Recycling Scraps
August 27, 2010

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Climate Master™ Fall course will take place in Albuquerque from Sept. 22 through Dec 8.

The Climate Master™ program is offered by the New Mexico Environment Department and consists of a free series of classes focused on climate change, what you can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in your daily life and strategies for motivating others to do the same. Class topics include Climate Change 101, Home Energy, Water, Transportation, Green Building, Renewable Energy, Yards, Consumption and Waste, Food, and Outreach and Consultations.

Climate Master™ is modeled after the Master Gardener program. This program is a two-part educational effort, in which community members are provided 30 hours of training, and in return they “pay back” the program through volunteer service.

Participants are asked to volunteer 30 hours of service over the course of the year following the training in a variety of volunteer options including conducting home energy consultations, speaking or tabling at events, green garden parties, and other activities of their own design. Participants will learn practical, low-cost ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through modifications to their home energy use, transportation habits, diet, and more. On average, students who take the class can reduce their own personal emissions by about 2 tons per year. Participants are expected to attend all classes and complete 30 hours of volunteer work.

The class is limited to 20 participants and registration is open until full. For more information contact Jill Turner at jill.turner@state.nm.us or 505-222-9548

To learn more and register, please visit http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/NewMexicoClimateMasters.htm.

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Waste Business Journal reports that the average price to bury a ton of municipal solid waste (MSW) in US landfills has reached a record high of $43.99, up over 6% since last year, even amid the economic downturn.

Meanwhile, landfill volumes, while down 4.8% since last year, are starting to come back. Last year's volumes were down over 12% year over year from the same period in 2008. The strongest gains were in the Northeast, where prices were up over 8%, the west (10%), and the Pacific states, in which prices rose by an average 7% year over year. According to James Thompson, publisher of Waste Business Journal, "the data show that landfill owners continue to exert pricing discipline, even in tough times."

"Increased consolidation of waste management firms is giving them more pricing power, especially with their enhanced ability to control the flow of wastes into their own landfills versus having to take waste collected to a competitor's facility. Company managers, goaded by rising operating costs, and mindful of painful lessons of the past when pricing was sacrificed for market share, are now focused more intensely on return on invested capital and appropriately pricing their ever more valuable landfill capacity," said Thompson.

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Pharmaceutical Recycling News

Federal Bill Aims to Increase Pharmaceutical Take Back Program
From Waste & Recycling News, August 4, 2010

A new bill that has passed the Senate takes aim at increasing pharmaceutical take backs by local jurisdictions. The law, which would amend existing federal policy, will allow increased take back programs for controlled substance medications that would normally require structured Drug Enforcement Administration approval. Under current law, certain controlled substances must be delivered to the DEA by patients authorized to use them.

The proposed law notes many state and local collection programs are hampered by these rules. Faced with no other options, many consumers flush narcotics down drains and toilets or discarding the medications, the law states, and disposal also presents a challenge for long-term care facilities that handle large volumes of controlled drugs.

The bill will give the Attorney General the authority to promote new regulations to allow patients to deliver unused drugs and controlled substances that would normally require DEA approval to "appropriate entities for disposal in a safe and effective manner." The law would provide, in the event of a death, that anyone normally allowed to dispose of the dead person´s property also can dispose of their medications. Long term care facilities are also permitted to dispose of the drugs on their residents´ behalf.

The act, the "Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010," aims at reducing the abuse of leftover prescription drugs by teenagers, and at reducing violent and property crime caused by and related to the abuse and illegal trade of controlled prescription drugs.

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DEA coordinates prescription drug takeback drive
From Waste & Recycling News, August 20, 2010

The Drug Enforcement Agency is coordinating a nationwide prescription drug takeback program Sept. 25. Held in conjunction with local governments and health and law enforcement partnerships, the program will provide free, anonymous collections for expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. It is aimed at preventing prescription drug abuse and improper disposal, the DEA said.

"With this National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, we are aggressively reaching out to individuals to encourage them to rid their households of unused prescription drugs that pose a safety hazard and can contribute to prescription drug abuse," said Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler. "The Department of Justice is committed to doing everything we can to make our communities safer, and this initiative represents a new front in our efforts."

Collection sites in local communities are listed at www.dea.gov. The website will be updated as more locations are added. Other partners in the collection effort include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Association of Attorneys General; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; the Federation of State Medical Boards; and the National District Attorneys Association.

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EPA Chief Names E-Waste International Priority

From Resource Recycling

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson named "cleaning up e-waste" one of the agency's top six international priorities moving forward. The memo comes on the heels of the EPA agreeing with suggestions from a U.S. Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) report, which called on the agency to improve its own electronics recycling programs, as well as working on assisting the ratification of the Basel Convention.

While the language Jackson used to describe EPA's commitment to work on e-scrap management is vague, it is, nonetheless, telling that it is listed among the agencies top international goals:

Cleaning Up E-Waste. The electronics that provide us with convenience often end up discarded in developing countries where improper disposal can threaten local people and the environment. EPA recognizes this urgent concern and will work with international partners to address the issues of E-waste. In the near-term, EPA will focus on ways to improve the design, production, handling, reuse, recycling, exporting and disposal of electronics.

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NMRC Board Meeting Dates

The NMRC board meets 5 times a year and members are always welcome to attend the meetings. We welcome your input and are always looking for new board members for our September election. We have also started offering a call-in option to board meetings. If you wish to attend any of the meetings, please RSVP ahead of time to english@recyclenewmexico.com.

September 14, 9 AM - 1 PM, Moriarty

November 4-5, Retreat at Sevilleta Research Station, 1 PM to 1 PM

All these meetings are posted online at www.recyclenewmexico.com/calendar.htm

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More Tire Art Photos

Dragon Head - Thanks to Board Member Ramon Acevedo-Cruz from Holloman Airforce Base for sending the amazing tire art images - we don't know where they're from or who the artists are (this informoration got lost in the email forwarding chain somewhere), but it's great to see innovative recycling like this. We'll post more again in next month's Scraps.

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From The Rio Grande Sun by Joe Crawford

The first in a three-part series that looks at the finances, past management and services provided to North Central Solid Waste Authority customers - This full story can be found at http://www.riograndesun.com/articles/2010/08/06/news/doc4c59a3cdae7a4519714290.txt

The second of a three-part series looking into the North Central Solid Waste Authority's financial practices and service provided to customers - This full story can be found at http://www.riograndesun.com/articles/2010/08/14/news/doc4c62f88eef147475082904.txt#comment

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US Food Waste Worth More Than Offshore Drilling

From NewScientist

MORE energy is wasted in the perfectly edible food discarded by people in the US each year than is extracted annually from the oil and gas reserves off the nation's coastlines.

Recent estimates suggest that 16 per cent of the energy consumed in the US is used to produce food. Yet at least 25 per cent of food is wasted each year. Michael Webber and Amanda Cuellar at the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of Texas at Austin calculate that this is the equivalent of about 2150 trillion kilojoules lost each year.

That's more than could be gained from many popular strategies to improve energy efficiency. It is also more than projections for how much energy the US could produce by making ethanol biofuel from grains.

Dairy foods and vegetables are the greatest culprits, with around 466 and 403 trillion kilojoules lost as waste each year, respectively (Environmental Science and Technology, DOI: 10.1021/es100310d).

The numbers are likely to be conservative, the team says, as they are based on food-waste figures from the US Department of Agriculture from 1995 - the latest available. Since then food prices have dropped and waste is likely to have increased. What's more, the figures do not take into account waste on farms and from fishing. Estimates suggest between 8 and 23 per cent of fish caught worldwide are by-catch, and are often thrown dead or dying back into the sea.

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You can register for the 2010 EPA Resource Conservation Challenge Web Academy Solid Waste Management and Recycling Education Series on the web at:

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/rcc/web-academy/index.htm

September 16:  Greening University Campuses

October 21:  Sustainable Materials Management                                    

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Green Tips for Back-to-School

It's time for the annual last-minute shopping frenzy for parents. Consider the following quick eco tips to reduce waste and help save time, money and more importantly, our planet.

• Explain the goal - Visit a natural area, watch a wildlife video: get your kids on board.
• Take inventory - What can you re-use? Save earth’s resources - and yours.
• Shop for supplies online - save gas, simplify your schedule.
• Think sustainable - look for recycled materials & packaging.

Travel Time

• Discover eco-friendly backpacks: No PVC’s
• Live near school? Let the kids bike or hike
• Live farther away? The bus is ready to roll

Lunch Time
Send your kids off with:

• Lunch boxes, not paper bags
• Re-usable bottles, not throwaways
• Cloth napkins, not paper
• Washable utensils, not plastic
• Local veggies, not long-distance produce
• Homemade granola, not factory-packaged bars
• Reusable containers, avoid individually packed food (think string cheese) - this also saves money!
• Fresh fruit - in its own wrapping!

Study Time
Supply your kids with:

• Recycled paper and notebooks
• Pens & pencils from reclaimed materials
• A basket for computer paper to be re-used
• Natural light & energy-saving CFL bulbs

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Durango McKinley Paper Company Changes Name to Bio-PAPPEL

Corporación Durango, S.A.B. de C.V. evolved toward a new corporate identity in July of 2010: Bio-PAPPEL, S.A.B. de C.V. Its subsidiary companies will operate under this name that will also integrate its products and brands and will drive a cycle of sustainable growth.

Bio-PAPPEL, S.A.B. de C.V. will be formed by four business units: Bio-PAPPEL is the largest paper and paper products producer in Mexico and Latin America; it produces more than 2 million metric tons yearly. In Mexico, it is the leader in producing sustainable packaging with corrugated cardboard, the largest newsprint paper producer, the leading company in producing recycled, chlorine-free bond paper and also in manufacturing of sustainable paper sacks.

Bio-PAPPEL is a Bio-Sustainable company that stands out for producing paper without cutting trees, using only recycled paper from the “urban forest”. It is more than a “green company”, it is also a “blue company” because it not only carries out actions to protect the forests, but also looks after the rivers, lakes, oceans and the blue sky.

During the last ten years, the company has invested more than 4 billion Mexican Pesos in sustainability projects in order to save thousands of trees every day while becoming the largest paper recycling entity in Mexico and Latin America, the leading producer of 100% bio-degradable, recyclable and recycled paper and paper products. By recycling water from its processes, it saves 10.5 million cubic meters of water, and by co-generating green energy from the vapor produced by its industrial processes, it saves 4.3 million KWh. This has allowed Bio-PAPPEL to become the leader in Carbon emission reduction within the paper industry by capturing 9 times more carbon than the amount released by its processes, and has positioned
itself to offer Carbon Bonds to the global market in the future. Bio-PAPPEL is a socially responsible company that adheres to the best international business practices and has more than 7,500 employees that are the basis of its success. The company has a solid commitment
with the sustainable progress and development of its suppliers, its clients and NorthAmerica.

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China Accounts for Majority of ´09 Recycled Paper Trade

China accounted for more than half of the global trade in recycled paper during 2009, according to resarch from RISI, Inc. The United States, meanwhile, exported more than two-thirds of its recovered paper to that country last year - more than 13 million of 19 million exported metric tons.

Overall, China accounted for 54% of the world’s global trade in recycled fiber, up from 34% in 2004, RISI said. RISI calls itself an information provider for the global forest products industry. More information about RISI’s research in recycled fiber is available at http://utrk.net/1a1ot/?16E20000XCL.

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Mexico City Bans Free Plastic Bags

A new law has come into effect in Mexico City giving the authorities the power to fine shops which give away free plastic bags to their customers. In the future, shops in the Mexican capital will have to charge for the bags, which must also be biodegradable.

As well as fines of up to $7,000 USD, shop owners not complying can be given a 36-hour jail term. A local official said the law was part of the city's "Green Plan" and aimed to raise awareness of the environment.

"This won't happen overnight," Leticia Bonifaz Alfonso told the Efe, a Spanish news agency. Officials estimate that people in Mexico City at present use more than 20 million plastic bags per day. They are blamed for many health and environmental hazards.

Efforts in cities across the world are being made to reduce the use of plastic bags. The bags are made mostly from polyethylene, a derivative of petroleum. When discarded, they can take hundreds of years to decompose.

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Price for OCC did not change in August mostly because generation met demand from paper mills.
Price for ONP 8 went down $5 per Ton, but demand for other deinking grades continues strong and prices went up $10 to $20 per Ton. Price for plastics and Aluminum cans experienced a small increase in the last couple of weeks.

Please note that prices differ due to different circumstances like presentation, transportation costs, and amounts of materials being picked-up or delivered.

* Only accepting 100 pounds plus of PET #1

Please note that this is a sample of what is being offered in New Mexico for certain commodities. Purchase prices for OCC and Paper are subject to change based on market fluctuations as reflected in the Southwest Region of the Official Board Markets’ Yellow Sheet. Prices vary according to presentation and quantity. These prices are for partial loads. Full truckloads of any of the materials would be paid at a greater price depending on the pick-up location and destination of the material.

Other resources:

http://www.amm.com/recman/recdata/reccomp.htm for national average commodity prices

http://www.wastenews.com/secondaryfiber/  

http://www.packaging-online.com/

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Recycling Scraps Sponsored By Dex

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Welcome to New Members 2010

Tom Rico, City of Roswell; Richard Kerner, 7UP/RC Bottling; Karen Temple Beamish, Albuquerque Academy; Terry Tadano, Socorro Area Chamber of Commerce; Dennis Gallegos, Waste Management Farmington; Hiram Muse; Michael Alexander, Recycle Away; Dwight McDonough, Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority; Evelena McGahey; Sylvia Hewett Schneider, City of Carlsbad; Bill Radosevich, NM Waste Servivces; Wilson Laughter, Navajo Nation; Susan Flores, Keep Tularosa Beautiful; Rob Vezina, Toter; Joseph Godfrey, Recycle Taos; Dave Holtman, Western Metals Recycling; Vicki Andrews, Road Runner Waste Service, Inc.; Jerome Salazar, CH2M Hill; Tim Sisneros, F5 Equipment; Theresa Riedinger, Cargotec USA, Inc; Carrie McChesney, Concept Green LLC; Dan Makens, Trails End Woodworks; Andrew Gough; Edward Cook, ServiceMaster Performance; Michelle Murphy, Gap, Inc; Drew Baker, Green Removal Systems; Linda Stevens, Artesia Clean and Beautiful; Bob Carman, Bloomfield Pride Commission; Harriett Taylor, Keep Bosque Farms Beautiful; John Beasley, Keep Carlsbad Beautiful; Bill Bizzell, Keep Clovis Beautiful; Joe Padilla, Keep Dona Ana County Beautiful, Robert Torres, Keep Hatch Beautiful; Craig Fenske, Keep Las Cruces Beautiful; Anita Bradford, Keep Las Vegas Beautiful; Ellen Bizzell, Keep Ruidoso Beautiful; Kathy Tetreault, Keep Ruidoso Downs Beautiful; Gilda Montano, Keep Santa Fe Beautiful; Yvette Fazekas & Cathy Keep Tucumcari Beatiful; Cyndi Sluder, Tierra Bonita of Valencia County; Charles Fiedler, Gordon Environmental

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Regional Round Up

The South Central Solid Waste Authority announced at its August board meeting that they have reached a 28% diversion rate, which includes organics and construction & demolition recycling as well as traditional recyclables.

The Authority has also recently launched its recycling website. Now you can click on a brand new website for immediate answers to your Las Cruces and Doña Ana County recycling questions. The South Central Solid Waste Authority's new site is www.TheScrappyPages.com

El Paso: The City of El Paso has recently decided to implement flow control on their garbage, which requires trash generated in the area to stay in the area. Currently the majority of El Paso's waste is sent to New Mexico, going to Sunland Park's Camino Real landfill.

Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival is currently accepting applications for Artists. The event is celebrating its twelfth year on November 12-14, 2010 at El Museo Cultural in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Working with Keep Santa Fe Beautiful and their recycling education efforts surrounding America Recycles Day (November 15th), this event attracts thousands of art lovers, trashy shoppers and the eco-conscious holiday gift-giver. More than fifty artists using a minimum of 75% recycled materials to create their work, will be displaying and offering these wonders for sale in the art market and juried art exhibit. So if your able to transform trash into treasure, check out www.recyclesantefe.org for more information and an Artist applications.

Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful (KRRB) will offer residents the chance to recycle used electronics for free. On Saturday, August 28 items can be brought to the Wal-Mart parking lot located at 901 Unser Blvd. NE from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items that will be accepted include computers, scanners, monitors, printers, VCRs, digital phones, DVD players, copiers, fax machines, televisions, cell phones, microwaves, rechargeable batteries, DVDs, CDs, and videotapes. No other items will be accepted and proof of Rio Rancho residency, such as a utility bill, will be required to utilize this collection.

Los Alamos County has taken delivery of the first hydraulic hybrid refuse truck in the state. The truck will be used in daily residential refuse collection and is expected to save more than 1,000 gallons of fuel per year, reduce emissions by up to 20% and extend brake life by up to 300%, the county said. "We are pleased to be the first community to operate a hybrid refuse truck in New Mexico," County Council Chairman Mike Wismer said. "With this new technology, we will not only improve the efficiency of our residential refuse collection, but also help reduce emissions to protect the environment for our residents."

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Grants, Loans and Jobs

State Loans

NMED Constructions Programs Bureau offers low-interest loans for solid waste projects: http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/cpb/rip.html

Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Authority Job Listing The position of Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station site manager is open until filled. Click here to read job description.

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Recycling Tidbits

Regrigerator Recycling Program Teams Up with Art Exhibit
Old refrigerators have been repurposed as works of art to help promote a Chicago-area appliance efficiency effort.   More»

Massachusetts Decreases Number of Disposable Bags Being Used
Early results show the number of disposable plastic and paper bags has dropped significantly in Massachusetts since thanks to a public-private partnership aimed at discouraging their use at grocery stores.   More»

New York City Mayor Signs New Recycling Legislation

MVR Opens Recycled Plastic Resin Facility
A new recycled plastic resin facility, capable of producing 90 million pounds of recycled plastic annually, has opened in Frankfort, Ky.   More»

Dell Reduces Amount of Packaging by 18.2 Million lbs.
Dell has reduced the amount of packaging it uses by more than 18.2 million pounds in 2009, the computer and electronics maker reported in its latest Corporate Responsibility report.   More»

AF&PA: Industry Consumption of Recovered Paper Up 4%
U.S. industry consumption of recovered paper totaled 2.7 million tons in July, a 4% increase from June, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.   More»

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Calendar

September 14, 9 AM - 1 PM, Moriarty

November 4-5, Retreat at Sevilleta Research Station, 1 PM to 1 PM

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2010 Recycling and Composting Facility Operator Certification Class Schedule

To register, please go to www.recyclenewmexico.com/cert_classes.htm

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If you have questions about any of the above information or have articles for future Recycling Scraps, please e-mail or call me.

English Bird, Executive Director

New Mexico Recycling Coalition

PO Box 24364, Santa Fe, NM 87502

english@recyclenewmexico.com

(505) 983-4470