AROW Fall 2009 Newsletter

Wow, what an exciting and action-packed few months we have had! AROW’s strategic plan and related activities are well under way. We’ve spent the last few months formalizing AROW’s committees and structure, defining AROW staff roles and responsibilities, participating in our partner and stakeholders’ meetings, planning AROW’s fundraising and marketing initiatives, and so much more. The rest of this newsletter features several of these exciting activities, but briefly, some highlights include:

Formalized merger with the WI Be SMART Coalition – kick started AROW’s education programming and advisory committee.
Formalized the relationship between AROW, SWANA –Badger Chapter and WCSMWA for the groups’ joint winter conference. Renamed the event to “Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management (WIRM) Conference to better reflect the spirit and intent of the event.
Welcomed Karen Fiedler (Waukesha County) to the AROW Board of Directors.
In line with our strategic plan, AROW has changed its mailing address to Madison, WI (see the bottom of this newsletter for details) and is exploring office space in downtown Madison.
Celebrated passage of Wisconsin’s first Product Stewardship Legislation (2009 Wisconsin ACT 50).
Continued innovative work and collaboration in our 5 program areas (Advocacy, Education, Hazardous & Special Waste, Organics, and Product Stewardship). AROW’s advisory committees continued their excellence in leadership in guiding AROW’s programming initiatives.

We have laid tremendous groundwork during these last three and a half months. I look forward to continued work with all of you and am excited by what the future holds as we continue to build AROW!

AROW Needs You!

Wess Damro

AROW is seeking nominations for candidates to run for its Board of Directors. With Annual elections fast approaching now is the time to make your interest known. The nine Directors each serve three year terms with one-third of the Board elected each year.

During the three year term, Board members attend quarterly Board meetings and are encouraged to participate in one of AROW’s Committees. To learn more about Board of Directors’ duties and the nomination process click here. Meet our current board of directors here. The deadline to express interest for the 2010 Board election is December 10, 2009.

Be SMART/AROW Merger: Statewide Recycling Education Receives a Boost

Toral Jha

Background
Through its strategic planning process in 2008-2009, AROW identified the need to strengthen its efforts to develop consistent public recycling and waste reduction education resources and tools. Adding this effort under AROW appealed to the organization and its stakeholders because its statewide presence ensured far reaching impact. In response, AROW added public education to its programming priorities and is developing a committee to advise and disseminate consistent messaging throughout the State.

Also during this time, the Wisconsin Be SMART Coalition (Be SMART) was evaluating opportunities to expand their programs statewide. Be SMART, originally the Southeast Wisconsin Waste Reduction Coalition, formed as a coalition of recycling professionals cooperating to provide consistent regional education programs on solid waste reduction, recycling, and yard waste reduction for residents, students, teachers and event planners. While the group has experienced tremendous growth and success, their reliance on the State’s Recycling Efficiency Incentive (REI) grants for funding limited their ability to grow beyond 2009, when REI grants ceased.

In the spring of 2009, leadership from AROW and Be SMART formally began discussions about the possibility of a merger of the two organizations under AROW. Both recognized that given their similar missions and goals, establishing a unified and consistent statewide recycling and waste reduction education effort would be beneficial for recycling and waste reduction professionals and residents throughout Wisconsin. These discussions resulted in the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will transfer Be SMART’s financial assets and programming assets, including the Recycle More Wisconsin Campaign, to AROW. Both groups have approved the MOU, which will take effect on January 1, 2010.

Moving Forward
AROW has begun incorporating the Recycle More Wisconsin Campaign into its fundraising efforts and program planning. AROW members and prospective members will soon have the opportunity to add their recycling information to the website. By offering this service, AROW will be providing consistent and easy to access recycling program information for Wisconsin residents no matter where they live, work, or play.

Also, AROW’s newly launched Education Committee will hold its second meeting on November 17, 2009. This committee, co-chaired by Meribeth Sullivan (Waukesha County) and Elisabeth Olson (WI DNR), brings together education professionals from around the State to share their programming tools, resources and experiences as well as advise AROW on the development of the following:

Consistent media messages, education and public relations templates, communication plans, and online resources for members and AROW’s strategic partners to implement locally.
A central repository and clearinghouse for already established education and outreach materials as well as guidance about development and implementation of best practices.
Training and professional development opportunities for industry educators.

This is an exciting time for recycling and waste reduction education in Wisconsin. We encourage all of our members, strategic partners, and interested parties to join in the discussion. For more information visit AROW's Education program page.

It's Membership Renewal Time

AROW is kicking off its Annual Membership Renewal and Recruitment effort this month! Stay tuned for an email with AROW’s promotional materials and renewal information. Also, we welcome you to share membership information with your co-workers and colleagues – together we can make AROW an even stronger voice for our industry. Click here to learn more about AROW's 2010 membership rates and opportunities.

2010 Recycling Awards - Call for Nominations

Do you know of an individual or organization that made an outstanding effort to the recycling and waste reduction community in 2009? If so, we want to acknowledge them. Nominations are due by January 15th. Go to AROW Award page for more information.

2010 Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference (WIRMC): New Name, Same Great Event

conference header

Hosted by: AROW/SWANA/WCSWMA
Celebrating 10 Years of Hosting a Joint Winter Conference
February 24 - 26, 2010
Chula Vista Resort (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
Keynote Address by Steven I. Apfelbaum, Applied Ecological Services

WIRMC - New Name, Same Great Event
• >300 Anticipated Attendees
• Pre-conference Workshops
• Exhibit Hall with over 50 exhibitors
• Professional Development and Training
• Networking / Marketing Opportunities
• Concurrent Track Sessions
• General Sessions
• Social Events and Hospitality Suites

For more information visit www.regonline.com/WIRMC

Hip Hip Hooray - Wisconsin's first Recycling Law Becomes Reality

102309 Bill Signing #12.JPG As most of you now know, Wisconsin’s long anticipated Electronics Recycling Law is now a reality. 2009 Wisconsin ACT 50 was signed by Governor Jim Doyle on October 23, 2009 – making Wisconsin the 20^th state to pass legislation mandating statewide electronics recycling. The signing was witnessed by AROW staff and members – many of whom have been a part of this effort for nearly a decade!

The law will go into effect in January, 2010. This law is a “Product Stewardship” approach that requires manufacturers of certain consumer electronics to assume financial responsibility for the collection and recycling of used electronics from Wisconsin’s households and k-12 public schools. In the past discarded electronics have been collected on a voluntary basis from residents by many municipalities. The new law shifts the burden from local units of government to manufactures based on the weight of consumer electronic devices sold in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin DNR is maintaining a website that is expected to be updated as new information and the program are further developed. Also, SHWEC Specialists Joe Van Rossum and Steve Brachman are available to provide technical assistance and guidance to local government officials. They are developing some sample Request for Proposals and Contracts that can be used as templates.

Congratulations and thank you to all of you for your dedication in making the passage of Wisconsin’s Electronics Recycling Legislation a reality! Local governments, processors, collectors, landfill operators, and the environmental community alike came together to achieve this tremendous victory for Wisconsin. The passage of this bill will not only ensure the safe collection and processing of electronics in Wisconsin, but also will also set the stage to truly shift the paradigm of how products are managed in our communities at the end of their useful life. For more information visit AROW’s Electronics Recycling Page.

DNR Update: E-Cycling in Wisconsin

Cynthia Moore

The DNR held a series of public meetings around the state in late October and early November, including two conference calls, to provide information on 2009 Wisconsin ACT 50, Wisconsin’s new electronics recycling law, and how it will affect groups regulated under the law. As many of you are aware, Governor Doyle signed a landmark bill (SB 107) into law on October 23, making Wisconsin the 20th state to pass legislation to manage electronics. This law establishes a collection and recycling system in Wisconsin for certain consumer electronic devices discarded by households and K-12 public schools, and bans landfilling or incineration of these devices in Wisconsin. Once fully implemented, the law is expected to provide Wisconsinites with more convenient recycling locations across the state, reduce pollution from improper disposal of electronics and encourage an expansion of the recycling industry within Wisconsin. For more information on the new law, see the DNR Electronics Recycling website.

Under the law, local government recycling programs (responsible units or RUs) are required to provide information to their residents on local area recycling opportunities. Local governments may also register as collectors if they wish to serve as a collection locations, but are encouraged to carefully consider this decision before entering into contractual arrangements with participating recyclers. Information for local governments will be available from the DNR’s E-Cycling Wisconsin website, but we ask that you be patient. Our immediate task is to develop and post on the E-Cycling Web site the forms required for registration by regulated program participants (recyclers, collectors and manufacturers). We are working on additional information for RUs considering registering as collectors, and will provide this information through AROW as well as on our Web site as soon as it is completed.

To keep information on updates to the E-Cycling program and web-based information , subscribe to DNR Updates.

Future of AROW's NRC Affiliation

Wess Damro - AROW President

AROW has had a long standing relationship with NRC since signing an affiliation agreement in 1995. There have been many high points over the years, shared successes, lessons learned and even some low points. Now, as AROW continues to grow, look inward and implement its strategic plan, every aspect of the organization is under careful scrutiny. AROW’s relationship with NRC is not exempt from review as we determine what is in AROW’s best interests going forward.

Over the next couple months AROW will look closely at its relationship with NRC. Does NRC continue to serve AROW’s interests? How will NRC fair in light of its current problems? Are there other national groups representing areas such as composting, hazardous waste and product stewardship that would be an equally beneficial relationship for AROW to explore in conjunction with NRC or would these areas and national organizations represent an even better fit?

If you have comments or feelings on AROW’s relationship with NRC please take time to send us an e-mail: Wess Damro and Toral Jha. Likewise if you are aware of a national organization that could provide benefit to AROW through an affiliation, partnership or other type of relationship please bring them to our attention. Your input and insight will help us as we explore this issue.

AROW Program Updates

AROW has 5 programming priorities: Advocacy, Education, Product Stewardship, Organics, and Hazardous & Special Waste. Below are brief updates and announcements related to each. AROW members are invited to participate on the related committees, developed to guide AROW’s initiatives in each arena. For more information, meeting minutes, upcoming meeting information, visit our Program Info online.

Advocacy

Committee Co-Chairs: Meleesa Johnson, meleesa.johnson@co.marathon.wi.us and Jennifer Semrau, jsemrau@co.winnebago.wi.us

AROW’s Advocacy Committee Wants YOU!
During the strategic planning process, which set the groundwork for the changes AROW realized in 2009, the membership was surveyed. Many members expressed a desire that AROW have a greater presence in Madison and work more proactively on state-wide policy development. All ready the Product Stewardship Committee and the Organics Committee are busy advising AROW on relevant issues and policies.

If AROW’s advocacy efforts are to blossom into its full potential it needs your help. An active Advocacy Committee might help advise whether AROW should comment on SB113 (re: how the secretary of the DNR is appointed); it may guide AROW on whether or not to weigh in on AB170, which calls for plastic shopping bags to be compostable; or, the Committee may advise that there is an interest in SB198, which would expand the number of medications that can be redistributed in the state’s Drug Repository Program.

So, if you are interested in helping to define AROW’s advocacy goals, identify policy initiatives and investigate the merits of various legislative proposals, please contact AROW’s Executive Director, Toral Jha. A November 19, 2009 meeting is planned – visit the AROW’s Advocacy page for more information.

Education

Committee Co-Chairs: Elisabeth (Lis) Olson, elisabeth.olson@wisconsin.gov and Meribeth Sullivan, msullivan@waukeshacounty.gov

Education Co-Chairs A unique “commingling” occurred October 6 at the new Outagamie Recycling Facility. Attending members of the Wisconsin Be SMART Coalition segued from their final meeting into that of the newly formed AROW Education Committee, joined by other AROW members from around the state. For a successful transition to a “single stream” education effort, former Be SMART Education Chair Meribeth Sullivan is co-chairing the committee with DNR Recycling & Waste Reduction Education & Outreach Coordinator Elisabeth Olson.

Attendees were enthusiastic about advising AROW’s education programming, networking and providing unified, consistent public messages and outreach around the state. Each member shared goals and provided a brief report on local efforts, including public media outreach, business compliance approaches, school recycling assistance and more. With seed funding and the Recycle More Wisconsin website provided by Be SMART combined with AROW member talent, ideas and plans for statewide workshops and initiatives, this committee is off to a great start! The Education Committee will be meeting on November 17 at 10:00 am. Visit the Education page for meeting details and more information..

Hazardous and Special Waste

Committee Chair: Jeff Gloyd, gloyd.jeff@co.la-crosse.wi.us

AROW works to decrease the amount of hazardous and special wastes being improperly managed in Wisconsin by promoting the reduction, reuse and recycling of this waste. These efforts will contribute to the protection of the environment and the preservation of natural resources. Current Hazardous and Special Waste Efforts include:

The safe collection and disposal of unwanted pharmaceuticals as well as exploring a producer take back program.
Monitoring DATCP Grants
Monitoring Grants for Controlled Substance Disposal
Supporting AB 258: Disposal of Oil Filters and Absorbents (passed, on to governor for signature). This was the result of a long-term cooperative effort by members of the recycling industry.
Developing a HAZWOPER training for AROW members. Scheduled for February 23, 2010 at the Chula Vista Resort (preceding the 2010 WIRM Conference). Stay tuned for more information.

The next Hazardous and Special Waste Committee meeting is on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009, 10:00am-11:00pm, Via Conference Call. Stay tuned to the Hazardous & Special Waste page for agenda.

Organics and Composting

Committee Co-Chairs: Kathy Powell, kathy@recyclingconnections.org and Joe Van Rossum, vanrossum@epd.engr.wisc.edu

The Organics Committee and its subcommittees have several projects in the works to improve compost quality, increase compost use and expand the diversion of food residuals from landfills.

Highlights from AROW’s Organics Committee initiatives include:

Erosion / Stormwater Control Pilot with Compost: Working to assist AROW member municipal compost sites to evaluate their finished compost for sale and internal use in erosion control and stormwater projects
Buyer’s Guide for Compost: Exploring development of a web based Buyers Guide to help people match the project or use with the quality of finished compost needed.
Food Residual Diversion from Landfills: Developing goals and actions to increase diversion of food residuals to traditional compost sites, on-farm compost sites and anaerobic digesters as well as to food pantries and animal feed.
Topsoil Blends and More with Compost: Exploring assisting AROW member municipal compost sites to evaluate compost quality for sale / use in top soil blends, gardens and lawns.
Climate Change – Greenhouse gas Reduction – Benefits of Composting: Working to promote AROW’s policy statement on Yard Materials and Landfills among members and the legislature.
DNR Compost Administrative Code: The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met October 20^th to work on recommendations to revise the administrative rule to expand the ability for food residuals to be composted. Several members of the Organics committee sit on this TAC.
2010 WI Integrated Resource Management Conference: Working to develop an Organics session.

Next steps include:

Securing funding for erosion / stormwater control pilot
Further exploring Compost Buyer’s Guide with other compost organizations.
Convening Food Residuals Division subcommittee by year end to set goals.
Working with AROW Executive Director to promote AROW "Yard Materials and Landfills" policy statement.
Meeting in December as part of DNR TAC to further discuss revisions to administrative rule expanding composting of food residuals.
Continue to work on Organics session for WIRM Conference.

AROW members are invited to Join AROW’s Organics Committee, which generally meets quarterly. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 18^th. Visit the Organics page for more information.

Product Stewardship

Committee Co-Chairs: Jennifer Havens, jenniferha@co.saint-croix.wi.us and Karen Fiedler, kfiedler@waukeshacounty.gov

The Product Stewardship (PS) Committee was been busy this fall working on the last push leading up to the Governor signing 2009 Wisconsin Act 50 (SB 107) on October 23rd. Starting next year, manufacturers of video display devices, computers and printers sold to Wisconsin households will be required to assume responsibility for the collection and proper disposal of electronic devices. We are also tracking and engaged in discussions about non-fillable gas cylinders, oil filters, mercury-containing products and pharmaceuticals.

Highlights from the AROW’s Product Stewardship initiatives include:

Launched AROW’s e-waste advocacy toolkit (August 2009)
Participation in the Midwest Product Stewardship Council activities including: steering committee meetings, general MPSC member meetings, development of an MPSC brochure and pharmaceutical waste conference planning (August – present)
Product Stewardship presentation at the NEWCMG fall conference in Waupaca (September 2009)
Development of the AROW PS Workplan, Goals and Budget (September 2009)
Participation in Product Policy Institute’s Local Government Workshop (October 2009)
Participation in discussions about recovery and recycling of non-refillable gas cylinders (October 2009)
Initiated discussion with WCSWMA about funding joint workshops/webinars about Product Stewardship (October 2009)
2010 WIRM Conference planning (ongoing)

Next steps include:

Complete the PS Workplan, Goals & Budget working document
Plan product stewardship webinars, trainings, and presentations
Work with SHWEC on pharmaceutical waste conference planning
Committee members are engaging with related state, regional and national organizations to remain involved in and inform PS discussions

AROW members are invited to join AROW’s Product Stewardship Committee, which meets quarterly on the 1st Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 5, 2010. Visit the Product Stewardship page for more information..

AROW Discussion Groups: The Way to Stay Connected

The AROW Members Discussion Group* is a great way to stay connected with your colleagues. This Discussion Group is now the main discussion group for all AROW members. We encourage all members to join this group to:

Post questions about your current programming, marketing or education/outreach challenge;
Share ideas/advice/program successes with colleagues;
Share updates and information on current industry issues and trends;
Post relevant job openings;
Stay connected with other AROW members and recycling/waste reduction colleagues

To sign up to the AROW Members Discussion Group*, send an email to AROWMembersDiscussion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

AROW Discussion Group Netiquette – Click here

AROW also hosts discussion groups for some of our Program Areas:

Education Discussion Group* – this group is for questions and discussion related to education topics and the Education CommitteeTo sign up, send an email to AROWEducationCommitte-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Household Hazardous Waste Discussion Group* – this group is for questions and discussion related to general hazardous waste topics and the Household Hazardous and Special Waste CommitteeTo sign up, send an email to arowhhw-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Organics Discussion Group* – this group is for questions and discussion related to organics and composting topics and the Organics CommitteeTo sign up, send an email to AROWOrganicsCommittee-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Product Stewardship Discussion Group* – this group is for questions and discussion related to general product stewardship topics and the Product Stewardship CommitteeTo sign up, send an email to productstewardship-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

* Please note that advertising, proselytizing or preaching, and political campaigning are strictly forbidden from these discussion groups.

AB 372: Repealing the On-Site Disposal Exemption

Meleesa Johnson and Jennifer Semrau

What's in your backyard? Most have a nice assortment of grasses, trees, gardens and a few comfy lounge chairs. Family, friends, neighbors and pets spend time there. For some though, the backyard is also where household garbage is still buried.

Currently, state statute prohibits the WIDNR from regulating any householder (single-family) that wish to bury waste on the site where it is generated. According to WIDNR 2003 WI Waste Characterization Study Final Report, the household waste stream can contain lead-acid and small batteries, oil filters, pesticides, diapers, recyclable containers/papers, flourescent lighting bulbs, needles/syringes and mercury-containing products.

In an attempt to correct the limitations of this exemption, Rep. Louis Molepske, Jr. (D-Stevens Point) has introduced AB372. The intent of the bill is to repeal Section 289.43(5) of Wisconsin Statute, disallow residential on-site waste disposal and allow DNR enforcement. Assembly co-sponsors include representatives Clark (D-Baraboo), Roys (D-Madison), Berceause (D-Madison) and Turner (D-Racine). Additionally, senators Lehamn (D-Racine) and Taylor (D-Milwaukee) are also co-sponsoring.

Related to the topic of on-site disposal of residential waste is the newly enacted Section 289.51(3) of statute, prohibiting the DNR from requiring disposal, at licensed solid waste facilities, the ash from burned structures used to train firefighters. This new section of statute began life as AB78 early in 2009, but met defeat in committee. However, couched into page 545 of the state budget Governor Doyle signed into law in June 2009, was the creation of the statute allowing on-site disposal of ash from "practice burns."

AB372 is currently with the Assembly Natural Resources Committee awaiting a hearing date. To follow the progress of this and other natural resource-related bills, click here.

SHWEC Update

Joe Van Rossum

The Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center's (SHWEC) works to enhance Wisconsin’s environment and economy by providing quality education, information and technical assistance to promote the sustainable use of natural resources. SHWEC provides a variety of education programs related to solid & hazardous waste, recycling, green building, stormwater and sustainability. Below is a sampling of some of SHWEC’s current projects as well as a couple of programs under development. Be sure to visit our SHWEC website for more information about these and other programs and publications.

Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory – This past summer SHWEC brought back to life the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory. The new directory not only includes many of the search features that were popular with the old site maintained by the Wisconsin DNR, but also includes a mapping feature and a form that allows site visitors to suggest recyclers not listed in the directory. The site redesign allows businesses to provide and update their listing information to ensure information provided remains accurate and up to date. Please visit the site to find home for your recyclable waste materials, list your recycling business or suggest a recycler for the directory.

SHWEC News Blog - For years SHWEC has relied upon a monthly newsletter to provide solid waste professionals information about what is happening around the state and across the country in recycling and solid waste. Today we have access to tools that allow information to be shared in a more timely fashion. SHWEC’s blog has a RSS feed option that will notify subscribers when new articles have been posted to the blog.

HHW program website development – Also in the works on SHWEC’s website is a tool that will collect data Household Hazardous Waste Collection programs. Since 1984 Elaine Andrews of UW Extension’s Environmental Resource Center has accumulated data about HHW collection via mail back surveys. The website under development will not only allow HHW programs to share their information via an online survey tool , but will also serve as a portal for residents to find collection events in their area.

Midwest Compost School in the works – planning has begun to hold a three day workshop in the Madison area during June of 2010. The program will provide hands-on and class room training in the science of composting, handling feedstocks, enhancing compost quality, understanding sampling and testing, and utilizing the finished product. Look for more information about this program in the near future.

Sustainable Communities Tool-kit - Several communities in Wisconsin have shown leadership by adopting resolutions stating their intent to follow well-accepted principles and concepts of sustainability. They are becoming “eco-municipalities” or “green communities” or “sustainable communities.” The purpose of this toolkit is to provide ideas and descriptions of specific actions that a local government can take to transform itself into a model of sustainable practices. These practices can result in cost savings and increased employment, and enhance environmental quality and community well-being.

NEW AROW Members!

We have a few new members that we would like to welcome to AROW since our last newsletter. Thank you for joining us!

WasteCap Resource Solutions
Jefferson County Solid Waste / Air Quality
MSA Professional Services
Elisabeth Olsen, DNR
Laura Krist (I)
Daryl Peterson (I)
Derek Hoven (I)
Red Cliff Tribe (I)

AROW News and Events

Next AROW Program Committee and Board Meetings

Education Committee: Nov 17, 2009, 10am

Organics & Composting Committee: Nov 18, 2009, 10am

Advocacy Committee: Nov 19, 2009, 9am

Hazardous & Special Waste Committee: Dec 8, 2009, 10am

Product Stewardship Committee: Jan 5, 2010, 1:30pm

Board of Directors, Jan 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

Not an AROW member? Join today!

Become a member of the state's top recycling organization. To learn more go to Join AROW.

Visit the AROW website for program information, discussion groups and online resources.

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