HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-11 Solid Waste Advisory Committee MinutesSolid Waste Advisory Committee G=%
December 11, 1996, Arnold Berger Room, Town Hall
Present: Bob Brown, Jackie Chipman, Kay Clark, Jean Krogh, Anne Mark, Carol Nelson and
Jed McIntire
The Meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm by Kay Clark.
Approval of Minutes Minutes were approved 6-0-0 with no amendments.
Recycling info on Reading internet web page Carol discussed the need to update Reading's web page
with 1997 recycling information; however, she has encountered difficulties getting "on line" during SWAC
meetings to review the changes with the committee. Our next attempt will be at the Library at 7:00 pm
directly preceding the Jan. 8th SWAC meeting.
Discussion of Drop Off Recyclables Jean and Carol visited Ipswich. Ipswich has curbside as well as
drop off recycling. The attendant reported that the majority of the "drop off' users were apartment and
condo dwellers. Proof of residency is required. Jean and Carol also reported seeing additional bins color
coded for Goodwill, Pine Street Inn and the Salvation Army. Carol reports that Rockport's drop-off site
requires a proof of residency sticker costing $76 per year. With regard to Reading, Carol's contact John at
Waste Management recommends Reading rent two 30 yd. roll-offs. The Committee discussed petitioning
for a DEP grant to subsidize the cost of the rental. The Committee also discussed three possible locations
for the drop-off site: the future Osco Drug parking lot, the municipal lot behind Anton's and behind the
new police station (if it is reconstructed in its current location). Ted is going to tour and discuss the
locations with the Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner. Carol will follow up with Osco. Concerns were
raised regarding this site because of high visibility from Rte. 28 and the possibility of out of town users.
continuation of Education/User Fee Action Items Kay reported receiving 74 returned surveys from
Town Meeting distribution. Requests for information concerning where to recycle materials not allowable
in Reading's program was received with some of the responses. Kay suggests working on an information
sheet concerning this and other information. Regarding action items, the committee picked up where it left
off last meeting with Adult Education. A subcommittee meeting date was set for Jan. 22nd at 7:30 pm at
Anne's house. The committee hopes to be ready to move into action by Earth Day 1997. Youth Education
was next and the fall of 1997 was set as the planning kick-off date. Financial Incentive Programs followed
in discussion. Pay as You Throw (PA)T) was discussed by Anne. She reports a conversation with Bruce
MacDonald in which Bruce hopes the committee would not be dissuaded from pursuing this option by a
few vocal opponents! Bruce also points out that communities in financial distress had the most success in
passing PAYT programs. Reading's future financial problems might prove an opportunity to move forward
with PAYT. Placement of a ballot question regarding PAYT was set for local spring elections in 1999.
Premature placement on the ballot might result in overwhelming defeat. 1999 allows the committee time to
launch a public education campaign. After a conversation with Ann Marie Brennick at RMLD, Carol
reported that absolutely no PSA's may appear on RMLD bills. Ms. Brennick did suggest other
alternatives such as: banners, flyers in schools etc... Kay reviewed the committees goals rega[ding
participation, diverted weight and % curbside recycled. The committee approved the goals of 100%
participation, 50% diverted waste and 25% percent curbside recycled for the Town of Reading by the year
2000! These goals, will be presented to the Select Board in January by Kay. Ted reports that a DPW
employee will tail the recycling truck for two weeks to count household participation. Va s commencing
on Monday, Dec. 16th. Jackie reported that the Atlantic is happy to have the SWAC table in its
foyer. The date is Saturday, Jan. 11th from 9am to 3 pm and Jackie will coordinate the event.
Reports and Comments Bob attended a conference on Global Recycling Technologies (florescent bulbs).
These bulbs contain mercury and are considered hazardous waste in commercial settings; however,,in
residential settings there is no disposal requirements. Bob wondered how the schools were disposing of
their florescent bulbs? He will alert the Hazardous Waste Committee(HWC) to the question. Bob also
'.tended a Buy Recycled Expo. There he noticed re-refined motor oil. Its quality is as good as virgin
.notor oil and is available to the public (at Walmart) and municipalities. Ann and Jean spoke to the
Wilmington Women's Club. Bob also attended NSRRC meeting in Topsfield. There the combining to
municipal SWACs and HWCs was discussed. The "Recycling for Gold" program was also discussed. This
program collects old autos and sells them to auctions, for parts and for scrap to raise money for the Special
Olympics.
Up Coming Events Bob and Ted attended the DEP/MassRecycle Meeting today, Dec. 11th. Two points
were highlighted. First, public education is very important. Second, the hauler cannot be considered the
"trash police".
Old Business Ann possess three videos for a possible cable "film festival". The first, Henry Recycles, is
a series of claymation PSA's. They are very good but costly, $2,800, to rent for a year. The second is
produced by the Environmental Defense Fund and is entitled "Buy Recycled". It also is very good but
includes a pitch for the Fund every few minutes. The third is a DEP video regarding home composting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.
Submitted by Jackie Chipman