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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-04-01 Solid Waste Advisory Committee MinutesMINUTES OF THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE April 1, 1992 Trish Brigham called the meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. The other members present were Carol Edwards, Sally Sabo, Steve Thomases and Don Anglehart. Also attending were Susan Cohen, town liaisons Ruth Cogan and Ted McIntire, and Bob Brown of Reading Recycles Plastics. Presentation by John Merritt John Merritt, regional planner in DEP's Boston office, discussed the progress of the Northshore Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), its benefits and time table. He said that one city has already adopted the by-laws of the group, and others are actively considering their adoption. Once enough communities agree to-join, two requests for proposals for the building or retrofitting of the facility will go out to bid: one technical, and one for cost. After one proposal is accepted, each community makes a contractual agreement with a vendor. Up to this point, individual communities are not locked in, but have the opportunity to give input to the process. r The revenue received from recyclables can decrease the tipping fees for each community, and one major benefit is that a floor price is guaranteed. In other words, a minimum price for each type of material will be paid, so that communities will never get stuck having to pay to get rid of materials for which there is no demand. Communities will receive 75% share of any return. Ruth asked where the MRF will be located. Mr. Merritt said the vendor will identify a site, and that Lynn has expressed an interest in having it sited there. The MRF will process and sell materials; towns are responsible for collecting and transporting to the MRF. Probably the MRF will use Bezner machines (like CRINC has) to sort materials, with plastics and colored glass being sorted by hand. Ruth asked what the expected startup date is, so we can plan around our current recycling contract. Mr. Merritt said that in May or June 1994 the paperwork will be in place, then the plant will be built or an existing building retrofitted. He recommended that towns put a clause in their recycling contracts that give them the freedom to divert materials to the MRF. The cost for towns to join remains $0.10 per person. The fees will be used to pay legal fees. Someone asked if there are other MRFs being planned. Barnstable has one set up, and 13 towns near Worcester and communities in central Boston are setting up their own MRFs. John Merritt will provide support materials for our discussions with the Selectmen and Town Meeting, and will be available to answer questions. After Mr. Merritt left, Ruth suggested that the committee wait until Fall Town Meeting to present this information, because by then, the negotiations, with RESCO will be complete, and town will know tipping fees for next 15 years. A motion carried that the committee continue to study becoming involved in the MRF. Minutes The minutes of the March meeting were approved with a few corrections (see attached sheet). Reading Recycles Plastics Bob Brown reported that one resident asked him for assistance in taking plastics to the last plastics collection. Ruth suggested that Lois Bond announce his offer to help in this way in the "Elder Notes" report in the Chronicle. Bob wondered if he could pick up from nursing homes. To celebrate Earth Day, RRP will not ask for donations at the April collection. No progress has yet been made on giving coupons good at local businesses to those who recycle plastics. Steve reported that NYNEX will recycle telephone books, and the city of Woburn has an arrangement for telephone-book pickup. He gave Bob the name of someone to contact, and Bob will look into it as a possible project for RRP. Earth Day Clean-Up The Conservation Commission is looking for people to coordinate clean-up sites, but everyone had plans for the weekend, which includes two holidays. Articles Steve will write his article soon on waste bans. Susan suggested it would be good to have it in the paper before Town Meeting so members could educate themselves about the bans. Ruth suggested we do articles, etc., on composting before per-bag fees go into effect. Carol said information on how to stop junk mail would also be_gf interest. Recycler of the Month John Fairchild was voted May Recycler of the Month for his devoted work every month at plastics recycling. Continuing Recycling This Fiscal Year Ted suggested we vote to support a transfer of money from he general fund to continue recycling during May and June. It was decided that members should try to attend the Finance Committee meeting at which this is discussed. Regarding alternative sites North Reading will allow Reading and the fee was being decided on. (good for two months) for people information will be announced at to recycle, Ruth reported that residents to use their drop.-off, Reading will make stickers who are interested. This the Special Town Meeting. FY 93 Disposal Plans To help the Selectmen make a decision on per-bag fees, several committee members will do further research before the Selectmen's meeting April 7. Susan will talk with Gloucester, Trish will get percentages of the different size bags used in Ithica, NY, and Anne will get information from Chelmsford. Steve suggested that Tony Fletcher get together with the committee before the presentation so we can present one set of figures. All agreed. The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.