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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-07-30 Recycling Committee Minutes Recycle Committee Meeting July 30, 1997 Members Present: Jim Ring, Arthur Stockus, Dick Stockford, Kathy Guerin, Victoria Justus, Marilyn Ireland, Ray Bolduc, Bill Phillips, Bill Shook, Jerry Hughes. Meeting Called To Order: Jim Ring called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM Minutes: A motion to accept the minutes from the June 25, 1997 meeting was presented by Dick Stockford and seconded by Marilyn Ireland. The committee accepted the minutes written. Recycling Report: Arthur reported that recycling tonnage had increased approximately 50 tons compared to June of 96 and that Bangor's tonnage was up approximately 20%. Revenues are slightly lower than previous months. Arthur explained that revenues for the month fluctuate due to the time that revenue checks are deposited. Revenues for FY 97 totaled $84,811. This figure exceeded budget projections by$11,000. Arthur also mentioned that market prices seem to be steady at the present time and that clear plastic has risen to $400 per ton. Cardboard prices are also rising and are presently at $70 per ton. Avoided costs, i.e. tipping fees total $48,298.31. Total operating costs for the Recycling Center were $184,970 for FY 97. Arthur reported that a conveyor belt for the baler had recently been purchased. The belt will be installed in the near future. Household Hazardous Waste Cleanup Day: The discussion on Hazardous Waste continued from previous meetings. The committee members agreed that a Hazardous Waste Collection Day should be implemented if possible. It • would appear that June of 1998 is the earliest realistic date for a collection day. Victoria Justus and Dick Stockford have volunteered to present a draft recommendation for Hazardous Waste Collection. The draft will be available at the next Recycling Committee meeting. The draft will be reviewed and finalized by committee members and presented to the Municipal Operations Committee. Recycling Survey: Dick Stockford passed out copies of a report that summarized the findings of the recycling survey that was distributed in the last news letter. Approximately 3% of the residents that received the newsletter responded to the survey. The survey revealed that 50 % of the people who responded were putting their bins out for collection at two week intervals, 25% at 3-4 week intervals and 25% at 1 week intervals. Persons who placed their bins out on a weekly basis rarely had their bins full on collection day. The survey revealed that persons would probably support the bi-weekly collection of recyclables. Persons did have concerns about snow days and holidays. The general question asked was, "What happens if the recycling crew does dot pick up recyclables due to a snow day or a holiday?". "Would I be required to keep my recyclables for 4 ' weeks?". The survey also revealed that the drop off center is seldom used. Only 16% of those persons responding utilize the drop off center. Recycling Education: Committee members agreed that the survey revealed the need for additional recycling education. Bill Phillips mentioned that recycling flyers placed in the recycling bins were an . efficient means of educating people. Dick Stockford suggested that the next recycling newsletter be devoted to answering questions and concerns from the recycling survey. Bill Shook mentioned that local actors could be approached about doing a recycling skit. Bill also volunteered to help write the skit. Kathy Guerin mentioned the Recycling Content percentages are seldom seen on products. Kathy feels that persons should be aware of the recycling content in the items that they purchase and that recycling education must emphasize recycling contents. Marilyn Ireland expressed a concern about persons who move and do not return their recycling bins to the city. Marilyn feels that this problem could also be addressed through recycling education. Dick • Stockford and Jerry Hughes mentioned the need for recycling education in the schools. Kathy Guerin said that second and third graders are a captive audience for recycling education. Bill Shook also suggested that the producer of the Television Show entitled Made in Maine could be contacted regarding recycling. Bill's idea would be to produce a show entitled Remade in Maine. The remade in Maine concept would promote recycling. Jim Ring mentioned that many good ideas regarding recycling education had been discussed during the meeting and suggested that recycling education be placed on the agenda for the next recycling meeting. Agenda Items for Next Meeting: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day- Draft Recommendation- Vicky Justus & Dick Stockford Recycling Education- Biweekly Collection- Decision Paper- Arthur Stockus Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 PM.