100 Elwood Davis Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212-4312 | 315-453-2866 | OCRRA.org

Fall 2014 Newsletter | Volume 22 | No. 3 OCRRA Joins Statewide Recovery Campaign and You Can Too Participate in Special Drop-Off Event on November 15 at Destiny USA Andrew Radin, Director of and Reduction THERMOMETER / STAT DROP-OFF...... PG 2 What would you say if and recycling. Across 1) Learn what materials 8:00 a.m. to noon, at the Help remove mercury each year our communi- the country, only 15% of re- should be recovered. This Destiny USA parking from the waste stream cyclable are actually area off Solar Street. All and get a Home Depot ty simply trashed $3 mil- includes DRY clothing, gift card in return! lion? That’s right; just took recovered; 85% ends up in bedding, towels, hats and textiles will be donated all that value and put it in the trash – that is about 70 shoes. It is okay if these to the Syracuse Rescue the garbage. Crazy, right? pounds trashed per person things are torn, stained, Mission. Well, that is exactly what is each year! have missing buttons or 3) Visit www.NYSAR3.org happening. The good news: OCRRA broken zippers; they can to learn more about the Onondaga County res- is teaming up with leading all be recycled! See box statewide campaign idents trash an estimat- textile recovery experts to below for details. to create jobs, reduce ed 20 million pounds of reverse this trend and help 2) Find a textile drop off waste, and recycle more LEAF MANAGEMENT.....PG 3 potentially recyclable tex- our community attain the location near you by vis- textiles. Terry Ettinger expounds tiles annually, with an es- economic, environmental iting www.tinyurl.com/ Thank you for helping to on the environmental timated market value of and social benefits of in- CNY-textiles, or come “clothes the loop!” benefits of leaving your $3 million! It is a signifi- creased textile recycling. to the special textile Andrew Radin can be reached leaves where they land. at [email protected]. cant lost recycling oppor- A statewide textile recov- drop off event on Satur- tunity, and an unfortunate ery campaign will launch on day, November 15, from lost job opportunity; cap- November 15, America Re- turing those textiles could cycles Day. Campaign or- generate over 130 new re- ganizers include the New cycling jobs in our commu- York State Association for nity alone! Reduction, Reuse, and Re- This issue extends across cycling (NYSAR³), the Fluorescent bulb our state, and the entire Council for Textile Recy- Recycling...... PG 3 country. An estimated 1.4 cling (CTR) and the Asso- Rhoda shines a spotlight billion pounds of textiles ciation of Wiping Materi- on safe bulb disposal practices. are trashed by New York- als, Used Clothing and Fi- ers annually (about 5% of ber Industries (also known the total trash stream), with as Secondary Materials an estimated market value and Recycled Textiles, of over $200 million. Some or “SMART”). 9,600 jobs would be created Now, it’s time for across the state if that ma- you to help make the terial was dropped off for campaign a success: 85% of recyclable textiles end up in the trash – that is about 70 pounds per person each year! Help recycle old clothing, shoes, accessories and Waste-to-Energy report...... PG 4 stuffed animals by bringing them (even if they are stained or torn) to the November 15 textile drop off event at Destiny USA. Our local power plant scores well on annual report card. Recyclable Textiles

• All Footwear. • Clothing: • : Clean and dry; • Accessories: Sheets, blankets, rips, stains, miss- comforters, dish Hats, gloves, ing buttons and towels, throw scarves, non-functioning rugs, , pocketbooks, TVs and E-Waste... PG 7 zippers are okay. table linens, Find out where you duffle bags, totes, can recycle your old placemats. electronics in Onondaga belts, ties, etc. • Stuffed Animals. County. Pa g e 2 Fa l l 2014 WANTED: MERCURY Thermostats & Thermometers Residents who turn in mercury-containing items reap “double bounty” reward Kathleen Carroll, Covanta Onondaga Business Manager

Covanta Onondaga, OCRRA’s partner and operator of the local Waste-to- Energy Facility is celebrating an important milestone in environmental protection. In conjunction with clients and host communities such as Onondaga County, Co- vanta has worked to collect over one ton of mercury throughout the United States. In 2009, through their Clean World Initiative, Covanta introduced a campaign and outreach program to educate the public about the proper disposal of mercury containing products. The cornerstone of the program was the offer of a $5 bounty, in the form of a Home Depot gift card, for the return of a mercury containing ther- mostat to a participating collection point. Covanta chose to target thermostats because one thermostat contains the same amount of mercury (4 grams) as about 800 compact fluorescent bulbs.

A Ton of Thanks – mometers or thermo- daga County are welcome Double Bounty Event stats at OCRRA’s Rock to participate and cele- Cut Road Drop-Off Site, brate this important en- In recognition of the between 7:30 a.m. and vironmental milestone. joint efforts of Covan- 10:00 a.m. Covanta and OCRRA ta and OCRRA, along Participating residents appreciate the outstand- with Covanta’s other en- will receive a “Double ing efforts and vital role ergy from waste facilities Bounty” Home Depot that residents play in the to collect over one ton of Gift Card worth $10 safe and proper remov- mercury, Covanta is “up- when they turn in a mer- al of mercury from their ping the ante” by estab- cury containing ther- waste. lishing a limited-time mostat or thermometer. *One gift card per resi- double bounty program Residents dropping off a dent, regardless of the num- with OCRRA. mercury containing ther- ber of mercury containing Covanta Onondaga Business Manager Kathy Carroll gives resident Gene items that are dropped off Koloski of Marcellus a Home Depot gift card and digital thermometer On October 23, 2014, mometer will also receive in exchange for the mercury containing thermometer he dropped off to we invite all residents a mercury-free (digital) at the event. OCRRA. Drop off your mercury thermometer or thermostat at OCRRA’s Kathleen Carroll can be reached Rock Cut Road Drop-Off Site on Thursday, October 23, between 7:30 a.m. to drop off any mer- thermometer!* at [email protected] cury containing ther- All residents of Onon- and 10:00 a.m. and get a $10 Home Depot gift card courtesy of Covanta!

OCRRA Takes Home the Gold

For many years, the National Recycling Co- ies, over 30,000 pounds of fluorescent lamps alition (NRC), a non-profit organization focused and over 80,000 pounds of confidential (shred- Fall 2014 on promoting and enhancing recycling through- ded) documents. OCRRA is now processing over Volume 22 out the United States, has bestowed a handful 50,000 pounds of institutional and commer- of coveted awards upon the most outstand- cial food weekly into high-quality, No. 3 ing recyclers in the industry. This year, STA-certified at its Amboy Printed on Recycled Paper from an applicant pool of over seventy Food Composting Facility, the nominees, OCRRA was honored with largest such municipal operation in This quarterly the “Outstanding Recycling Com- New York State. This has all been publication is munity or Government Program” achieved through an innovative brought to you by Award at the NRC National Con- public education campaign (“Save ference in New Orleans! The award the World a Little Each Day”), and OCRRA recognized OCRRA’s recycling pro- a commitment to invest in environ- 100 Elwood Davis Road, grams as a model of innovation, prog- mental programs that maximize waste North Syracuse, NY ress and success for other communities. reduction and material recovery for re- 13212-4312 cycling and reuse.” An excerpt from OCRRA’s nomination: “In 2013, OCRRA, a not-for-profit public benefit This is an award that the entire community shares in; kristen lawton corporation, helped the 450,000 residents of Onon- if you recycled at home today, at work or while having Public Information Officer daga County, New York, recycle over 230,000 tons of a meal at a local food court, you helped our community OCRRA’s waste reduction, reuse material; nearly 50% of the total waste stream. In ad- achieve this national honor. Without your participation, and recycling program efforts dition, over the past few years, OCRRA has helped OCRRA’s programs would not be the national, award- (including this newsletter) are the community recycle over four million pounds of winning successes that they are today. Kudos to you, partially financed by a grant from the NYS Department of electronic waste, over one million pounds of batter- Onondaga County! Environmental Conservation. o c r r a .o r g 315-453-2866 Fa l l 2014 Pa g e 3

The Garden Throw Your Leaf Rake Away! Guru Terry Ettinger Instructional Support Specialist, SUNY -ESF

Ahhhh, autumn . . . the between $1 million and $2 days are (often) sunny and million per year in Onon- mild and the evenings are daga County alone. crisp. When combined, Sadly, nearly this entire these conditions lead to a expenditure is completely brilliant display of colorful unnecessary! fall foliage. Research conducted at Of course, the colors numerous public univer- quickly fade, the leaves sities over the past thirty drop from the trees and years has shown that leaves the incessant whining of shredded by lawnmow- Indirect costs associated with leaves decomposing after they are raked to curbs for collection include neighbor- leaf blowers, the beeping of ers and left on lawns cause hood flooding caused by clogged catch basins, clogged screening equipment at wastewater treatment plants payloaders and the growl no damage. In fact, the de- and excessive nutrient loading in streams, rivers and lakes. Reduce these negative impacts and mow leaves into of idling caravans of dump caying leaves improve the your lawn; this will improve its vigor and appearance over time. trucks become common- vigor and appearance of place in neighborhoods lawns by returning organ- In half of your yard, go throughout your property. from now you won’t be able throughout Central New ic matter and nutrients to ahead and rake the leaves In the other half of your to tell the difference between York as thousands of loads the soil. – but please, not to the lawn, whenever more than the half of the lawn you raked of leaves are hauled “away.” Now, I realize that con- curb. Rather, rake them two or three inches of leaves and the half you mowed. I’m At a direct cost (labor, vincing you and your neigh- into landscape beds, dig accumulate, mow at the hopeful the evidence in your equipment, fuel, etc.) of bors to completely give up them into your vegeta- highest setting, maybe two own yard will convince you well over $100 per truck- your rakes is a pretty tall ble garden or compost or three times a week until to toss your rake for good! load this annual village, order. So, instead, why not them in temporary com- your trees (and your neigh- Terry Ettinger can be reached at [email protected]. town and city collection do a little experiment this post bins located con- bor’s) are bare. ritual likely costs taxpayers fall? veniently and discretely I’m confident that a year

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Talks Trash – and Recycling!

The mercury in these better. These stores will even ment, which you can make 15 minutes. When you return, Dear Rhoda, bulbs is in vapor form, take assorted other styles by visiting the same link DO NOT VACUUM; this I have several burnt out com- which is embedded in the and sizes of fluorescent previously referenced (lim- will spread the mercury con- pact fluorescent light bulbs, you powder coating on the in- bulbs from households (up it 10 fluorescent bulbs per taining powder into the air. know the ones that sort of re- side of the bulb. It is dan- to 4 feet in length, nothing appointment). Pick up large glass frag- semble a soft ice cream spiral gerous when it leaks out, longer), and recycle those Don’t have other HHW ments with stiff paper and in a cone? What should I do with which - you guessed it - too! Visit the previously materials or only have a few wipe up with a disposable them? I understand they con- happens when they break, mentioned link for size and CFLs? You can also drop off rag or paper towel. Pick- tain mercury and should not be even if they don’t work any- style information. CFL bulbs (no other sizes ing up tiny fragments with thrown out. Where can I bring more. Soooo…get off your But wait, there’s more! or styles) at Home Depot packing tape is also helpful these and make sure they end keaster and take advan- Do I sound like Ron Popeil or Lowe’s, where they will if your break is on carpet or up being handled and disposed of correctly? tage of a great, free service yet? If you have other haz- make sure the mercury is re- upholstery. Place all frag- Fluorescent Flo that OCRRA offers in ardous household materials claimed as well. ments (and the materials partnership with most Ace hanging around your home, Now let’s talk about flu- you use to collect them) in and True Value Hardware maybe some old pool chem- orescent bulb accidents. If a glass jar with lid or heavy- Dear Flo, stores in Onondaga County. icals, oil-based paints, gar- you break a fluorescent bulb duty, sealed plastic bag. Now Well, it seems you are a Just plug the following den chemicals, etc., why not and need to clean it up, stop, you can vacuum, but be sure bright bulb yourself since web link www.tinyurl.com/ make an appointment for drop and roll. No, just kid- to toss out your bag or clean you already know compact hardwarestores - into your OCRRA’s Household ding – that’s for my fire your canister when done. fluorescent lamps (CFLs) computer browser to find a Hazardous Waste (HHW) safety talk next week. The broken fluorescent bulb, shouldn’t go in the circu- list of the stores (including a Drop-Off Program? It is How to Safely Manage a having released most of the lar file – NOR the blue bin. few independents) that will conveniently offered year- Broken Fluorescent Bulb: mercury, can now be safely That’s right, no deep six- take them and recycle them round, Monday – Friday Immediately open windows. discarded in the trash. And, ing these guys, if you know in a safe way. from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Shut off central air or heat there you have it. what’s good for you AND Oh, and I’ll do you one All you need is an appoint- systems. Leave the room for the environment! Recycling Rhoda

315-453-2866 o c r r a .o r g Pa g e 4 Fa l l 2014 Pa g e 5 Careful Monitoring of the Trash to Electricity Process…Each Year and Each and Every Single Day Waste-to-Energy Facility continues strong environmental and operational track record Amy Miller, Agency Engineer 2014 ANNUAL STACK TEST RESULTS 1 Average Measured Emissions Permit Pass/Fail? 2 Constituent Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Limit P/F

Cadmium (mg/dscm @ 7% O2) 2.5E-04 < 1.7E-04 3.6E-04 3.5E-02 P Cadmium (lb/hr) 3.8E-05 < 2.8E-05 6.1E-05 1.9E-03 P Carbon Monoxide (lb/hr) 1.22E+00 1.75E+00 1.37E+00 8.04E+00 P

Dioxins/Furans (ng/dscm @ 7% O2) 2.9E+00 1.0E+01 3.3E+00 3.0E+01 P

Hydrogen Chloride (ppmdv @ 7% O2) 3.4E+00 3.0E+00 7.1E+00 2.5E+01 P Hydrogen Chloride (lb/hr) 8.05E-01 7.71E-01 1.80E+00 5.24E+00 P Hydrogen Chloride Removal Efficiency (%) 99.5 99.6 98.8 >=95 P

Lead (mg/dscm @ 7% O2) 3.13E-03 1.46E-03 5.52E-03 4.00E-01 P Lead (lb/hr) 4.84E-04 2.42E-04 9.28E-04 3.81E-02 P FEDERAL Mercury (lb/hr) 1E-04 2E-04 1E-04 4E-03 P Nitrogen Oxides (lb/hr) 5.1E+01 5.3E+01 5.2E+01 5.8E+01 P

Particulates (gr/dscf @ 7% O2) 3.2E-04 5.2E-04 6.0E-04 1.0E-02 P

PM10 (gr/dscf @ 7% O2) 2.7E-04 2.1E-04 2.2E-04 1.0E-02 P

PM10 (lb/hr) 9.50E-02 7.67E-02 8.06E-02 3.16E+00 P Sulfur Dioxide (lb/hr) 6.90E-02 5.00E-02 5.44E-01 1.62E+01 P TESTED ANNUALLY TESTED Ammonia (ppmdv @ 7% O2) 4.6E+00 4.8E+00 5.7E+00 5.0E+01 P Ammonia (lb/hr) 5.09E-01 5.74E-01 6.71E-01 4.88E+00 P

Dioxins/Furans-2,3,7,8 TCDD TEQ (ng/dscm @ 7% O2) 4E-02 1E-01 5E-02 4E-01 P Dioxins/Furans-2,3,7,8 TCDD TEQ (lb/hr) 6.45E-09 1.99E-08 8.28E-09 1.29E-07 P

Mercury (µg/dscm @ 7% O2) 7.8E-01 1.0E+00 6.6E-01 2.8E+01 P STATE Mercury Removal Efficiency (%) 99 98 99 >=85 P PAH (µg/dscm @ 7% O2) < 3.2E-01 2.0E-01 2.8E-01 1.0E+00 P Zinc (lb/hr) 3.79E-03 2.50E-03 5.88E-03 6.45E-02 P NOTES: UNITS: 1 Based on three test runs. gr/dscf = grains per dry standard cubic foot ng = nanograms 2 NYSDEC Title V Permit #7-3142-00028 ppmdv = parts per million dry volume µg = micrograms lb/hr = pounds per hour mg = milligrams dscm = dry standard cubic meter

@ 7% O2 = concentration corrected to 7% oxygen Q: What is the purpose of annual air emissions stack testing? 2014 ASH RESIDUE CHARACTERIZATION TEST A: Stack testing is an important tool that measures the amount of regulated pollutants being emitted from a facility. Stack testing RESULTS Last Revised: 9/22/2014,Waste AKM-to-Energy Facility Air Emissions as a % of the Facility Permit Limits consists of a series of sampling events, where a probe is inserted into Semi-Annual Test Results - June 2014 (Average of 3 boiler units) the stack to collect a representative sample of the gases released, Constituent Test Result Permit Limit Pass or Fail 100% over a defined amount of time. Sampling and laboratory analy- Cadmium 0.12 mg/L 1 mg/L Pass Nitrogen Oxides(NOx) sis must be conducted in accordance with New York State De- 90% Lead 0.50 mg/L 5 mg/L Pass 2014 Air Emissions Results emissions are controlled partment of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and Unit- 90% 85% via injection of ammonia ed States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) protocols. CONCLUSION into the boiler. Ammonia NYSDEC oversees, and is generally on-site during stack testing 80% 20-year Facility Average Results Ash residue does NOT exhibit a hazardous characteristic. As such, it should injection is continuously at the Onondaga County Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility. continue to be managed as a non-hazardous solid waste. optimized to ensure 70% emissions stay below the Q: How do the 2014 stack test results look? NOx and ammonia permit A: The results fromthe 2014 stack testing indicate that the Facility 60% limits. In addition to is operating acceptably and that the air pollution control devic- annual stack testing, NOx es are functioning properly. As shown by the graph on the next Q: What is the purpose of the semi-annual ash testing and how do is continuously monitored page, many of the tested constituents were considerably below the the 2014 results look? 50% to ensure that the levels permit limit. A: A representative sample of combined bottom and fly ash resi- remain below the permit due is collected according to NYSDEC protocols. This sample is 40% limit, in accordance with Q: Does the Facility conduct any other air emissions testing be- then analyzed by an independent laboratory for leachable metals, Limit of Permit % standard industry sides the annual stack testing? according to EPA’s Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure 30% 30% practices. A: Yes. The Facility has a continuous emissions monitoring system (TCLP). TCLP analysis simulates landfill conditions (the final 26% (CEMS) that measures combustion efficiency, air pollution disposal site for the ash) and determines whether the ash resi- 21% 22% 18% control equipment performance, and certain stack emissions, due exhibits hazardous characteristics. Over the life of the facil- 20% 13% 15% specifically carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, sulfur diox- ity (including the most recent 2014 results), TCLP analysis has 12% 9% always indicated that the ash residue is non-hazardous. 9% ide, and nitrogen oxides (NOx), as well as opacity and combustion 10% 7% 6% 5% 5% 5% 6% temperatures. 2% 3% Q: Who can I contact for more information? 1% 1% 0% Q: What is the status of the WTE Facility’s Air (Title V) Permit? A: For more detailed information on the test results, please contact A: NYSDEC renewed the Facility’s Air Permit, effective August 8, OCRRA’s Environmental Engineer, Amy Miller, at 453.2866 or 2011 through August 7, 2016. The permit can beaccessed on NY- [email protected]. For additional questions of OCRRA’s Public SDEC’s website at the following webpage: www.tinyurl.com/ Information Officer, please contact Kristen Lawton at 295.0733 WTEpermit. or [email protected]. o c r r a .o r g 315-453-2866 o c r r a .o r g Pa g e 6 Fa l l 2014

Jordan-Elbridge Students Embark onLearn School-Wide the facts Cafeteria Food Scrap Compost Programand engage in the Theresa Mandery, Recycling Specialist process! The words “back to school” lege, Le Moyne College, those bulky milk cartons! carry with them many Marcellus Central Schools This initiative allows stu- things: excitement, nerves, and Destiny USA, among dents first-hand, daily in- friendships, books and per- others. Together these in- volvement in environmen- haps even a fresh hair cut or stitutions contribute to the tal conservation. a new pair of shoes. For the processing of over 50,000 The Jordan-Elbridge students of the Jordan-El- pounds of food scraps a School District takes its bridge Central School Dis- week at OCRRA’s Am- compost efforts one step trict, this year going back to boy Compost Facility. Ul- further, by also composting school was about more than timately, these efforts will pre-consumer food scraps first-day butterflies. It was generate 30,000 cubic yards that result from meal prep also the kick-off to an inno- of high quality compost in the kitchens. vative food scrap compost- each year! These waste reduction ef- ing initiative (making them In the Jordan-Elbridge forts really add up when ev- the second district to jump District, all students, whe- eryone pitches in. Facilities on board OCRRA’s award- ther they bring or buy their already noticed a significant winning food scrap com- lunch, are now separat- decrease in trash. posting program). ing out their uneaten food “Typically we would have Elbridge Elementary and scraps for composting. seen about 16 bags of trash Jordan-Elbridge Middle They do this by scraping per day from the cafeteria. School now join the im- their leftovers into a new, In the first two days of the pressive company of other well-labeled, compost re- compost program, we are environmental leaders such ceptacle. They are also able down to just 4 bags of trash as Syracuse University, On- to add leftover milk to the per day,” said Vinny Smith, Students at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School separate their leftover food ondaga Community Col- compost, and then recycle Director of Buildings and scraps to be collected and brought to OCRRA’s Amboy Compost Facility, Grounds for the Jordan- where they will be turned into nutrient-rich compost to help grow healthy Elbridge Central School plants in our community. District. Jordan-Elbridge’s com- than any other single ma- soil amendment that can be post efforts are going so terial in the trash. In 2012 used to grow healthy plants Household well, that they are planning alone, more than 36 million in our community. to bring the high school in tons of food waste was gen- If you are interested in ahead of schedule, yielding erated in the U.S. learning more about food Hazardous Waste… full District participation All food waste that is scrap composting, in- by the end of the 2014- collected from Jordan- cluding how you can get 2015 school year. Elbridge schools will your school on board, visit According to the U.S. be brought to OCRRA’s OCRRA.org today! Conquered By: Environmental Protection Amboy Compost Facility Theresa Mandery can be reached at [email protected]. Agency, more food reach- in Camillus where it will be es landfills and incinerators turned into a nutrient-rich Household Hazardous Easy! Waste Drop-Off When: Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Register: www.OCRRA.org or call 453-2866. You must have an Edward Webster of Syracuse appointment. Webster is OCRRA’s Summer Household Hazardous Waste appointment raffle winner. Edward won a basket full Visit OCRRA.org for a list of acceptable items of green cleaning products. Get rid of your household and for directions to the drop-off location. toxics safely at OCRRA’s year-round drop off; make an appointment at OCRRA.org and be entered for a chance We cannot accept: Latex Paint, to win too! Fire Extinguishers, Batteries or Motor Oil. o c r r a .o r g 315-453-2866 Fa l l 2014 Pa g e 7

From the Executive Director’s desk… End-of-Life: TVs and other electronic waste Legislation paves way for easier e-waste recycling in New York State Mark Donnelly, Executive Director

With two years under my 1) Televisions ed up the car and drove to belt as OCRRA’s Executive 2) Computers this service provider. They Director, I continue to be have a very organized drop- awed at the number of re- 3) Computer Peripherals* off center and ask that you cycling and disposal solu- (Monitors, Keyboards, put your goods in the prop- tions OCRRA provides the Mice, Facsimile Machines, er bin. Imagine my surprise community. Scanners, Printers, etc.) when I saw a large sign in- Over time, OCRRA’s 4) Small Electronic dicating that they could no programs have evolved to Equipment* longer accept televisions or meet the needs of our resi- (VCRs, Digital Video cathode ray tubes. (CRTs dents and electronic waste Recorders, Portable Digi- are found in older TVs and (or e-waste) recycling is a tal Music Players, DVD computer monitors and prime example. Players, Digital Convert- have deep screens). The For many years, OCRRA er Boxes, Cable or Satellite sign indicated that I was had several events through- Receivers, Video Game on camera and would be out the year where resi- prosecuted if I left CRTs at Consoles, etc.) dents could drop off old their facility! I had to take electronic materials for re- 5) Small Scale Servers my television home. Why cycling. There was a fee for * Computer peripherals would this well-renowned TV disposal, as they were and small electronic equip- recycling facility do this? – and continue to be – very ment also include any cable, I sought counsel from my costly to manage properly, cord or wiring permanently brilliant Recycling Staff and though OCRRA under- affixed to or incorporated into this is what I learned… wrote the cost of recycling such product. Why some locations no all the other e-waste mate- longer are accepting TVs As a result, multiple busi- rials collected. and old computer monitors: nesses began, or expanded Keeping heavy metals out of the environment by recycling old electronics, As the e-waste stream In a nutshell, that state law including televisions, is easy if you know where to go. Visit OCRRA.org for their e-waste recycling op- grew and grew, OCRRA I mentioned has been an a list of drop-off locations – please call in advance to see if they accept transitioned to a drop- erations and now there are overarching environmen- the items you are looking to recycle. off location that was open many convenient locations tal win, keeping thousands multiple times a week to where e-waste can be re- of tons of e-waste out of The good news: Efforts are mine if there are any drop- make it more convenient cycled. However, in certain the trash across our great already underway to amend off limitations or charges at for residents to dispose of instances, implementation state. But, some discrepan- and improve the law, and this time. the plethora of unwanted problems with the law are cies in the law are causing there are still numerous Reuse and Recycling are e-waste that was glutting preventing no-cost drop manufacturers to pull back locations to drop off un- very important to our en- our homes. offs. And here is where my from year-round financial wanted televisions and vironment. Before dispos- In 2010, New York State story begins… support of the e-waste col- old computer monitors in ing of something that still passed a multi-phased law So, a few months ago, I lection system. Some loca- Onondaga County. Please works, consider donating it that required electron- had a DVD player, a televi- tions are forced to stop col- visit www.tinyurl.com/ to someone who needs it. ic manufacturers to “take- sion and a laptop to dispose lecting unwanted electron- ewasterecycling2014 to If it has lived its useful life, back” unwanted e-waste of. I searched the OCRRA ics since payment by the find a recycler near you. please recycle it responsibly. from households, schools website (OCRRA.org) and manufacturers to properly Also, it is a good idea to I did and you can too! and small businesses at no found the local e-waste re- recycle these materials is call the location you plan to Mark Donnelly can be reached at [email protected]. charge. This includes: cycler closest to me. I load- uncertain. visit, in advance, to deter-

Deep frying your turkey this Need premium compost for Thanksgiving? your fall landscaping? Be sure to recycle OCRRA’s Premium (1/4”) Compost in 40 lb. bags, is available for purchase at over a dozen local retailers. Grow vibrant plants with this nutrient-rich your soil amendment made from local food scraps and yard ! fryer grease. Find a list of local retailers that sell OCRRA compost Visit www.tinyurl.com/greaseOCRRA for details. by the bag at www.tinyurl.com/CompostRetailers

315-453-2866 o c r r a .o r g Pa g e 8 Fa l l 2014 textile recycling word search Find the items below that can be recycled at various locations in Onondaga County, even if they are ripped, worn or stained!

Belt Duffle Bag Scarf Blanket Footwear Sheet Clothing Glove Stuffed Animal Comforter Hat Table Dish Towel Placemat Throw Rug Drapes Pocketbook Tie

Answer Key

Facebook Question of the AEROSOL CANS Quarter Amy Hebert of Syracuse posted a very helpful photo and asked us: f Q: Are these spray canisters recyclable in Onondaga County?

A: Yes, non-hazardous content aerosol cans, like the hairspray cans you sent a photo of, can be recycled; out this link for details: www.tinyurl.com/aerosolssafe. If you have other cans with hazardous contents, they CANNOT go in the blue bin; see here for disposal instructions: www.tinyurl.com/aerosolstoxic Thanks for posting that picture. It really helped us give you a quick and accurate answer. We hope other people will use this page just as you did! Follow OCRRA on Facebook and ask us all your recycling and disposal questions!

Search our disposal Mark Your Calendar database Mercury textile COMPOST SITES Household Thermometer and drop-off event Close for THE season Hazardous waste thermostat drop-off november 15 Last day Drop-Off Destiny USA Year-Round by Appointment october 23 of operations is environmental products Rock Cut Road Drop-Off Site Solar St. Lot 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. NOVEMBER 30 & Services 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. See page 2 for details. See page 1 for details. Register at OCRRA.org. o c r r a .o r g 315-453-2866