HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-10 Solid Waste Advisory Committee Minutes61n~ed U2is-tbyl
Solid Waste Advisory Committee
March 10, 1999 Minutes
Employee Lounge, Reading Town Hall
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Present: Members: Jackie Chipman, Jennifer Culbert, Lynda Zarrow, Anne Mark, Bob Brown,
Jean Krogh. Associate Member: Nate White. Staff Liaison: Ted McIntire. Guest: Chris Rich
from Computer Depot.
Jackie called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m, We approved the February minutes with a few
corrections, 5-0-1.
Discussion with Chris Rich; Status of CRT Ban. The state's CRT ban is still scheduled to go into
effect in September. Reading did not get a state grant for CRT disposal, so at this point the town has
no way properly to dispose of CRTs. The Salvation Army store in Saugus takes working computer
systems, not "carcasses." Chris Rich of the Computer Depot store in Reading has volunteered his
store to be a drop-off site for used computers. He said his motivation is primarily to help students
in schools who may be able to use old computers or computer parts. SWAC members talked about
our experiences at our Computer Recycling Day several years ago. Chris said he is prepared to
accept old, working computers. Global charges about $300/ton to remove old CRTs. Chris plans
to ask people bringing in computers to make a financial donation to help defray his costs for
disposal. The Town of Reading would not participate at all; Chris would be totally responsible for
any costs. Our committee will help publicize this service. Anne will write a newspaper article.
Chris Rich said he will create a flier. This would be a unique service in the Reading area. This
collection would be for working computers only; no TV's.
Recycling in the Schools. On Feb. 24th, Jackie, Lynda, Jennifer, and Ted met with Kathy Cook of
Cafeteria Services and John Tognazzi of Waste Management, in what Jackie described as a
"wonderful meeting." They discussed recycling in the schools. Tin can recycling will start soon.
The Town is providing red bins to each classroom; the high school, though, will supply its own bags
instead of using red bins. Kathy Cook said students throw out the non-recyclable silverware and
dishes all the time. Why do they do this? Committee members will try to look into this.
Junior edition of `Reading's Hidden Treasure. Jackie wrote a letter to elementary school art
teachers and principals, suggesting they hold contests to encourage their students to draw pictures
for our proposed junior edition of "Reading's Hidden Treasure." We need to follow up with the
teachers. The subcommittee Jackie, Lynda, and Jean will meet soon.
Recycled paper use experiment in the schools. Lynda talked to someone in one of the elementary
schools, who said that 100% recycled paper curled in copying machines but the 20% recycled paper
was fine. Jackie distributed copies she got from the town manager's office of Lindemeyr Munroe
paper costs. The Town pays $19.85/case for paper with recycled content (as long as it buys at least
5 cases).
Community Earth Day activities. A committee has been meeting to plan Community Earth Day
events, and an agenda is taking shape. Included on the committee are Camille Anthony, Garden
Club members, Downtown Steering Committee members, citizens at large, SWAC members, and
others. The purpose of Community Earth Day is "to recognize, enjoy, and protect the open spaces
in Reading." Many activities are being planned. The date will be April 24th.
Pay- As-You-Throw (PAYT). Jackie talked with Sharon Kishida about PAYT in Reading.
Sharon suggested that our new condo trash collection could be a hurdle to a PAYT system. Our
committee needs direction from the Select Board, but the Board needs to hear from Reading citizens
who support PAYT. If the Board could take a "commitment vote" indicating support, then maybe
we could gather facts and figures again; there's little sense in going through all the work again if we
get no support from town government. We agreed to wait until the fall to pursue this more. Each
community implements PAYT in its own unique way. SWAC members need to stay up-to-date in
our education about PAYT.
Corrections to "Reading's Hidden Treasure." Kay has not had a chance to make the corrections
and is too busy to do it. Jennifer and husband Bob, with help from Jean, will work on the
corrections.
Condo Education Campaign. Anne asked for feedback on a draft of an informational letter to
condo owners. The letter will go out in 14-point type. Ted distributed copies of the town's Rubbish
Regulations to SWAC members; we will return our suggested changes to Ted. Jim Nasella (who
replaces Jose at Waste Management) and Ted have talked; pick-up may be done at all the condos on
the same day. Toters will be used as much as possible for trash and paper.
Status of Shed. Ted has submitted needed paperwork and now needs a building permit. A location
for the shed has been designated in the stockade area at the DPW garage, in an area adjacent to the
waste oil area. The shed will be for fluorescent bulbs from municipal buildings and residences;
Reading businesses will need to find other ways to dispose of fluorescent bulbs properly.
New Business. Bob plans to attend a March 18th meeting on MRIP grants.
The textile collection is scheduled for March 27th. Anne is having trouble getting publicity
out, since neither local newspaper has printed her notice. Her plan now is to plaster the
town with fliers.
Bulk collection will be the week of May 3rd
Jackie will get a copy of the Home Composters Workshops schedule.
The next meeting is April 14, 1999. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
J&41 ~L
Submitted by Jean Krogh
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