Newton Public Schools
Single Stream School Recycling Program
NPS: Mike Cronin, Chief of Operations
DPW: Courtney Forrester, Recycling Manager
Program Overview
BACKGROUND:
• Change in residential solid waste services automated trash and single stream recycling in Fall 2009
• Wanted to get all municipal buildings on board and enforce 1990 mandatory recycling ordinance
• Enhanced existing school recycling programs
Program Overview
• Expanded support from DPW.
• Increased coordination between DPW and NPS.
• Although the schools all receive the same service provision from NPS and the DPW, the logistics of collection of recyclables is up to each school.
Program Development: Exchanging Information
• Recycling Memo to School Staff - to announce the development of the program, and roles and responsibilities
• Survey of Existing School Recycling Processes – to discover how materials were being collected
• School Recycling Contacts – each school was asked to identify a recycling point person
Program Development:Collecting Information
• Survey of Existing School Recycling Processes (used Survey Monkey)
– Who coordinates the recycling?
– Are you a member of the MassDEP Green Team?
– Are there problems with storage, pick-up, contamination, etc?
– How can we best assist you?
– Identify Individual School Recycling Contact
Program Implementation:Meeting with the Schools
Kick-Off Meetings
• Individual School– Principal– Head Custodian– Teachers, Parents and/or Teams (at times)
• City Support– DPW Recycling Manager– Representatives from NPS Operations Dept
Program Implementation:Meetings with all of the Schools
Content of meetings:
• Explained program parameters and roll-out logistics.
• Explored school’s concerns.
• Went over survey results.
• Distributed educational and guidance materials.
Program Implementation: Distributing Educational Materials
•Flyer – with recycling guidelines
•Recycling Tip Sheet – How to Help Your School Recycle as Much as it Can!
•Poster – Program Kick-off
Program Implementation:Distributing Guidance Documents
• RECYCLOPEDIA – guidance on what to do with all other materials not accepted in the recycling program. Examples:– Hazardous and universal waste, including e-
waste
– Batteries
– Books
– Compost
– Ink cartridges
Program Implementation:Posting Signage
• Dumpster Stickers – Provided by Waste Management; DPW & NPS Operations posted
• Recycling Bin Labels– DPW provided to schools and schools posted
Collection Logistics
• Every class and office has a recycling bin next to their trash bin. – Logistics are different at each school
• Custodians are responsible for:– getting the recyclables from the classroom/office
(or central collection spots) to the dumpster,
– putting the overflow from the dumpster into a wheeled cart,
– If needed, on the scheduled residential pick-up day, setting out the overflow carts to the curb
Types of Containers
• Recycling Bin - classroom and office collection (provided by NPS)
• 30-Gallon Barrel with color coded top– collection within the building (provided by NPS)
• 64-Gallon Cart on Wheels – overflow for storage outside the building (provided by DPW)
• Dumpster - storage outside the building (provided by DPW)
Challenges: Misconceptions
• Clearing up misconceptions:– Need to lift wheeled carts into dumpster
– Carts are for use inside schools
– Carts need to be stored inside
– Need to rinse containers
– Increased volume and weight
• Goop and liquid getting on the bottom of the barrel, and getting on them when they pull them out of the barrel.
Challenges: Collecting Materials
• Addressing Concerns:– Hauling recycling in building with no elevators
– Milk cartons must be emptied
– Worried about odors
– Goop and liquid getting on the bottom of the barrel, and getting on the custodians when they pull them out of the barrel
• .
Recycling Tonnages collected from Municipal Buildings (Mar 09 – Feb 11)
Overall, City trash has decreased over this time (6%); we do not separate out municipal trash from residential waste.
2009-----------------------------------------------2010------------------------------------------------------------------2011
Costs
• DPW’s budget pays for solid waste disposal at all municipal buildings, including schools– Schools do not pay separately
• FY11 costs
Therefore, it is approximately $68/T cheaper to recycle
Trash Collection and Haul $1.83 Million (flat fee)
Recycling Collection and Haul $1.55 Million (flat fee)
Trash disposal fee $70.87/Ton
Recycling disposal fee $2.50/Ton (market driven)
On-Going Support
• DPW– Technical Assistance– School Team Training, as
requested– Classroom Workshops and
Lessons
• NPS– Supply collection equipment– Addressing custodial issues
On-Going Information
• Green Bin Newsletter – a quarterly newsletter from the DPW Division of Environmental Affairs.
• List-Serve – with contacts in all of the schools, NPS Operations and the DPW.
• Twitter – information the DPW provides for residential recycling.
Green Bin Newsletter
For More InformationMike Cronin
Chief of Operations
Newton Public Schools
617.559.9000
Courtney Forrester
Recycling Manager
Newton Department of Public Works
617.796.1471
For More Information
