Presented by:

Pechanga Environmental Department

Designing and Managing a Recycling Program

Source Reduction Strategies for Tribal Solid Waste ProgramsSan Diego, CA January 25-27, 2011

What is Recycling?

The process by which discarded materials are collected, sorted, processed and converted in to raw materials which are then used in the production of new products.

Source: Education for Sustainable Development

Overview

What is Recycling Benefits of Recycling Elements of a Successful Program The Planning Process Leadership Approval Post Implementation

Benefits of Recycling

Decreases emissions of greenhouse gases by reducing the need for landfilling and incineration.

Prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials

Saves energy. Conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and

minerals. Creates jobs. Cost savings and potential for revenue. Helps sustain the environment for future generations.

Source: U.S. E.P.A.

Total MSW Generation, 2008: 250 Million tons (before recycling)

Source: U.S. E.P.A.

Elements of a Successful Program

It all starts with planning… Planning is the first step towards building a

successful recycling program. Elements of a Integrated Solid Waste Management

Plan (ISWMP) can be incorporated into Recycling Program Design.

Engage Leadership early in the process. Include all stakeholders and potential partners in the

planning process.

The Planning Process

The importance of planning… A collaborative planning effort includes input from all

stakeholders; Considers factors such as economic feasibility,

infrastructure, communication, service area, materials, responsibilities and risks;

Assists in determining the most appropriate option and to plan a suitable course of action specific to the Tribe’s needs.

Define Service Area

Program must be designed to the service area and consider who it will be serving: Tribal Community, Residential Service Office Buildings, Administrative Centers Educational Facilities, Schools, Recreation

Areas, Clinics Commercial Operations, Casino, Other Tribal

Enterprises General Public

Engage Leadership

Engage Leadership early in the process. Obtaining support from Leadership sets a

precedence that the program and involvement of others is important.

Prepare “pre-planning” documents which clearly identify the purpose, goals, actions, economics and timeline.

Provide updates accordingly.

Stakeholders

Stakeholders = Planning Team Chose members for the Planning Team

appropriately, depending on determined Service Area.

Obtaining “buy-in” and consensus from everyone involved will contribute to the long-term success of the program.

Invaluable “on the ground” insight and suggestions may come from Team Members.

The Waste Stream

Depending on the defined Service area, an evaluation will need to be made as to what types of materials are recyclable. Perform a waste stream characterization Evaluate procurement records, what is being

purchased and used onsite which may be recyclable? What can be reduced?

Evaluate for product or procurement changes

Characterizing Waste

What types of waste are present? Recyclable Materials Non-Recyclables White Goods Electronics Organics

Current State

What Recycling efforts are already underway?

Are there any Recycling Facilities located nearby?

What materials are present in the waste stream in the designated service area?

Create a current state summary to demonstrate measureable success during the planning and implementation process.

Recycling Feasibility

After characterizing the waste stream, begin to determine feasibility. What material is found in the largest numbers? What material is found the least? What are the market conditions for this waste? Are there opportunities for changing

procurement to materials which are recyclable?

Who’s in Charge?

After organizing a Planning Team and determining feasibility, determine strategies for long-term program management. Existing Staff or New Staff? Contractors or Vendors? Evaluate and compare different options based

upon projected program size. Funding will also be a key factor. Identify key team “positions” and

responsibilities after implementation.

External Infrastructure

What is the existing solid waste infrastructure? Opportunity for curb-side pickup of

recyclables? Transfer Station Drop-Off Locations Buy-Back Centers

Internal Operations

How will materials be consolidated? How often? Will a storage facility be on-site or is material

transportation necessary? Who will ensure implementation?

Measuring Success

Pre-planning assessments may provide baseline information to guide decisions made by the Planning Team. What do Tribal Community Members know

about recycling? How important is Recycling to Tribal

Employees? Do Tribal Enterprise employees consider

recycling to be important?

Education & Outreach

Identify education and outreach opportunities during the planning process.

Education is key for long term program success.

Education & Outreach, Continued

The approach will vary with audience Community Members Children and Schools Training for Employees

Codes & Ordinances

Evaluate existing Codes & Ordinances Review other Tribal examples of Solid Waste

and Recycling Codes & Ordinances Management and regulation of “disposal of

solid waste in order to protect the Tribal environment, its natural resources, and the health, welfare, political integrity and economic security of the Tribe, its members, and residents living on the Reservation.” –ITCA Model Tribal Solid Waste Code

Funding and Sustainability

Funding is necessary for a successful program Incorporate funding possibilities in the

Planning Process. Implementation of ongoing program will

require constant funding/resources evaluation.

Long Term Management of program must be sustainable.

Leadership Approval

Upon completion of the Planning Process, a comprehensive Program Plan should be produced for Leadership Approval. The plan must identify how the program will be

administered and sustainable. Highlight economic as well as environmental

benefits to a recycling program. Articulate direct, measurable environmental

impacts including reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, economic security, etc.

Obstacles

Funding Leadership Support Staff for Long Term Management Community Acceptance and Participation Infrastructure Constraints Reservation Location Materials Market Availability

Post-Implementation

Actively monitor program progress. Identify additional areas for waste reduction Seek additional funding sources Document measureable success Focus efforts on strategies that are working-

think positive!

Resources

U.S.EPA - Wastes, Resource Conservation

http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/index.htm

U.S. EPA Waste Management in Indian Country

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/wycd/tribal/index.htm

U.S. EPA Grants and Funding

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/wycd/tribal/finance.htm

WasteWise Program- Waste Reduction Resources

http://www.epa.gov/osw/partnerships/wastewise/wrr/index.htm

CalRecycle Waste Reduction

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/ReduceWaste/

Questions?