I

Local government approaches to source reduction

Many states have mandated that source sustained program. A comprehensive reduction receive the highest priority of all source reduction education and promo- management strategies. Local gov- tion campaign targets consumers, busi- by Steven Sherman ernments are eager to find ways to reduce nesses and institutions, including the generation of solid waste. However, schools. Each of these groups merits spe- Steven Sherman is a senior consultant understanding how to translate this aim cific attention. The more tailored the edu- with CalRecovery, Inc. of Hercules, Cali- into realistic programs at the local govern- cation and promotion campaign is ¡I fornia. He has designed and implemented ment level has yet to keep pace with state addressing the needs and interests c numerous source reduction, composting mandates. various groups and sub-groups, the mor1 and programs for local govern- A comprehensive approach to source successful the overall program is likely t< ments, businesses and nonprofit organi- reduction requires the participation of an be. zations. In his spare time, he volunteers interrelated web of waste generators, A public education and promotion carr as a master composter for the local including residents, businesses and paign for source reduction should focur county’s composting programs, teaching institutions, and local, state and federal on changing the values and behavior psi residents about food waste composting at government policymakers. terns of individuals and organization: home with worms. , Source reduction decreases the quan- The following values, among othen tity of materials that must be collected should be highlighted: environmental prc and processed via recycling, composting, tection and ; energ! incineration and landfilling. Source reduc- and resource conservation; cost effective By undertaking a number of tion can be defined as the decreased gen- ness; ingenuity; simplicity; pursuit of com eration of solid waste resulting from: munity spirit; and excellence rather thar actions, communities can W reduced product weight or volume consumption. reduce the amount of n reduced packaging One type of public education and pro generated for disposal or n increased product durability and reus- motion program a local government coulc ability institute is known as an “environmenta recycling. W alterations in consumer behavior shopper” or “precycle” campaign. ThL regarding purchase patterns program provides consumers with sug n greater efficiency in manufacturing gestions or tangible examples of dired processes, resulting in lower genera- substitutes for products or packaging, in tion of wastes support of waste reduction goals. An W on-site composting and related environmental shopper campaign, such organic waste reduction techniques as that originally developed by the n alteration of the waste stream to make Pennsylvania Resources Council, a COV it less hazardous. sumer advocacy group, and now officiallY endorsed by the Pennsylvania Depart- General approaches ment of Environmental Resources, in- Local governments can draw on severa1 volves the distribution of a booklet that. approaches to propel source reduction advises consumers to purcha into its proper position as the leading com- ponent of solid . The following discussion centers on ways to reduce the amount of solid waste gener- ated by all sectors. reusable and recyclable mate booklet could include available IiStS Public education and publicity “environmentally friendly” products. A local government could supervise the could also include advice on how lo development and distribution of source consumer groups can organize envi reduction education materials, provide mental shopping campaigns in their c general coordination of efforts, and fund a munities. ation campaign could be sup- waste generators can put their own house ment, possibly as part of the business y local governments, in In order (see sidebar). As well, local gov- license renewal procedure. Local govern- local civic and consumer ernments can encourage companies to ments could provide businesses with a of arrangement is in adopt source reduction as an explicit cor- list, such as the one that follows, of possi- nia, where an industry porate goal. Local governments couid ble ways businesses can reduce their vania Food Merchants also require companies employing more generation of waste: with PRC to promote than a certain number of people in the E adopt corporate procurement policies jurisdiction (such as 250) to submit a that promote source reduction and ’ ~$$$;ëduction themes can be used source reduction and recycling planto the recycling &ively in various media, including bus IOCal government for review and com- q encourage suppliers to incorporate rts, public servrce announcements on 1diO and telev’rsion, buttons and postes. ialsrt consumers to the relationship be- Four ways local governments can get +n consumption patterns and the solid tite crisis. Berkeley, California and their own house in order Newark,New Jersey, among others, have dopted this approach. A local government could take the fol- and visibly buys durable, reusable, mese publicity and education tech- lowing steps, among others, to provide recycled and recyclable products dues can also be employed at the work- leadership in source reduction by: n restricting the use of disposable, dace, where a company or institution n serving as an institutional model for nonrecyclable products or packag- bunches its own “precycle” project. source reduction in the local govern- ing in local government-sponsored Mmittedly, while some business efforts ment’s offices, cafeterias, parks, activities b promote environmental shopping have public works yards, and other n institutionalizing an Office gen criticized by severa1 recycling pro- facilities reduction program to conserve scents as superficial, off-target and inef- W revising the local government’s pro- paper (e.g., minimizing photo- ective, some businesses have indeed curement specifications for equip- copies, using double-sided jeveloped consistent. comprehensive ment, vehicles, supplies, furniture, and copying, encouraging the use lrograms and bolicies that promore ana parts and materials to ensure that of recyclable paper. increasing the eflect source reduction. the local government systematically use of electronic media). Local governments as institutional J

sws STONE WOOD SEPARATOR Patent Pending Producfion of 200 TPH + SpecificallyDesigned for fhe Wasfe Indusfry 0 Patenteddrsign with 54” dia. rotor For More Informafion Confacf l Over 1OO hours between hammer maintenance l Controlledproduct size HAAHJEM North Ameríca, Inc. l Hightolerance of metalcontaminants InnovatorManufacturing Inc., Phone (316)733-0600 120 Weston St.. London. Ontmo. Canada N6C IR4

1-800-465-4747(Access from Ls’ aodCanadai Tel:(519)661-0717 Fax:(519) 661-0714

Circle 98 on RR service card Circle 13 on RR sewice card

Resource Recychg September 1991 reduction and recycling into duce. The cost can escalate on a straight- lection and disposal is included in the *,#Jrcf ,nternal and externa1 corporate line basis; it can also be raised at an price of the or tags. t pir i gctivities, to be consistent with the increasing rate. This approach has been Per- subscription rate. purchasing company’s procurement followed by local governments as small Generators pay for the number of contain- pws as Somerville, New Jersey (approxi- ers set out, on a straight-line or graduated , offer rewards to individuals and divi- mately 4,300 households) and as large as rate basis. In a graduated rate structure, sions in the compaly that develop in- Seattle, Washington (approximately waste generators pay a higher incre- house source reductlon programs 200.000 households). mental rate for additional garbage cans. , promote source reduction and recy- User fees can have an immediate and The subscription system requires the cling in corporate newsletters and substantial impact on how individuals hauler to monitor the number and size of cther interna1 media view their own generation of trash. bins set out for collection. tra& corporate source reduction Responses to increases in waste collec- Standardized container rental. measures, including annual tonnage tion bilis tend to be quick. People may dis- Generators rent bins from haulers and avoided, and production and disposal cover ways to items and may seek pay a renta1 service fee for the container ccsts saved. to reduce the amount they discard (and and hauling service. Fees are based in hence reduce their solid waste bill) by part on the size of the container and the ccnomic incentives altering their purchasing habits. They frequency of collection. :onomic incentives can serve to modify often become avid recyclers, especially Container licenses. Generators pur- e waste disposal habits of residents and since most properly prepared recyclables chase an annual license for each con- &tesses. A local government could tend to be exempt from coilection fees. tainer, The licensing fee varies with the ?velop a user fee system based on vol- A user-fee system can be implemented size of container. Haulers empty only ne (or weight) to encourage residents to either directly by the local government or those that carry a vaiid duce, reuse and recycle. This concept indirectly in conjunction with private haul- license. Special provisions must be made known interchangeably as a “user fee,” ers. Generator-pay approaches include: for bulky items. enerator-pay, ” “cost of service,” “pay- Metered or tag. Standardized A user fee approach is not without draw- !r-container.” and “pay-per-bag” sys- marked bags or tags are purchased at backs, however. The regressivity of typi- m. local retail outlets, or a fixed number are cal user-fee rate structures. by which low- Under this rate structure, waste given to residents at regular intervals, income residents and small businesses !nerators pay for their collection service with the option to purchase additional must allocate a relatively higher percent- .sed on the amount of waste thef/ pro- bags or tags. The cost of solid waste col- age of their income for what has been

SHREDDEWS FOR ALL CBMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS Reduce Space l Save on Shipping Costs l Profit from Recycling of MateriaIs i

PAPER COMBINATION SHEAR TYPE SHREDDERS SHREDDERS SHREDDERS For the Office, warehouse and WITH BALERS Tires . Alumlnum.‘Steel Cans l plant. Strips or particles Wood Palle& Coooer# security destruction. Alumlnum Wlre l biastlc ALL SIZES Call For Complete Details. l Steel Drums IndustrIaI Waste and Garbage tm) GENSCO AMERICA INC. 2372 S Stone Mountain- ;ithonia Road, Lithonia. GA 30058

GENSCO EQUIPMENT CO. LTD. 53 Cariaw kve Toranto ON. Cacada M4M 2R6 416-465-7521 In the USA: l-800-268-6797 Since 1919, GENSCO Suppliers of quality products and services to the and steel industries.

Circle 81 on RR service card

ll5 Resource Recychg September 1991 viewed historically as a public health pro- n investment tax credits and/or sales tax mote changes in product design, I vision, is seen as a negative, as is the exemptions on manufacturing equip- and choice of feedstock materials c moderate potential for increased illegal ment that enhances source reduction packaging that reduce the generat dumping of trash. There is also a moder- n advanced disposal fees on certain of waste ate potential for increased open burning packaging materials at the point of H encouraging industry efforts to rew, of trash, with negative consequences for manufacture or sale employees for useful suggestions t air quality. n waste generation quotas, above which lead to source reduction An alternative economic incentive for financia1 penalties are imposed on n providing technical assistance waste generators is the reduced rate generators. businesses that are developing SOUI option. For customers who consistently Obviously, some segments of industry reduction programs generate a below-normal amount of solid have begun to alter products and their H supporting standardized labeling (e. waste, a lower flat rated is charged than packaging so that they are more “environ- logos, symbols, wording) for produ the regular collection fee. In general, cus- mentally friendly.” These moves can be and packaging that promote sour tomers must request this reduced rate attributed in part to changing consumer reduction service. The reduced rate option is par- preferentes and to industry’s desire to n alerting the business community ticularly well received by elderly and avoid adverse publicity or increased regu- potential legislation that could single residents. lation of its products and packaging. enacted if voluntary industry measur Specific to the business community, A local government could promote vol- in support of source reduction E local governments could encourage untary corporate source reduction initia- inadequate. source reduction by initiating or support- tives by: These steps require minimal time a: ing economic incentives or disincentives W informing industry leaders of the local effort, yet can assist in creating a bu to promote commercial-sector source government’s source reduction goal ness atmosphere that favors and enabl, reduction at the state or national level, and its preeminent position in the greater waste reduction. where such proposals are likely to be hierarchy of solid waste management more effective than at the local level. options Regulation These measures can include: n explaining local government expecta- A local government could consider leg n subsidies, rebates and credits for man- tions of industry leadership in support lative steps to promote source reductic ufacturing or purchasing products and of source reduction by residents and businesses. Four exal packaging that incorporate source n issuing statements in support of con- ples are presented here. reduction principles \ sumer groups that are working to pro- Legislation on product or packagir Money Making Aluminum SweatMaster Furnaces Scrap goes in the top

HIGHER LOW PRICES OPERATING FOR YOUR COST ALUMINUM SCRAP

Money comes out the bottom Now you don? have to be a large scrap motor - so you din? need to waste time dealer to be able to reclaim valuable non- cutting up smp. ItS economical to operate. fenous metals. The Alumlnum Sweat- toa. Fuel costs will range approximately 40 Master makes owning a sweat furnace af- to 45 dallan per day, usmg natural gas or fordable. This amaong fumace can produce propane. It’s refractory lined tor durability. Yard Waste 3.500 to 20,000 pounds of ftnished product The Aluminum SweatMaster SM-35. MATERIALS RECOVERY per day and it only requires one penon to SM-45. SM-75. and SM-110 and 81 Burnables run it. It’s large enough to accommodate a SM-200 are designed with aher burners to IS OUR BUSINESS whole transm1ssion. cx an alummum car give long, profitable selvice. ‘Moke

ALUMINUM : .,- SCRAP LY BULKHANDLING SYSTEMS, ING. COUNSELOR 1040 Arrowsmith JOU;EDL-=EKENGINEERING, INC. Eugene, OR 97402 Equlpment RO. 428. Hudson. OH US.A. 44236 Buylng 603~4850999 Mcnd l-800-783-6567

Circle 50 on RR service card Circle 39 on RR service card - . . --.. ._., .__.

content or availability can be used to alter aspects of manufactured products, includ- must be demonstrated by its inclusion in consumptíon and production patterns. ing: pilot recycling collection programs or the For example, local governments could n minimum weight or volume per finished product may face possible restrictions in restrict the use of disposable, nonrecy- good (relative to packaging amount) to its use or sale. clable products or packaging in govern- ensure that items will be sold in larger ment-sponsored activities. Proposed sizes to reduce packaging On-site composting bans around the country and elsewhere n maximum weight or volume per On-site composting can be defined as the have addressed such items as nonrefilla- finished good (relative to historical process of managed decomposition of ble or nonrecyclable beverage contain- product weight or volume) to ensure organic materials on one’s own premises ers, nonrecyclable packaging, disposable that items will be made without that results in the creation of a usable soil diapers and assorted plastic products. unnecessary weight or volume, such amendment. This concept is also known Some local governments may also as automobiles as “backyard” composting. seek to ban the sale of certain items n required durability guarantees to pro- Articles in this magazine and others within city limits. The efficacy of products mote less frequent replacement of have shown that yard waste and food bans is a hotly debated issue. MateriaIs products by ensuring that products are wastes can be composted successfully bans typically lead to the substitution of covered through longer manufacturers’ on-site fairly easily with minimal bad one type ot material for another, and, as warranties. (This idea may not always such, generally do not significantly reduce benefit the environment; see the the generation of solid waste. It has been sidebar on durability.) Durability is just demonstrated, however, that local govern- These mandatory requirements must, ments can make important statements to however, address potential unintended one criterion industry and the public simply by consid- implications, such as the possible sub- Source reduction campaigns often ering material bans. stitution of nonrecyclable materials for suggest that consumers use products Mandatory product or packaging potentially recyclable materials in an until the product’s useful life has requirements and restrictions can act as effort to meet maximum weight require- elapsed, or give them to others to use. catalysts when the private sector does not ments. One example of this phenomenon However, in some cases, emphasizing or is not expected to respond quickly or might be the potential substitution of only durability may not represent the sufficiently to market mechanisms. When lighter weight, nonrecoverable plastics in most environmentally responsible used selectívely over a broad area (such automobiles at the expense of heavier, option. For example, improvements in as a state or nation), material bans can but recoverable and recyclable, metal. appliances are continually being made increase the reusability and recyclability A more flexible approach would be to to alleviate air pollution, increase of products and help to reduce environ- restrict the use or sale of products or pack- energy effíciency, eliminate toxic com- mental impacts. aging if steps are not taken by the man- pounds and improve safety features. As a second option, local ordinances ufacturer or secondary commodity mar- Sending an old, usable appliance to could also be used to restrict access to kets to make the recycling of them techni- the recycling yard and buyìng a far bet- disposal facilities for certain types of cally and economically feasible. Henne- ter replacement may, in the end, be a materials, in an effort to promote reuse pin County, Minnesota has taken this sound environmental decision. and recycling. This approach has been approach, where a product’s recyclability taken by numerous local governments and counties, especially regarding yard waste, so that it is composted rather than Announcing Ahead Sheet Metal’s New disposed. For example, at least 10 states have passed legislation that will restrict POINT-OF-USE the flow of yard waste to landfills. While Oùr new lock-top, 100 gallon, 28”x28”~46” point-of-use multi- primarily used to stimulate recycling and container is cost effective, saves labor and turns trash to cash. composting, such bans could also play some part in promoting source reduction. l Attractive unit available with 2 to 4 rectangular inter- Ordinances could also be enacted to nal separator containers and appropriate labels. lif’nit the number of containers or bags (up l Sixteen gauge galvanized, welded, electrostatically to a certain size) used by generators. Col- coated standard blue or color of your choice. l@ctioncrews would be allowed to pick up l Rugged special design plastic interior separator bins only a certain maximum number of con- easily maintained and sanitary. tainers or bags. Legislation of this type might help to encourage source reduc- l For indoor/outdoor service by schools, institutions, son. businesses, industry, commercial services. Finally, a local government could work l Safe, vandal-resistant, upbeat and motivating. with regional and state organizations and l Lock-top, sturdy handles. governments to lobby for and to coordi- “ate greater product regulation, which l Volume discounts - Your promotional lago extra. could include mandated source reduction Call today fo order. Contact: In Products or packaging, product initia- AHEAD SHEET METAL, INC. tion fees, product bans and others. A local 881 Flatbush Rd., Kingston, NY 12401 g”vernment could support state or fed- Phone: (914) 336-6147 l Fax: (914) 336-6651 eral legislative efforts to regulate certain Circle 361 on RR service card

- 117 Resource Recychg September 7997 odors or disturbances from animals. variety of local government actions can leaving cut grass on the lawn, can be Together. yard waste and food waste typi- be undertaken in backyard composting effective as well. Hennepin County, Min- cally constitute one-quarter to one-third of (see sidebar). nesota has established a goal of eliminat- residential solid waste. The implementation of volume-based ing 4 percent of its waste stream by On-site composting is the least expen- rates for refuse collection would also help encouraging residents to incorporate sive way of managing yard wastes. It to stimulate on-site composting activity. grass clippings into their lawns rather than eliminates the public and private costs of Those who engage in composting at removing them for disposal. collection, transport, tipping fees and home or business will reduce their dis- processing. Research conducted by the posal costs. Reuse author in Westchester County, New York In addition to on-site composting, other Reuse means the use, in the same form for Cornell University Cooperative Exten- vard waste reduction methods, such as as it was produced, of a material that sion demonstrated that horneecomoostina ‘_ savings could be approximately ‘$35 07 more per participating Westchester How to help get yard wastes composted at County househoid. By actively managing one’s own yard home or business waste, this form of composting may instill Local governments can develop com- n supporting a master composter pro- in residents and businesses a sense of prehensive on-site composting educa- gram, in which residents are trained greater responsibility not only for that tion and promotion programs by: by experts to teach other residents waste, but for other materials. Conse- R developing flyers, brochures and and business managers proper quently, citizens may develop a greater other how-to literature techniques of composting interest in recycling and other solid waste n establishing demonstration sites, m distributing bins, accom- management issues. One way to stimu- where curious residents and busi- panied by instruction in their use late interest in on-site composting is ness managers can view different and follow-up efforts. through public education and publicity. composting methods, bin construc- To minimize duplication of effort, Composting can be encouraged on more tion materials and end products these approaches could be coordi- than a strictly economic basis. The values n using mass media, plus billboards, nated on a regional basis. of exercise, recreation, workmanship, sci- inserts in utility bilis, signs and ence education and community pride can related measures be identified with on-site composting. A - A RECXCLINGIDEA MAKE RECYCLING SAFER QQ FHATGOESRIGHT To THE Tc WITH THE “GRAB-1T” w

.-

It’s lightweight and durable! (3 sizes) Picks up all types GLOBE SUPPORTS RECYCLING AND A of materials. Your HANDS DON’T TOUCH the SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. OBJECTS. It’s a GREAT TOOL for retrieving unwanted items from recycling collection containers at RECYCLING Farwwe ~ ‘Om,l,C1wr,,e0, Ca ’ CENTERS. Handles glass, paper, cans, plastics, etc. Globe BuMng Matertals. Inc. Usable INDOORS TOO. Makes the job of LITTER 2230 Indlanapolls Boulevard CONTROL much EASIER and SAFER. Whrtmg. IH 46394 219-473-4545 Best of all, IT’S EXTREMELY AFFORDABLE! GRAB-IT Enterprizes “SimplyMaking YourLife Easier& Safer”

PO. Box 703 l Jackson,AL 36545 (800) 247-2286 FAXz205-246-7500

Clrcle 233 on RR sewice card Circle191onRRsemicecard . ;. .-

might otherwise be discarded. Reuse can appliance repair programs at local paign that identifies problem substances be either direct (such as with used cloth- technical or trade schools, sheltered and their less toxic or nontoxic alterna- ing), or indirect (such as with refillable workshops and senior citizen organiza- tives. Residents and businesses should beverage containers). Common reuse tions be urged to use products that are less techniques include donating used cloth- n providing assistance to nonprofit toxic or nontoxic, to apply no more than ing, repairing old appliances, taking part organizations that are primarily the recommended amount of a toxic sub- in swap meets or rummage sales, and involved in materials reuse. stance, and to give away for reuse the buying antiques. Like other source reduc- Great opportunities also exist for the remainder of products (such as unused tion strategies, reuse programs can raise reuse of commercial and industrial mate- paint) containing toxic substances. interest in recycling and composting. rials. Local governments can promote Severa1 publications and educational Local governments could support reuse of these materials by: materials are available that list potentially reuse programs in severa1 ways, includ- n supporting nonprofit community hazardous substances and their substi- ing: groups that reclaim old building mate- tutes. One popular form of this type of lit- n helping nonprofit organirations and rials for use by low income residents erature is known as a toxic waste wheel. others locate material drop-off dona- n encouraging local industries to partici- Publications that provide a guide to deal- tion sites, where used clothing, furni- pate in industrial waste exchanges ing with toxics are also available. ture, books, appliances and other n adopting a policy of reusing or makìng items can be collected and later resold available for reuse items for which Conclusion or given to appropriate clientele there are willing recipients. Local governments can draw on severa1 I endorsing donation programs that approaches to propel source reduction assist in meeting people’s basic needs Hazardous waste reduction into its proper position as the preferred I sponsoring periodic swap meets (such The “safe disposal of hazardous mate- component of solid waste management. as ata municipal parking lot unused on rials” has increasingly become viewed as Public education, economic mechanisms weekends) a contradiction in terms. In response, and regulations initiated at the local level I assembling a directory that lists local attention has begun to shift toward reduc- by individual local governments can be shops that purchase or sell used items ing the generation of these wastes. strengthened for maximum effect through (including clothing, home furnishings, Local governments can promote the joint efforts with other levels of govern- cars, books, music and other items) reduction of hazardous waste by adopting ment and through working together with I providing assistance in developQg a public education and publicity cam- public interest and industry groups. RR EDUCATE! WE HAVE IT ALL! A Complete Solid Waste Education & Public Awareness Program Emphasizing the 3 R’s : REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE !

l K - 12 CURRWLUM l UIOEOS l EOUCAT~ONALAlOS l SUPPLEMENTARY(TEMS l Colorbooks l Litterbags . Wallcharts l Stickers l Pencils l Erasers l and more !

CALL TODAY ! for FXEE Brochure (916) 272-7289 Outside CA l-800-535-9547 or Write to : Refuse Industry Productions, Inc. I’.O.Box 1011 Grass Valley, CA 95945

Cleh Up The Horrible Heap ! Remember To Reduce - Reuse - Recycle ! 0 REFUSE INDUSTRY PRODUCTIONS. ING. ( A wholly owed subridmy oI Grasr Valley Doposal. lnc 1

Circle 267 on RR setice card

Rescurce Recycling September 199 f