DRAFT    MINUTES

TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Minutes of the Meeting

December 4, 2008

Present:  Smith, Ames, Knox (acting chair), Roberts, Hultgren (staff), Walton (staff)

The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m.

The minutes of the September 25, 2008 were approved.

Walton and Roberts attended the Connecticut Recyclers Coalition annual meeting, which focused on the promulgation of the 2009 electronics recycling law and the Hartford single-stream recycling pilot. It is anticipated that electronics recycling will go into effect in August 2009, saving the Mansfield solid waste fund about $6,000 per year. Walton and Roberts took a tour of CRRA’s single stream recycling facility, inspecting the quality of incoming and outgoing materials.

Hultgren reported that Mid-NEROC went out to bid on several of the recycling contracts. The most significant changes are cans and bottles recycling will rise from $15 to $25 per ton, and hauling charges will rise. Mid-NEROC accepted Willimantic Waste Paper’s bid on single-stream recycling but reduced the term that was offered to two years. Once their optical sorting equipment is operating, Willimantic Waste Paper will have the capability to accept all types of plastic containers. Walton reported that the markets for #3 through #7 have collapsed, but the committee recommended that Mansfield expand plastics recycling as soon as Willimantic Waste Paper is ready.

Hultgren stated that the multi-family contract ended November 30, 2008. After going out to bid, Willimantic Waste Paper was awarded the new contract. With the new contract, trash collection increases 3% and recycling collection almost doubles. This will represent an overall increase of 14% for multi-family collection beginning December 1, 2008.

Walton shared her findings after going on the Thursday and Friday single-family trash route and surveying the various sizes of cans and bags sold in area stores. About 6% of customers use bags only, a large number of customers are using a bigger can for mini service and that 10% of the households with can service use 45 gallon cans. The committee agreed to try to eliminate the bag equivalence and asked staff to work out a proposal that clarifies mini service and includes up to 45 gallon cans. 

Walton stated that Jean Pillo, Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator from the Last Green Valley, would like to offer a rain barrel sale in Mansfield on June 20, 2009 preceded by a workshop on landscaping to retain storm water. A tentative workshop date is May 2. This would be part of a spring organic land care workshop series. The committee suggested offering an organic lawn workshop in April (rather than a March date like the past two years) and a composting workshop, but eliminate the native plants and lawn alternatives workshops this year.

Knox reported on a recent bag fee working group meeting she attended at the state legislative office building. Initiated by Rep. Denise Merrill the group is working on drafting a bill for this legislative session that charges a fee (instead of a ban) for disposable plastic and paper bags. This fee will be used to fund DEP’s (recycling) programs. Walton reported her finding from the Town of Westport. Westport’s assistant town attorney stated that towns have the authority to ban bags, but not to tax. It was suggested that this information be brought to the next meeting. Walton distributed survey responses that resident, Sally Millius and her children, conducted at local stores about a plastic bag ban. Staff will compile the survey findings for a future meeting and do a disposable bag ban or fee status report for the Town Manager and Town Council members.

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee has three openings for members. Committee members were encouraged to ask interested friends, colleagues or neighbors to participate.

Walton stated that she attended a recent UConn recycling meeting and has begun to make inquiries with the Institutional Recycling Network about a spring move-out collection for on- and off-campus residences. It was suggested that this be piloted at a medium-sized off-campus apartment.

Some calls have been received about the new way that the Reminder newspaper is being delivered. By dropping the paper on driveways, there have been issues with litter. Staff has contacted the Reminder and will be working with them to monitor the amount of litter that is created as a result of the new delivery method and make changes as needed.

The 2009 meeting schedule was set for January 22, March 26, May 28, July 23, September 24 and November 19.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2009. The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Virginia Walton

Recycling/Refuse Coordinator

Cc: Lon R. Hultgren, Director of Public Works, Members, file, Town Manager, Town Clerk