Blaine County Recycling Program Review & Planning Meeting # 6 March 16, 2005
Review of Last Meeting
ERC Presentation Revised Decision-Making Model Single Stream Recycling Articles Supply & Demand Economic Model – A Timely Subject Glass Contamination in Plastics
The Future of Blaine County Recycling (3 Scenarios)
Scenario #1: Scale Back to Basics: Commodities Recycled
On The Curb Newspaper Aluminum & Tin Cans Glass Magazines
At The BCRRC Cardboard Newspaper Aluminum & Tin Cans Glass Magazines
Scenario #1: Scale Back to Basics: Changes to Equipment/Facilities
New Baler New Magnetic Separator for Aluminum/Tin Repair Doors Extend Roofline to Add Outside Storage
Scenario #1: Scale Back to Basics: Pros & Cons
Pros Reduces equipment and facilities upgrade needs and costs. Prolongs life of existing collection equipment (may reduce increases in curbside collection fees). Reduces strain on BCRRC staff and equipment.
Cons Requires extensive public education. Would put approximately 175 tons of materials per year back into the solid waste transfer system (increases transfer costs by approximately $2,089 annually).
Scenario #2: Keep on Keepin’ On: Commodities Recycled
On The Curb Newspaper Aluminum & Tin Cans Glass Magazines Mixed Paper Plastics
At The BCRRC Cardboard Newspaper Aluminum & Tin Cans Glass Magazines Mixed Paper Plastics
Scenario #2: Keep on Keepin’ On: Changes to Equipment/Facilities
New Baler New Magnetic Separator for Aluminum/Tin Repair Doors Expand Building to Allow for Larger Baler and Additional Storage Additional Storage/Sorting Bins
Scenario #2: Keep on Keepin’ On: Pros and Cons
Pros Reduces level of public education needed & avoids negative PR. Does not increase materials being sent to the landfill.
Cons Increased cost for facilities and equipment upgrades. Requires upgrades to collection equipment (cost of equipment may increase collection fees).
Scenario #3: More! More!! More!!! Commodities Recycled This option would allow the recycling programs to retain all current materials accepted at the BCRRC and the curb, PLUS allow for the possibility of new materials, such as additional paper grades or plastic resin types, year-round computer recycling, etc.
Scenario #3: More! More!! More!!! Changes to Equipment/Facilities
New Baler (larger than required for other options). New Magnetic Separator for Aluminum/Tin Repair Doors Sorting Belt for Curbside Materials Expand and/or Build New Building to Allow for Larger Baler and Additional Storage Additional Storage/Sorting Bins
Scenario #3: More! More!! More!!!: Pros and Cons
Pros This scenario is the most flexible. It may be possible to increase recycling and diversion rates with this option by adding new materials to the program.
Cons This scenario is significantly more expensive than the other two. If additional commodities are not added, extra money spent is not necessary. Additional equipment adds to utility and maintenance costs.
Buy Back Program
What is the Buyback Program?
Was set up by Blaine County to provide an additional incentive for recycling. Buyback is mainly used by commercial collection companies. No buyback occurs when market prices fall below levels set by SISW ($72 for loose materials, $26 for baled materials). Public buyback for aluminum cans occurs one Saturday per month (20¢ per pound).
Who Benefits From the Buyback Program? ď Ž
ď Ž
There are two main commercial recipients of buyback funds: Clear Creek Disposal and Recycle Services. There are also a handful of small businesses and residents who regularly take advantage of the aluminum can buyback days.
What Does the Buyback Program Cost? Year 2000/2001
Buyback Program Costs $17,381
2001/2002
$24,762
2002/2003
$17,762
2003/2004
$20,662
Where Do We Go From Here?
Should the Buyback Programs Now In Place Be Continued? Should Either Buyback Program Be Expanded or Scaled Back? Should the Program Be Changed in Any Way to Increase/Decrease Buyback Pricing Levels? How Would Changes to the Buyback Program Affect The Public/Recycling Collectors/BCRRC/ etc.?