collected Organics Mary Harrington, WA Department of Ecology, mhar461@ecy.wa.gov Many 2015 WSRA conference attendees participated in an organics contamination reduction session. In the process, many also signed up to participate in a series of meetings to brainstorm ways to reduce contamination in collected organics. The group, called The Organics Contamination Reduction Workgroup, it has four sub-committees: Education and Outreach; Operational/Contractual/Policy; Processing; and Upstream Strategies. On a frosty November morning, members of the Workgroup toured two large composting facilities in Western Washington. Tour participants representing state and local governments, packaging manufacturers, retailers, and the composting industry got a first-hand look at the types and amount of contamination composting facilities receive. Participants also saw how much extra effort is required by these facilities to get from contaminated delivered feedstocks like this:
to finished compost like this:
The goal of the Workgroup is to identify best management practices for everyone from package manufacturers to curbside collection participants. Subgroups will provide suggestions for ways to reduce or eliminate contamination problems, and all suggestions will be compiled into a report and tool box of options that may be used by all sectors. An update will be presented at the May 2016 WSRA conference in Wenatchee and the final report will be delivered at the November 2016 WORC conference in Vancouver, WA. Anyone interested in participating in one or more of the subgroups should email John MacGillivray.
E-Cycle Update Candy Castellanos, Waste 2 Resources, WA Department of Ecology, canc461@ecy.wa.gov In November 2015, the E-Cycle Washington program collected 3.19 million pounds of TVs, computers and monitors for recycling, raising the collection total to 39.31 million pounds for 2015. The Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority (WMMFA) has provided a detailed county-by-county breakdown of the November 2015 collection data which can be found on the E-Cycle Washington website.
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The Report
Lewis County Leaf Exchange Bouncing Back Melanie Case, Lewis County Solid Waste Utility, melanie.case@lewiscountywa.gov An estimated three tons of leaves were exchanged by The WSU/Lewis County Master Recycler Composter Program. Volunteers hosted three afternoons of leaf exchanges in October and November at the Lewis County Central Transfer Station in Centralia. Customers brought in 331 garbage bags filled with leaves that they left for others to take home for use in their compost bins or providing a winter cover for local gardens and flower beds. An estimate of 18 pounds per bag was used to calculate the amount. This is the third year of the MRC Leaf Exchange Program. The 2013 event, which also took place over three days, was a banner year with 6.2 tons of leaves exchanged. Last year’s event was scheduled only two days and brought in considerably fewer leaves, recording only 107 bags of leaves or just under one ton.
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Winter 2016
“It is tricky to predict when the leaves will fall, but our volunteers try their best so they can get publicity out about the events,” explained Melanie Case, recycling program coordinator with the Lewis County Department of Public Works Solid Waste Utility, who works closely with the MRC volunteers. “The weather plays a huge factor, too.” This year’s events were scheduled from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day so people had a chance to rake up and bag their leaves in the mornings, then head out to the exchange. Volunteers and staff encourage people to make good use of their own leaves, but some people don’t compost or garden, and need another option. Anyone with questions about the Leaf Exchange program may call Melanie Case at (360) 740-1452.
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Port of Port Angeles Breaks Ground on Composite Recycling Technology Center Meggan Uecker, Clallam County Waste Reduction Coordinator, muecker@co.clallam.wa.us Governor Jay Inslee, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, Toray Composites America, Peninsula College, Washington State University, Janicki Industries and other representatives helped the Port of Port Angeles, WA, break ground on a new Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC) at the Port’s Composite Manufacturing Campus on September 21, 2015. The CRTC’s mission is to lead and grow a composite recycling industry that fully diverts millions of pounds of Washington State’s carbon fiber scrap into value-added products. “The CRTC aims to become a leading, innovative organization that attracts the best, most dynamic talent in composite design, product development, engineering, marketing, and production to the Olympic Peninsula,” says CRTC Board President, Bob Larsen, “Our intent is to establish a culture of limitless creativity nestled among the scenic splendor of our area. The CRTC represents boundless opportunities for products made from recycled carbon fiber (rCF) that will lead to environmentally responsible manufacturing and living-wage economic development.” Due to open in July 2016, the 25,000-squarefoot facility will house offices, laboratories, classrooms and manufacturing space for the CRTC and Peninsula College’s Advanced Manufacturing-Composite Technology (CT) training program, which helps prepare students for careers in the composites industry. In addition to its own R&D, product development, and manufacturing, the CRTC will work with companies that want to test ideas for products that could be made with recycled carbon-fiber composites, such as components for lightweight vehicles or support structures for solar panels. The Washington State Department of Ecology estimates that about 2 million pounds of carbon-fiber composite material in Washington ends up in landfills every year. Composites industries, including aerospace, marine
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and recreational equipment manufacturers, generate composite scrap in the course of production processes or even have full-format materials that have outlived their usefulness or
process science, materials development and testing and evaluation of products. WSU has a long history of working with industry to reduce waste through advanced knowledge and
Supporters break ground on the CRTC, using shovels made of recycled carbon fiber, with materials donated by Janicki Industries. Photo credit: Doug Crist L to R: Tim Kirk, Vice President at Toray Composites America, Dr. Christopher Keane, Vice President of Research at Washington State University, Luke Robbins, President of Peninsula College, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, Governor Jay Inslee, Jennifer States, Director of Business Development, Port of Port Angeles, and a representative of U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
“best before” date. The center plans to use what is known as pre-preg material, in which carbon fibers and a binding resin have been combined into a fabric but not yet molded into a shaped product or component. In future phases the CRTC plans to partner with other recycling companies to investigate uses for recycled carbon fiber recovered from cured and end of life composites, and examine other composite materials such as fiberglass. Washington State University’s Composite Materials & Engineering Center (CMEC) has been researching a variety of composites, including carbon-fiber and fiberglass. WSU and CRTC signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on educational opportunities,
innovation in materials science; WSU researcher and WSRA member Karl Englund recently partnered with Global Fiberglass Solutions to create composite materials from wind turbine blades. Partnerships with composites industries provides stimulus for moving compositesrecycling technology to commercialization. The CRTC will be a valuable resource and strategic partner for companies looking to develop new ways to recapture the full value of carbon fiber composite materials and/or take responsibility for their products through the full composites lifecycle.
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The Report Virtual Workshop Gives Pierce County Residents Easy Access to Solid Waste Plan Input Sheryl Rhinehart, Outreach Coordinator, Pierce County Public Works, srhineh@co.pierce.wa.us Public engagement is a crucial part of planning and developing programs—but it isn’t always easy to get residents excited about solid waste issues.
A survey is the final step of the workshop and it is how we collect the relevant data. The feedback we receive gives us a sense of the level of support in our community.
Staff from Pierce County, the City of Tacoma and the Washington State Department of Ecology have spent the past year working with the county’s Solid Waste Advisory Committee to draft an update to our Solid Waste Management Plan. When it came time to ask for public input, we knew we didn’t want to just put up a link to the plan and ask people to comment. Instead we developed an online virtual workshop to guide people through the plan’s goals and objectives.
Incentive and promotion The November edition of the County’s Earth Matters newsletter promoted the virtual workshop and included an incentive for participating—a drawing for one of 200 tickets to Fantasy Lights, a holiday light display at Spanaway Park that the public works department sponsors each year. Participants were asked to attend the virtual workshop and complete the survey before they could enter the drawing. We also ran ads and boosted posts on social media to help drive traffic from different demographics. Next Steps More than 500 surveys were completed before the drawing deadline. The workshop and survey remain active and we will continue to collect comments for the next few months.
How it works Our plan goals fall into four categories: System, Culture, Decisions, and Measurement. We’ve organized the virtual workshop into those categories, plus an introduction that includes the basics of a system that focuses on materials management, not just disposal. As participants move through the workshop they can learn about the challenges we face and what we think we can do to address them. We provide examples specific to Pierce County (96 million K-cups® were thrown away in the county’s system in 2015). They also have an opportunity to read the full text of our goals and objectives.
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A virtual workshop encourages participation anytime it’s convenient, and attracts more “attendees” than a typical public meeting. Planning and design take time up front, but are less resource intensive than scheduling, advertising and setting up public meetings around the county. We know that many people only access the internet through their mobile devices, so the workshop was designed and tested with that in mind. For those that don’t have any access to the internet, we will hold public meetings in 2016.
Screenshots of the virtual workshop
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Students Address Waste Issues Challenge with Recology CleanScapes Team Megan McCain, Government and Community Relations Specialist, Recology CleanScapes mmccain@recology.com We hear it all the time—investing in our youth is important and they are the future. This fall, the Recology CleanScapes Waste Zero Education Team experienced first hand how mentoring and learning from Puget Sound area robotics teams may help address major issues in the current waste system. Each year, FIRST LEGO League releases a challenge based on a real-world scientific topic or problem. The 2015 competition, titled Trash Trek SM, challenges more than 233,000 students ages 9-16 from over 80 countries to explore the intricate trek of trash from smart production to collection and reuse. The core components of the competition are to contact an industry professional and identify a problem with the way we generate or handle waste, design an innovative solution, and share what they learn. Seven different teams from schools in Bothell, Issaquah, Maple Valley and SeaTac reached out to Recology CleanScapes to learn more about the collection and processing of recyclables, compostables and garbage. Students visited the MRF and The Recology Stores, and invited us to
listen in at their after school robotics team meetings. Even better, we learned from them too! From creating reusable gift wrapping materials and designing a household automatic sorting system, to preventing plastic film from stalling MRF operations, these students’ enthusiasm and innovation are inspiring and motivating for all involved. The students took on some of the industry’s most challenging problems. Other projects included proposals for DIY plant-based serviceware and battery recycling, as well as an educational plastic bottle recycling video made by middle school students. Through our interactions with the robotics teams, the Recology CleanScapes team educated over 200 students, parents and coaches on what goes where and the impacts of our daily disposal habits, while highlighting the variety of green jobs in our growing industry. The future is looking bright with these forward thinking creative teams!
Recology CleanScapes’ Kelly Ferron with a middle school robotics team at The Recology Store Bothell
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wsra.net
The Report King County’s Dave Galvin Receives “2015 ‘Gandalf’ Award for Exceptional Guidance and Advising” Scott Cassel, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, scott@productstewardship.us and Suzy Whalen, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, Product Stewardship Institute, Inc., suzy@productstewardship.us In honor of its 15th anniversary, the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) hosted its 2015 National Forum on December 8-9 in Boston, Massachusetts. Environmental experts from around the United States, Europe and Canada gathered to discuss issues related to zero waste, product stewardship and the circular economy. As a part of PSI’s anniversary celebration, the non-profit honored key leaders from industry, government and organizations that have played a significant role in moving the product stewardship movement forward throughout the last 15 years. During this celebration, Dave Galvin from the King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, was awarded the “2015 ‘Gandalf’ Award for Exceptional Guidance and Advising.” Always wise, tactful and honest, Galvin has worked tirelessly to reduce the impacts of hazardous constituents from households and small businesses for a generation. He even coined the widely used term “household hazardous waste” in the early 1980’s. Ever since PSI’s inception in 2000, the loyal PSI supporter and past President has been an exceptional advisor, always at-the-ready to guide the organization’s efforts in the proper direction. His impressive work on drug take-back led to the passage of the nation’s second local take-back ordinance for pharmaceuticals. PSI is incredibly grateful for Galvin’s commitment to the organization and the field of product stewardship. About the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) is a national, membership-based nonprofit committed to reducing the health, safety, and environmental impacts of consumer products across their lifecycle with a strong focus on sustainable end-of-life management. Headquartered in Boston,
Mass., PSI takes a unique product stewardship approach to solving waste management problems by encouraging product design changes and mediating stakeholder dialogues. With 47 state environmental agency members, along with hundreds of local government members from coast-to-coast, and 95 corporate, business, academic, non-U.S. government, and organizational partners, we work to design, implement, evaluate, strengthen, and promote both legislative and voluntary product stewardship initiatives across North America. @productsteward ProductStewardship
Northwest’s Premier Dealer Waste and Recycling Equipment • Compactors & Containers
• Horizontal & Vertical Balers
• Bandit Brush Chippers
• Shredding Systems,
& Stump Grinders • Conveying Systems, Sort Systems & Cart Tippers • Air Conveying Systems
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Material Handling Fans • Industrial Document Destruction Shredders • In House & Mobile Service
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USAgain Announces Winners of America Recycles Day Challenge Washington Schools jointly recycled 6,000 pounds of textiles Rasham Grewal, Manager, Marketing and Public Relations, USAgain, R.Grewal@usagain.com On America Recycles Day USAgain announced the winners of the 2015 America Recycles Day Challenge for Washington schools. The three winners (listed below) won cash prizes of $250, $100 and $50 respectively. Name of School
City
Pounds Recycled
Bremerton High School
Bremerton
1,317
Rainier Middle School
Auburn
606
Shadow Lake Elementary School
Maple Valley
556
America Recycles Day Challenge is USAgain’s annual school clothing recycling competition. At no cost, participants are provided with clothing recycling bins, which are maintained and serviced by USAgain. At the end of the competition, clothing is weighed, and all participants receive a cash prize based on total pounds collected.
USAgain commends all 20 schools in Washington that participated in the recycling challenge this year. Six thousand pounds of clothes were collected, which helped prevent 90,000 pounds of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. USAgain’s mission is to reduce the negative impacts of unwanted clothes and shoes on our environment by providing them with a second life. The items in good condition are reused as secondhand clothing and the rest are recycled to manufacture insulation material, wiping rags etc. An average person throws away 70 pounds of clothing per year, and the majority accumulates in landfills. By hosting a “Greenraiser” program, USAgain’s year-round fundraiser, schools can help conserve natural resources while earning funds for their programs.
The competition runs from October 15 to November 15, culminating on America Recycles Day. “This friendly challenge encourages students to learn more about recycling and its impacts,” said USAgain CEO, Mattias Wallander. “Reusing and recycling resources are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to reduce your carbon footprint.” A recent EPA study shows that the impact of clothing recycling, which averages 15 percent nationwide, is equivalent to taking one million cars off the road for a year. Imagine the positive impact if we are able to recycle the remaining 85 percent (12 million tons) of textiles that are currently going into landfills ”
About USAgain USAgain—a leader in the textile recycling industry—is a for-profit company with a mission of diverting textiles from landfills. USAgain’s green and white recycling bins provide communities with a convenient way to recycle surplus clothing and shoes. For more information, visit www.usagain.com
Snoqualmie Firefighters Serve Pancakes with a Side of Sustainability Robin Freedman, Senior Communications Manager, Waste Management, rfreedma@wm.com The Snoqualmie Fire Department’s annual pancake breakfast raises funds for the nonprofit Snoqualmie Firefighters Association. The fire department, a WM customer, wanted to reduce the amount of trash produced by the popular breakfast, with a goal of zero waste. We helped organizers develop a zero waste plan that included use of compostable plates, utensils, coffee cups and place mats, as well as reusable decorations, such as centerpieces made of firefighters’ boots.
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The effort was a huge success, diverting 96 percent of waste away from the landfill, including 401 pounds of recyclable, compostable and liquid material. Most of that—66 percent—was composted, with another 15 percent recycled and 15 percent liquid waste such as leftover coffee. Only 4 percent of the trash ended up as garbage bound for the landfill.
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The Report Member Milestones
Member Milestones Bill Reed Retires from King County Solid Waste After 26 Years On December 3, Bill Reed, longtime WSRA member and advocate, retired from the King County Solid Waste Division after 26 years. “It’s been a great pleasure to meet and work with so many warm, talented and committed people,” said Bill in a correspondence to colleagues before retiring. Lisa Sepanski, a colleague of Bill’s at King County shared “Bill had a wealth of deep institutional knowledge as it pertains to the recycling and waste management industry in Washington State. You could always count on Bill to have an answer or to figure it out. He will be missed!” Bill will continue to follow his greatest passion, playing rock n’ roll, blues, and country into his retirement. Congratulations to Bill on his next phase in life!
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Winter 2016
Julie Robertson’s New Role at Ecology Julie Robertson is the new Legislative Policy Coordinator for the Waste 2 Resources Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. Julie will track legislation and work on emerging policy issues affecting solid waste and materials management. Previously, Julie worked as the Solid Waste Planner and Facilities Specialist for the Waste 2 Resources Southwest Regional Office. Julie looks forward to partnering with WSRA on the Waste 2 Resources mission: to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse; keep toxics out of the environment; and safely manage what remains.
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Thank You Precious Metal Partners!
Thank You Precious Metal Partners! Gold Members
Silver Members
Bronze Members
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wsra.net
The Report NEWSLETTER TEAM
Susan Long Marketing & Communications Committee Starbucks Coffee Co.
Helen Freilich Marketing & Communications Committee City of Port Angeles
2015–16 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Christopher Piercy President Kitsap County Public Works
Angela Wallis Secretary Independent
Candy Castellanos Vice President WA State Dept of Ecology
Dustin Bender Abby Christensens Troy Lautenbach Assistant Secretary Assistant Treasurer Treasurer Lautenbach Sunshine Disposal Republic Services Industries & Recycling
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rita Smith Newsletter Editor Groundwork Communication
Jack Bradbury All Battery Sales & Service
Scott Campbell Waste Connections, Inc.
Pete DuBois Clark County Public Works
Margot Keany Republic Services
Kevin Kelly Recology CleanScapes
Alli Kingfisher WA State Dept of Ecology
Charlie Maxwell, Jr. LeMay Pierce County Refuse
Lisa Sepanski King County Solid Waste
Jeff West New Day Recycling
Sheryl Rhinehart Newsletter Layout/Design Pierce County Public Works
WSRA STAFF
Anne Baunach Executive Director
545 Andover Park West, Suite 209 Tukwila, WA 98188 Anne Piacentino Events & Communications Coordinator List of Articles
Winter 2016
Email: recycle@wsra.net Phone: 206-244-0311 Fax: 206-244-4413 • 17 •