New State Solid Waste Management Plan Encourages Additional Recycling and Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Ohio EPA has finalized a new state solid waste management plan that establishes reduction and recycling goals for Ohio and its 52 solid waste management districts.

Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski said, “I challenge all of Ohio’s residents, communities and businesses to increase recycling efforts so our state can become a leader in practices that reduce our reliance on landfills when managing solid waste.”      

The plan, developed by Ohio EPA and the state Solid Waste Management Advisory Council (SWAC), includes strategies for solid waste management intended to increase Ohio’s waste reduction and recycling efforts. The plan is focused on improving the effectiveness of community recycling and outreach programs.

The state also will support the development and facilitate the implementation of technology that uses waste to produce energy. To fulfill this strategy, Ohio EPA will investigate developing streamlined rules to permit and operate waste-to-energy facilities. Ohio EPA will work to monitor and evaluate the impacts of landfills in Ohio on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Ohio EPA will continue to explore ways to reduce landfill gas emissions and increase the recovery of landfill gas for energy.

Other major plan changes include:

• requiring each solid waste management district to become more effective at changing recycling behavior, by preparing and implementing an outreach and marketing plan targeting five audiences;
• requiring all solid waste management districts to provide four primary programs including a Web site to inform the public about available recycling; an inventory of recycling options; a comprehensive resource guide that lists all recycling opportunities in the district by material; and a speaker/presenter;
• a new goal for solid waste management districts to measure the effects of recycling and reduction programs on greenhouse gas emissions;
• new methods to calculate the population having access to drop-off recycling including a tonnage model and a survey model;
• encouraging solid waste management districts to implement the most highly effective waste reduction programs by allowing flexibility in demonstrating how they achieve program goals; and
• recommending a number of siting criteria revisions for solid waste facilities, including the addition of a setback for stream channels, and a buffer zone that prohibits solid waste facilities from being located within defined distances of utility corridors, public roads, railroad rights-of-way and stream culverts.

In 2007, Ohio achieved a statewide reduction and recycling rate of almost 41 percent. The state achieved its highest reduction and recycling rate in 2002 at almost 45 percent. The 2009 plan sets a statewide recycling goal of 50 percent.

SWAC consists of representatives of the public, solid waste industry, local governments and other affected parties. They reviewed the plan and made recommendations concerning needs in their areas of expertise. A public comment period was held, including five public hearings throughout the state, allowing interested people to submit comments.

The new plan is available online or by contacting the Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management at (614) 644-2621.  

Lazarus Building Receives Best Practice in Waste Reduction/Recycling Award

Congratulations to Robert Turrin, Senior Property Manager of NAI Ohio Equities, who was recently awarded the Best Practice in Waste Reduction/Recycling award by the Building Owners and Managers Association of Columbus. The building has now been entered in the regional competition for the Office Building of the Year Award in the Earth category.

From January 2009 through September 2009, Ohio EPA and the other 10 tenants in the Lazarus Building recycled 56.5 percent of the waste generated; including 31,658 pounds of cardboard; 1,235 pounds of plastic; 1,618 pounds of aluminum; and 245,552 pounds of paper, generating revenues of $2,481 to the building. Additionally, Turrin estimates a trash removal cost savings of more than $12,290.

So, how did we do it? Here are key points from Turrin on managing and promoting an effective recycling program:

• Green Committee: Representatives from each of the 11 tenants serve on a committee that provides ongoing education to other building employees on how and why it's important to recycle.
• Uniformity and Ownership: The tenants have taken ownership of a building-wide recycling program. All tenants recycle the same materials. 
• Roles and Responsibilities: Everyone knows what they are supposed to do. Employees empty personal recycle containers into larger holding containers located strategically throughout the building. In the evening, the custodial staff moves the full containers to the dock and replaces them with empty ones so there are always usable containers available. The recycling vendor removes the full containers and leaves empty containers to restock the building's supply. The building's day porters move the empty containers from the dock to the building's storage area, so they are available for the evening custodial staff to distribute as needed.
• Clearly Marked and Accessible Containers: Clearly labeled and strategically placed containers make for ease and convenience of recycling and help reduce contamination. It is important to have easily accessible desk-side containers as well as larger collection bins.
• Unbundled Contracts Reduce Costs: Turrin has negotiated separate contracts with Royal Paper (recyclables), Republic (trash) and Waste Management (specialty wastes such as light bulbs, ballasts, etc.).