HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-10 Solid Waste Advisory Committee MinutesMinutes of Solid Waste Advisory Committee
June 10, 1992
Present: Sally Sabo, Linda King, Anne Mark, Bob Brown and Susan Cohen.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Anne Marks at 7:30 P.M.
The minutes of the meeting of May 11,1992 were approved as presented.
Nominations for Recycler of the month:
• One of the groups that helped on Reading Clean -up Day.
It was decided that it would be unfair to identify just one group, since
there were multiple groups that participated in the event.
• Peter Johnson, for taking the presidency of Reading Recycles
Plastic.
Peter left town for the summer. It was agreed that his nomination
should be reconsidered in the fall, if he returns.
• Debbie McCully, for initiating the red worms project in the
Reading schools. The committee agreed to re- nominate Debbie again in
the fall when school reconvened.
It was agreed by consensus that there would be no recycler of the month for
July.
Reading Recycles Plastic
Hiltz will compact the plastics every two months and deliver the plastic to a
plastic bag manufacturer. There is concern regarding the cost associated with
disposing of the plastic.
The group is planning a junk mail campaign with the senior citizens in the
fall. There are still details to be worked out regarding participation by the
seniors.
RRP is planning a phone book drop -off in the fall. NYNEX will be sending
replacement books between Sept. 4 - Oct. 8. Only 1991 -1992 phone books can
be recycled. If the Fick -up goes well in September it will be considered again
in January.
Issue still open regarding the phone book drop -off:
• Containers for collecting the books (bins vs. bags)
• Hauling of the books (town truck usage or private citizen)
Anne recommended that RRP might consider holding the phone book
collection on two dates, one in Sept and one in October. Individuals who
receive a new phone book in September won't want to hold onto it until
October.
Ruth Coggan agreed to help with publicity for the collection.
a'r:
Linda mentioned the idea of using the block leaders, from plestic-sc recycling to
collect the phonebooks in each neighborhood. Linda will talk to Ruth about it.
Newspaper articles:
• Carol is working on a newspaper recycling article.
• Anne will talk to the library regarding an article in the paper about
the library project.
• The library project continues to move forward. Linda will
complete her piece in the next few weeks.
There was a discussion of composting educational programs to prepare the
town for the waste bans that go into effect at the beginning of 93.
Ideas carried forward from the last meeting:
• A composting demonstration at Strout Ave during
leaf drop -off. Debbie M. and Judith Mitchell agreed to help with
the demonstrations. Susan Cohen will contact composting bin
manufactures to solicit their participation in the event.
• Run a composting video on cable, Ruth Coggan agreed to
contact John Upton at the last meeting, there has been no word
yet.
• There is still an open issue for the , town regarding the
disposal of brush after 12/31/92.
New Ideas:
• An article for the paper.
• A display in the library.;
Debbie McCaulley started a red worm pilot project in the stools. Between 500-
700 red wigglers are placed in a box with hay. Each day the children bring in
scraps for the worms. The worms eat the scraps and produce nutrient rich
waste product. Debbie is hoping to expand the program for the entire school
in the fall.
Debbie is also working thru the enrichment program to put recycling into the
school curriculum in the fall. Anyone interested in helping with the project
should contact Debbie.
The town white paper recycling projects, including the schools, is ending.
The hauling charge has increased to $40 per building, per pick -up. Bob
agreed to talk with Ruth about alternative companies.
Committee Appointments:
• There are two seats on the Solid Waste Advisory
Committee that are up for appointment in July, Trish and
Carol's.
• Trish will not be seeking re- appointment, Carol will.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee
\ / Minutes for meeting - June 10, 1992
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP - JULY 1992 (continuation of discussion)
It was suggested that the Committee be led by two Co-
Chairpersons, each of whom would have different responsibilities.
This option will be investigated as to its compliance with town
bylaws and will be discussed at the July meeting.
REGIONAL MRF
The Committee briefly discussed what actions it needed to take
in order to facilitate Reading's participation in the MRF.
Pertinent information should be communicated to the Board of
Selectman and Town Meeting, as appropriate.
RECYCLING CONGRESS
Reference was made to the information included in the monthly
packet. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the
appropriate parties, as listed in the material. '
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.
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