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By Jamie Gill, Recycling Assistant

Waste and Recycling Services

Recycling and Contract Administration Division

RECYCLE REVOLUTION:RECYCLING IN BROWARD

COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Recycling in Broward County Public Schools

Through an Inter-local Agreement between Broward County Government and Broward County School Board, Waste and Recycling Services has been providing comprehensive recycling services to Broward County Public Schools since 1992.

240+ public schools and administrative offices serviced.

~2,003 tons collected during 2010 fiscal year.

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PresenterPresentation NotesBegan as white office paper recycling program only?Combined with schools and parks is one of the largest institutional recycling programs in the U.S.Program revenues offset costs ~$30-$35,000* = includes from agencies outside of our program including BCAD and Convention Ctr.

RCAD SERVICES TO COUNTYAGENCIES

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Recycling dumpster, carts, and bins

Educational materials

Special events

Training of custodial and agency staff

Site assessments & audits

Waste reduction recommendations

On-going technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation

PresenterPresentation NotesWRS provides services equivalent to Recycling Consultations services charged by private companies.LEED certification requires recycling; we can assist with suggestions, implementation, and evaluation of recycling for each location.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTABLE?

PAPER MATERIAL

White, colored, construction, fax, hand-writing, self-sticking notes, and note-book paper

Newspapers and inserts, junk mail, envelopes, magazines and catalogs

Flattened cardboard, and paperboard (cereal boxes)

Phone books and other books

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BOTTLES AND CANS

Plastic bottles

Aluminum cans

Steel cans

Glass bottles and jars

Milk/juice cartons/drink boxes

PresenterPresentation NotesPretty much same stuff that can be taken at home although the recyclables streams will differ from home to office…

Why is flattening cardboard boxes important? Wait for response before giving answer. Answer: Boxes not flattened gives an ‘illusion’ of a full container; however, it’s really just air space. Maximize output and dumpster space by flattening your cardboard.

UNACCEPTABLE MATERIALS

•Paper towels, napkins, tissue

•Disposable plates and cups (clear, •plastic, or paper)

•Styrofoam

•Food Trays (plastic/aluminum)

•Aluminum foil

•Pizza boxes

•Black bags

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PresenterPresentation Notes*A lot of complaints about aluminum foil, pie tins, other plastic and pizza boxes* Black bags pulled off line @ MRF if spotted…

Types of Recycling Bins6

WHERE DO BROWARD COUNTY’S RECYCLABLESGO?

County and School Board’s recyclables delivered to Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in western Pembroke Pines

Owned & operated by Waste Management-Recycle America

One of five largest MRFs in the U.S. (~250,000 tons/year) & state of the art.

Recyclables are sorted, baled and sent to various end-users or markets:

o Paper recycled back into packaging, other paper

o Aluminum recycled back into aluminum

o Steel is recycled back into steel

o Plastics are shredded, flaked and recycled & blended into new materials including fiberfill, textiles, new plastic products, etc.

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PresenterPresentation NotesLargest MRF in SE U.S.Utilizes latest recyclables processing technologies including shaker pan systems, star screens, air classifiers, optical sorters, magnets, gravity and elbow grease…Market stability over the last 10 years, despite late 2008 bump…

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOURRECYCLABLES?

Collection carts and dumpsters are picked up by a recycling truck.

Recyclables are taken to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) that processes over 450 tons a day.

Items are dumped on the “tipping floor” and pushed into a pit and placed on conveyor belts.

Once the items are BALED they leave the MRF and are used to create new products.

PresenterPresentation NotesThe MRF is located in Pembroke Pines, FL.*Processes over 450 tons a day. Makes recycling easier for you because you don’t have to sort your glass, cans, or plastic bottles.Items are dumped on the “tipping floor” and pushed into a pit and placed on conveyor belts.Once the BALES leave the MRF they are used to create new products.“Close the Loop” by buying recycled content products.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF RECYCLING9

Illustration courtesy of U.S. EPA Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by:

Reducing emissions from raw material extraction.

Reducing emissions from energy consumption during manufacturing.

PresenterPresentation NotesGreenhouse gases (GHG) are emitted during product life-cycles, which include extraction, manufacturing and disposal. Recycling and waste reduction can be effective tools for reducing GHG by:Reducing / eliminating emissions from raw materials extraction.Reducing emissions from energy consumption during manufacturing.Increases carbon sequestration (paper recycling).2009 County agency recycling efforts recycled ~1211 tons which resulted in 3802 tons of CO2 avoided – equivalent to the emissions from 428,000 gallons of gasoline (includes totals from FLL and Conv. & Visitors Ctr.)

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF RECYCLING

Recycling is value-added, creating more jobs than disposal.

According to national economic study in 2001, US recycling and reuse industry accounted for:

o $236 billion in annual revenues.

o 56,000+ recycling & reuse establishments.

o Employment of 1.1 million with annual payroll of $37 billion.

Florida study determined:

o $4.4 billion in annual revenues.

o 3,700 recycling and reuse establishments.

o Employment base of 32,000 with payroll of $765 million.

Recyclables are commodities.

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Illustration courtesy of US EPA.

PresenterPresentation Notes*Economic benefits also include not having to pay disposal fees (Broward’s are among highest in the U.S.)*BCPS saves $800K - $1 million per year on avoided disposal*County rebates recycling revenues back to cities ($2.5 million to $6 million)

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MAINTAINING A SUCCESSFULRECYCLING PROGRAM

Limit relocation of centralized containers

Keep recycling bins adjacent to trash cans

Keep bins visible in public areas

Educate, educate, educate

Promote and advertise your program

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PresenterPresentation NotesEducate – take the opportunity to have staff educated on recycling by WRS.Promote – advertise and promote recycling within the office and to patrons visiting your location. For locations that have public access, place posters, signage, and brochures out for patrons to see and read.

FUTURE DIRECTION?

Intergovernmental coordination – RCAD key contributor to County Government Operations Climate Change initiatives

Program outreach, education and employee training.

Improved data management and reporting

Pilot programs (NatureScape food waste composting)

County facility waste assessments and “right-sizing” of recycling and garbage service levels

Pursuit of more strategic goals as outlined in the Climate Change Task Force’s adopted recommendations, Comp. Plan’s Solid Waste Element, and new state recycling goals

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PresenterPresentation Notes*IG coord. Includes working w/EP&GMD, Pub. Comm., Div. Facilities Mgmt. Have provided early-stage tech. input for Construction Mgmt. Div. on LEED points for design for recycling, use of recycled materials *Data mgmt. = accurately account for both recycling and MSW tonnages; MSW service paid different (DO, p-cards, etc.), franchise vs. non-franchise cities, etc.*Right-size – Ensure that garbage service levels can be proportionately reduced…*CCTF recommendations gave progressive recycling and waste reduction approaches such as PAYT, reducing MSW to 1x week pickup, yard waste recycling, C&D recycling pre-processing, etc. new levels of prominence; also includes EPP…SWE identifies many of the same actions.

http://www.broward.org/climatechange�

CONCLUSIONS

Environmental goals can be abstract – recycling allows for hands-on and visible opportunity for everyone to help their environment.

Recycling is a “low-hanging fruit” for cities, counties & institutions to target to help reduce their carbon footprints. Uses infrastructure already in place.

Recycling can be a “gateway” to other positive environmental behaviors.

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PresenterPresentation NotesRCAD ‘s goal is to help make program even more visible…All but 1 Broward cities have curbside recycling services, many provide or facilitate services for MF homes; all should be recycling in city offices and facilities.Anti-recyclers: Feel good activity…However research suggests that recyclers, or people who become recyclers are more likely to make more responsible choices e.g. buying energy efficient appliances, CFL light bulbs, hybrid cars, etc.Linkages between recycling at work, school, parks, public places, etc. with recycling at home.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO? Recycle!

Reduce Waste: pack lunches in a lunchbox.

Use rags and sponges instead of paper towels.

Buy items in the largest size possible; Buy things that can be refilled or will last a long time.

Reuse What You Can: glasses and plates that are NOT paper.

Use tote bags to carry things you buy, not plastic bags.

Don’t put trash in your recycling bins.

Create or Join an environmental committed/taskforce.

Notify RCAD of recycling service related issues as soon as possible.

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RECYCLING QUIZ

1. Which item does not belong in your recycling bin?A. A Soda CanB. A Cereal BoxC. A Plastic Shopping BagD. A Brown Root Beer Bottle

2. After your recyclables are picked up from your school, library, or agency they are taken to the:A. Broward County Landfill (BIC)B. Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)C. Waste-to-Energy Plant

3. True or False? The Recycling Symbol means it can be recycled?

PresenterPresentation NotesRemind students to raise their hand

RECYCLING QUIZ4. Which item can be recycled?

A. A Hardcover BookB. A Paper TowelC. An Aluminum FoilD. A Yellow Pages Phone book

5. Three major benefits of recycling are?A. Helps the environment, reduces the use of natural

resources, and can create minimal solid waste savings.

B. Helps the environment, reduces the use of natural resources, and can create substantial solid waste savings.

C. Helps the environment, reduces the use of natural resources, and eliminates the need of solid waste service.

6. True or False? In Broward County, ALL plastic bottles with a narrow-neck can be recycled?

PresenterPresentation NotesRemind students to raise their hand

QUESTIONS?

Contact information:

Phone = 954/474-1868

E-Mail = schoolsrecycle@broward.org

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mailto:schoolsrecycle@broward.org�

Slide Number 1Slide Number 2RCAD Services to County AgenciesWhat Materials Are Acceptable?Slide Number 5Slide Number 6Where do Broward County’s Recyclables Go?What Happens to Your Recyclables?Environmental Benefits of Recycling Economic Benefits of RecyclingMaintaining a Successful Recycling ProgramFuture Direction?ConclusionsWhat Else Can You Do?Recycling QuizRecycling QuizQuestions?