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Municipal Solid Waste
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Current Projects and Examples of Previous Projects and Grants Awarded by EPA Region 5 Solid Waste Program
General:
GRANT: Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC) Develop a Sustainable Growth Network for Regional Implementation of Byproduct Synergy ($40,500, FY 2008) ONGOING
Working with the State of IL and other interested stakeholders, CMC will develop a guide for implementing Waste to Profit-type networks in other areas in Region 5. Chicago’s Waste to Profit Network has successfully diverted more than 40,000 tons of waste in its first 2 years. CMC will also work with stakeholders to develop a funding model and an approach for efficient regional implementation. The Guide and the Funding model will be shared and discussed at a Summer 2009 meeting in Chicago. CMC will work with at least three geographic areas in Region 5 to implement a Waste to Profit-type network.
GRANT: Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC) – Establishment of the Chicago Waste-to-Profit Network and Development of an Online Database/Web Site Development ($84,900 FY 2006 (funding provided by Region 5’s Great Cities Program); $44,875, FY 2007) ONGOING
Region 5, along with the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, supported the establishment of Chicago’s Waste to Profit Network (http://www.wastetoprofit.org/). The Network is a byproduct synergy effort, which facilitates the transformation of one company’s waste, or byproduct, into an industrial input for another company. The first year report is available from EPA and case studies and overall results can be seen at http://www.wastetoprofit.org/. More than 20,000 tons of waste were diverted from land disposal including food waste, glass, and plastic. To allow for increased participation in the second year of the Network, CMC will adapt the online database of the United Kingdom’s synergy network to support a data collection system for the Chicago Waste-to-Profit network. The system will allow better validation of data on synergy efforts and will also support a publicly available web site that is fed by the validated data provided by members. The project will develop baseline synergy data for 125 Chicago organizations with a goal to divert 20,000 tons of material from landfill by the end of 2008. Materials diverted will be varied, but expect to include organics, paper, and demolition debris. Project will also report on CO2 reductions, toxic waste reduction, energy saved and other measures. The project will also develop 10 implemented success stories by the end of 2008.
GRANT: Chicago Department of Environment – Chicago Multi-Unit Recycling Study Project ($40,000, FY 2007) ONGOING
Chicago will develop a recycling plan for reaching 30% recycling at multi-unit buildings; educate building managers, owners, and residents on how to implement effective recycling; and conduct a pilot in the 46th Ward to implement the recycling plan. Chicago will use the results of the pilot to improve the recycling plan and consider revising the current multi unit recycling ordinance to improve recycling across the city. A fully successful pilot could result in as much as 688 additional tons recycled. Pilot project will provide baseline data and changes due to implementation of recycling plan. Long term potential for increased recycling is over 90,000 tons.
Green Venues ONGOING
Region 5 is working with large public venues such as stadiums and convention centers and events to assist them become more environmentally-sustainable through pollution prevention, recycling, energy and water conservation, use of local resources, leadership development, and environmental outreach to the millions of people who visit these venues. Specific work in 2009 includes the Chicago Stadium Recycling Initiative and development of a national green meeting standard.
GRANT: Chicago’s Environmental Fund - Chicago Stadium Recycling Initiative ($20,000, FY 2007) ONGOING
Chicago held a Chicago Stadium Recycling Symposium with the 5 major sports stadiums and 2 large convention centers in January 2008. Presentations from the symposium are available from EPA upon request. Audits and baseline assessments were conducted for each venue along with recommendations for improvements to recycling programs. Pilot projects are underway at several stadiums, and a ‘Stadium Recycling Guidebook’ is being developed with best management practices applicable beyond Chicago. The goal of the project is to substantially increase recycling tonnages at the participating stadiums of paper, packaging, and beverage containers.
GRANT: City of Milwaukee – Recycling with a Personal Touch Pilot Program ($43,500, FY 2007) ONGOING
Milwaukee will test the effectiveness of personal contact in delivering recycling education that changes behavior. The project will target low compliance neighborhoods and provide recycling education outreach in three different ways and measure the impact on recycling participation compared to traditional recycling education. One approach will be via block captains, one via schools, and one via local community groups. Effectiveness will be measured via changes in participation and recycling rates. Reports will be provided on the number of households in each target neighborhood participating in the curbside program (including average pounds collected per route) and the total amount of recyclables collected during the project with a comparison to the baseline amounts prior to the project.
Hospital Waste Prevention & Mercury Reduction Efforts ONGOING
Region 5 is encouraging hospitals to reduce their waste generation through Sustainable Hospitals Project. The goals of this program are to eliminate mercury and other toxic chemicals from the health care waste stream, and to promote green building and landscaping. By reducing waste, health care facilities can improve the environment, save money, and reduce liability.
Midwest Urban Recycling Forums ONGOING
The purpose of the Midwest Urban Recycling Forums is to bring together urban recycling coordinators to discuss the challenges and opportunities for recycling in municipalities and share best practices. Forums were held in 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2008.
GRANT: Mid-America Council of Recycling Officials ($20,000 FY02) COMPLETED
The grant supported outreach and education on the Recycling Economic Information (REI)
Study results at targeted trade shows. Public service announcements and interviews were developed and distributed to all MACRO states for use on radio. An exhibit was developed for the 14 MACRO states to utilize along with a companion brochure with study highlights and contact information. States coordinated registration and exhibit space and targeted outreach at several large trade shows with business, technology, legislative and financial audiences. (http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/rmd/index.htm)
GRANT: Recycling Drop-off Center Study ($30,000 FY02) COMPLETED
Ohio EPA conducted an in-depth study and analysis of drop-off recycling programs throughout Ohio. The study was designed to gain better understanding of program effectiveness and the factors that are important in maximizing effectiveness. Since OH EPA requires each of its 52 solid waste management districts to meet goals of diversion or access, a model for measuring the population access credit for each drop-off site and curbside recycling option was also developed.
Inter-Agency Agreement: Recycled Content Plastic Railroad Ties - Department of Defense Construction Engineering Research Lab (CERL) COMPLETED
Interagency agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the climate change impact of using railroad ties made from recycled plastic instead of ties made from treated wood. CERL will promote the test results on recycled content plastic railroad ties with the goal of increasing utilization of the product within the Federal government and commercial sectors. The market potential for this product is significant, and could result in the use of substantial amounts of recycled plastics.
Final Report: An Estimate of the Effect on Greenhouse Gases by Using Recycled Plastic as a Substitute for Treated Wood Railroad Crossties Presentation at Railroad Environmental Conference, 2001 (PDF) (10pp, 120KB)
GRANT: Ohio Department of Natural Resources (FY 99, 20,000) COMPLETED
As a follow-up to PAYT workshops held throughout the state in 1998 and 1999 (partially funded by Region 5), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has provided communities interested in implementing PAYT with direct technical assistance. This technical assistance includes help in determining a price structure for the recycling program and responding to concerns of residents and/or community leaders. Information on Ohio's recycling efforts can be found at: www.ohiodnr.com/tabid/9394/Default.aspx
GRANT: Indiana Department of Environmental Management (FY98, 40,000) COMPLETED
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has been promoting PAYT to solid waste districts and individual communities for several years. Grant funds are being used to offer direct technical assistance to communities that are very interested in implementing PAYT, but require assistance in determining the price structure for the program and responding to community concerns. In addition, IDEM will be working with local waste haulers to promote the benefits of the program. Information on IDEM’s PAYT program can be found at: http://www.ai.org/recycle/2856.htm
Workshops and/or training on compost-related issues ONGOING
Region 5 is working with a number of stakeholders to develop a workshop in WI on the use of compost as a best management practice for Stormwater and Erosion Control (see related project below). In addition, the Region will be working with experts to provide technical assistance to state agency personnel on compost-related topics via web-based outreach efforts.
Upper Mid-West Roundtable and Demonstration of Compost Based Stormwater/Erosion Controls ($12,000, FY07) COMPLETED
Many organizations and groups in Region 5 states are interested in promoting the use of compost on managed lands both as a way to improve soil and water quality and as a way to build market demand for high quality compost. Storm water and erosion control projects can use compost to establish vegetative cover, retain soil, and improve storm water outflows during construction activities and along highways. Compost quality certification programs are now available as well as affordable, and more compost producers are willing and able to demonstrate the quality of their product. Highway designers have design and engineering questions about using compost; these questions need answers before compost can be added to the list of approved materials for highway projects. We have seen the benefits of using compost-based storm water and erosion control BMPs demonstrated nationwide from Texas to Idaho to Minnesota. At this roundtable we will share success stories, connect this audience with the resources they need and answer their questions, so that they can make informed decisions. For more information on the results of the roundtable click here.
On-Line Meetings of Regional Compost Regulating Authorities (FY07) ONGOING
During the first quarter of 2007 EPA will work with regional states to develop a series of calls that will update states about the status of regulations across the region. The calls are also expected to cover several additional topics that the participants are interested in.
GRANT: Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, Food Waste Vermicomposting (FY06, $16,000) ONGOING
The overall goal of this project is to reduce the amount of food waste sent to the landfill, and subsequently reduce the economic impact of waste removal, enhance the decomposition of food wastes, and produce a rich and high-value organic nutrient additive using worms during the composting process (thus turning prior “waste” into a sustainable product). EPA has funded the outreach portion of this project so that groups from outside the University can learn about the benefits of vermicomposting, and be inspired to vermicompost their own food wastes.
GRANT: Michigan Recycling Coalition – Compost Operators Training Manual Expansion and Training Sessions (FY06, $26,725) COMPLETED
This grant that will compile current research and information on food waste diversion, composting, and beneficial reuse that will be incorporated into the Michigan Compost Operators Training Manual. The MRC will develop high-quality assessment, training and support tools and materials that will be used to facilitate one statewide and two regionally focused food waste diversion training programs. These programs will be designed to bring pertinent stakeholders to the table to learn about the food waste diversion and composting process, to encourage open dialogue among stakeholders and to assist participants in overcoming obstacles and begin development of individual food waste diversion implementation plans. Success will be measured by the progress each participant makes toward the stated objectives and goals in their implementation plan. Our ultimate program goal is to be able to report new food waste diversion efforts and actual pounds of food. For more information visit MRC’s food waste webpage at http://www.michiganrecycles.org/conference_foodwaste.shtml .
GRANT: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Commercial Waste Reduction Toolkit (FY05, $15,000) COMPLETED
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will develop a Commercial Waste Reduction toolkit targeting paper and organic recycling. The toolkit will institute new and innovative waste management plans within a large corporate research and development facility and two universities. Food waste is the primary target within the organic category, but the potential exists to include landscape waste as well. The project will result in measurably reduced fiber and organic waste and ultimately, through training, outreach, transfer and duplication, within the partner district and all Ohio solid waste districts and authorities.
GRANT: Eureka, Organics Recycling (FY05, $15K) ONGOING
The project funds tasks which will enable Eureka Recycling to work with its network of residents and community partners to develop new and effective messages about residential organics collection. The environmental education effort is part of the City of St. Paul/Eureka organics recycling collection project which will begin in late 2007-2008.
Use of Compost as a Best Management Practice for Stormwater and Erosion Control at Construction sites COMPLETED
Region 5 worked with stakeholders to support the development of fact sheets that have been placed on EPA’s National Menu for Best Management Practices for Stormwater/Erosion Control. Region 5 developed outreach materials (available upon request) that can be used to promote these fact sheets and the use of compost in this market. Increasing the markets for compost will support an increase in the composting of organic wastes.