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A Note from Leesa
At Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District, the start of spring brings the beginning of CVSWMD's hazardous waste collection season. CVSWMD offers hazardous waste collection opportunities in accordance with the State of Vermont's Solid Waste Implementation Plan. The state plan requires each solid waste planning entity to offer two hazardous waste collections to our residents each year. To ensure that the residents of our seventeen member towns have convenient access to such events, CVSWMD will offer six hazardous waste collection events during the spring and summer of 2011.
The need to manage hazardous materials appropriately has personal significance for me. My mother, aunt and uncle grew up in South Glens Falls, New York, between 1945 and 1975. As we now know, from 1947-1977, 1,330,000 pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs) were dumped into the Hudson River, contaminating fish, rendering the river unsafe for swimming, and causing additional environmental and human health issues. I hope that none of us has sufficient materials in our homes to cause damage as significant as that suffered in the Hudson River Valley; however, the hazardous materials in our homes do have the capacity to cause harm to our environment. And when combined with the hazardous materials in our neighbor's homes, the potential harmful effect of these materials becomes even greater.
While it is easy to think that the amount of hazardous materials at our residences is insignificant, Vermonters do accumulate hazardous materials. According to a waste composition study performed by the State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources in 2002, household hazardous waste made up .6 percent, or 5,136,000 pounds, of the municipal solid waste stream. The Agency of Natural Resources data suggests that only 16.5% of this household hazardous waste was diverted from the landfills. If the Agency of Natural Resources study continues to be valid, during 2010 an estimated 397,251 pounds of household hazardous waste from Central Vermont homes and businesses may have been disposed of in landfills or poured down the drain. During 2010, CVSWMD collected 62,551 pounds of Household Hazardous Waste.
When you are purchasing products this summer, please consider purchasing or making non-hazardous ones! Visit our website to learn more about choosing and making non-hazardous cleaners. If such alternatives do not exist, please bring any leftover toxic materials to one of CVSWMDs hazardous waste collection events for proper disposal.The event schedule can be found here:
Be Well,
Leesa
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Quick Fact:
Every ton of mixed paper recycled can save the energy equivalent of 165 gallons of gasoline! - U.S. EPA  Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District has a Mandatory Recycling Ordinance in order to ensure that residents and businesses in our district are provided with convenient, inexpensive recycling options. Back to Quick Links
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Our May Zero Hero
Karl Hammer
Owner, VT Compost Company
This month, we celebrate Zero Hero Karl Hammer, who has been an integral part of our School and Business Composting Programs since their beginnings. For many years, Karl has owned and operated Vermont Compost Company on Main Street in Montpelier. Partnership with Vermont Compost moves us toward Zero Waste by offering a means of rescuing food scraps from the landfill and putting them to valuable use in the community.
On a recent visit to VCC, Karl and his dogs gave me a quick tour of the operation and talked about the value of composting to the community and how CVSWMD plays a key role in the community through the compost programs. Karl strongly believes that those who make compost are "gatekeepers to the soil" and, since only 6% of all land on Earth is arable (suitable for growing crops), that it is in the interest of our community, state, and national security to assure that our soils are as healthy as possible. Karl talked about a "river of fertility" that is streaming in from outside our community (food we purchase) that we should be diverting through composting to build the soils of our region...instead of simply wasting the opportunity by tossing food-based organics in the landfill.
Each week, CVSWMD picks up food scraps from local schools and businesses and hauls them to Karl's place, where they are tipped and begin the process of becoming a highly marketable, organic compost product. The first step to that involves the many chickens on the property, who immediately begin feasting on the scraps. Karl points out that one immediate benefit of the composting program at VCC is that within 24 hours, food is produced in the form of eggs! As the chickens are having their fill, the front end loader begins mixing the food scraps with other materials and they are on their way to becoming compost. Eventually, the compost is screened and made into several different products which Karl sells near and far.
Karl, who was already collecting food scraps in the area when CVSWMD approached him in 2004 about working together, acknowledged that the School and Business Composting programs "hit a high mark" in terms of the quality of the food scraps coming in; one of the keys to producing high quality organic compost is assuring that inputs are clean and uncontaminated. CVSWMD has invested much time and energy into teaching students and business customers about what should and should not be tossed into their compost buckets! Our drivers also inspect totes regularly to determine if there are contaminates in them. This allows us to address issues and retrain as needed. It also means local compost facilities get the cleanest food scraps possible for their product!
We want to thank Karl for his vision and hard work that serve to further the Zero Waste goals CVSWMD also embraces.
Thanks, Karl!
You're a true Zero Hero!
(Article written by Marian Miller, PR & Outreach Coordinator)
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Vermont News and Stories
Raffle Winners
In honor of National Compost Awareness Week, CVSWMD held a raffle to give away one Green Cone food digester and one Soilsaver Classic Composter.
Raffle Winners: Geoff Beyer of Montpelier (below), won a Soilsaver Classic Composter, and Judy Clark of Orange, was the happy winner of a new Green cone! Congratulations and we hope you will both get years of use from your prizes!
GetATStuff Program "Gets It"!
Sharon Alderman is simply passionate about re-use! Sharon is the Project Coordinator of the VT Assistive Technology (AT) Reuse Program, which is part of the Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) in partnership with Vermont Family Network (A Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Grant recipient). The program has been one of the most successful of its kind in the nation and was recently honored with the 2011 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence! There are two components to the program, GetATStuff and VT School Swap. I visited Sharon to learn more about GetATStuff and how reuse benefits people with disabilities.
AT is "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities". GetATStuff is New England's AT equipment exchange that connects those who no longer need an AT device with those who do. Sharon coordinates the VT program and individuals with a range of disabilities can visit the website or contact her to find durable medical equipment, computers, recreational equipment, vans, and much more. The cost of such equipment new is every high and many families simply cannot afford it. Through GetATStuff, people can purchase good, reusable items at major discount.
In its first year alone (2008), the GetATStuff saved VT consumers well over a half million dollars! In terms of waste reduction, since all the exchanged equipment is recorded, weights can be obtained. Sharon would love to have someone help her determine the amount of waste that has been diverted from the landfill by this project. So would We!
Though mostly a web-based exchange, Sharon believes that one of the reasons GetATSTuff is so successful in VT is that when people call, they reach a real person ready to help! While the program partners with many people and organizations to make the exchanges possible and to house the equipment (the program does not own any equipment), the VT Assistive Technology Reuse Program is a thread connecting them all.
According to Sharon, one of the biggest rewards is hearing people's stories about how the equipment has allowed them to keep disabled loved ones at home or has given them a level of independence they have never had before. Sharon's enthusiasm and passion for this reuse community asset is contagious! And since most of us will be disabled at some point for some period of time, GetATStuff is valuable to all Vermonters.
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National News
Making Energy from Recycled Plastic
What do you do with plastic that has been recycled for the final time? According to DOW Chemical, you incinerate it and produce energy. The company was able to turn 578 pounds of used plastic into the energy equivalent of 11.1 million BTU's of natural gas. The company is testing whether such a use would be a more sustainable end-of-life option than simply land-filling the plastic. Read the full article in Waste & Recycling News.
Oil Spill Booms Become Chevy Volts
For the last six months, General Motors has been collecting now unused booms from the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster and recycling them to become parts for their Chevy Volt! The company has collected far more material than originally anticipated and reports 212, 000 pounds of the plastic booms have been gathered thus far.
According to GM, reuse of the plastic has saved 29,000 gallons of water and oil from the nation's landfills and eliminated 149 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions from entering the air. Visit the Green Biz website to read the full article.
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School Updates
Let Us Plant Lettuce!
As part of our School Composting Program, Union Elementary School (UES) students took part in CVSWMD's Seventh Annual Lettuce Planting, which is organized by Gwen Lyons-Baker (School Zero Waste Coordinator). This activity is a collaborative effort between local businesses, staff and students at Montpelier High School (MHS), enthusiastic UES staff and parents, and CVSWMD!
Every single UES student visited MHS's greenhouse, where Freshmen Biology students grow the lettuce that is served in Montpelier's schools. With the help of our staff or MHS students, each student plants lettuce in soil that is made from the food scraps they compost each day. They understand that their lettuce will be harvested for a huge Salad Party in June. For many students, the highlight of the day is sampling the greenhouse lettuce! Most are eager to try a few leaves and some seek out "spicy" greens. Several students left with a handful to snack on while walking back to school!
Fourth grade teacher Melissa Pierce said, "Oh, I love the lettuce planting trip. It's always such a hoot to see the kids eating the salad for lunch after they've helped to plant it - the greens take on a whole new significance!" UES cafeteria staff was excited to report that the salad bar sold out that week, as students excitedly announced that they knew where their lettuce came from!
Funded by the Union Parents Group, this field trip supports local farmers while teaching the students about closing the food cycle loop. The organic lettuce plugs are from Littlewood Farm in Plainfield, while the soil comes from Vermont Compost Company in Montpelier. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this fun event such a huge success!
Oxbow Weighs In on Waste
On Wednesday May 11th, CVSWMD staff Gwen Lyons-Baker (School Zero Waste Coordinator) and Marian Miller (Public Relations and Outreach Coordinator) traveled to Oxbow High School in Bradford to conduct a school waste stream audit, or as the school dubbed it, "Trash in the Lobby Day"!
Kady Wilson Weighing Trash
Beginning at 8AM, members of the Oxbow Environmental Coalition student group and CVSWMD staff began by sorting and weighing the school's trash and recycling from the previous day. As the odor of food scraps from the trash began to smell up the lobby, several students created signs and chanted "It wouldn't smell, if you composted!" as fellow students walked through the lobby between classes. Once the sorting was complete, the student group left the sorted piles in place for the remainder of the school day. One thing that troubled students was the overuse of trash bags. The group collected 81.9 pounds of trash, in 59 trash bags!
Results of the audit showed that (by weight) 30% of what was collected in the trash was truly trash, 33.2% should have been recycled, and 36.7% could have been composted. These results are similar to the results of the waste stream audit at Montpelier High School in December of 2010.
Oxbow Environmental Coalition members
Dylan Parkin and Brittany Emerson
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Program Updates
Dealing with Smoke Detectors in VT
Because many smoke detectors contain small amounts of radioactive materials, we cannot accept these at our events. While household generators may still dispose of these in their trash, we strongly advise residents and businesses in our district to mail them back to the manufacturer as a best practice. Other generators are banned from disposing of them in the landfill. Please visit the VT Department of Environmental Conservation's Smoke Detector page to learn more about proper handling and disposal.
House Painting? Watch for Lead Paint!
We just want to remind you to properly collect and dispose of any paint chips you might scrape off! Visit the VT Department of Health's website to learn more about this hazardous material. And remember, we do accept lead paint chips at our hazardous waste events! Contact Mia Roethlein with questions.
National Life Collection & EcoFair Success!
CVSWMD was on hand at the recent Eco-Fair, which was organized by National Life Insurance Co., to collect books and textiles, provide information and sell Green Cones and Soilsavers to all comers. Outside, Ted, Candy and Mia collected 6 pallets full of books and 4 pallets full of textiles. We will report on the final weight once we obtain that information. Inside, Marian and Gwen talked with Eco-Fair visitors and sold 9 Green Cone food digesters, 11Soilsaver Composters, and 3 kitchen caddys. The Soilsavers are a real hit this year due to their sturdy construction and very reasonable price! Look for us at more events throughout the year and let us know about happenings in Central Vermont we should be attending! 
"Clean Up Your Act Day" in Barre We will be joining the City of Barre, Casella Waste Management, Salvation Army, ReStore Barre, and Magic Wheel on June 4th (8AM - 2PM) for a special collection at the B.O.R. Arena in Barre. The event will be open to Barre and neighboring towns. CVSWMD will be collecting books, while others will collect bulky items, electronics, appliances, bicycles, textiles and metals. For more information, contact Amber Vecchiarelli (Casella)or call 802.224.0116 to learn more. Next Special Collection Event Our next scheduled collection is on June 11 from 9AM - 1PM and we'll be collecting Hazardous Waste and Electronics. The event will be held at Goddard College in Plainfield. Cost is $15 for most residential car loads. Some electronics have additional fees. *See the full collection events schedule. *Business owners: Use our hazardous waste collections and save money! You'll get a better rate than if you contract independently for disposal. Call Mia Roethlein for more: 800.730.9475 x 106. *Schools: Now is the time to assess the products you use in your school. Several schools in our district now use only non-toxic cleaning products and our Zero Waste Coordinator can help you figure out how to do the same. Call Gwen Lyons-Baker for more: 800.730.9475 x 111. *Homeowners & renters: Find a collection event near you and load up the car! Call Mia Roethlein for more: 800.730.9475 x 106. Please visit our website at www.cvswmd.org to learn more about the how's and why's of proper disposal of hazardous waste materials. Back to Quicklinks |
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Legislative Updates
Mercury Lamp Producer Responsibility Law
Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law on May 19, 2011 a bill requiring manufacturers of mercury containing lamps to establish and finance a recycling program for spent bulbs from residents and small businesses.Vermont is the third state in the country to establish such an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.
This law will go into effect July 1, 2012. This law will provide for year round free collection and recycling of mercury containing lamps to small businesses and residents without any additional fee at the point of sale. It will fund all existing municipal and retail collection programs such as the hardware store collections, provide education to consumers and ensure that collection occurs in an environmentally sound fashion, and prohibit sales of mercury containing lamps in VT by manufacturers who do not comply.
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Reuse Resources in Vermont & Beyond
Magic Wheel
There is a new wheel in town! Magic Wheel Community Bike Center has opened in Barre City. The mission of this non-profit is to provide "affordable bicycles, sports gear and education to youth and adults in Central Vermont. as well as promoting the environmental health of Vermont's communities through bicycle and sports gear recycling services". The organization is also a recent recipient of a Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Fund grant from CVSWMD! This $3000 grant will help them run a summer youth program called ReBike for middle and high school students in Central Vermont. Contact Magic Wheel to learn more. Welcome to the Central Vermont community!
*Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming story on this shop...
Efficiency Vermont Refrigerator Recycling
Efficiency Vermont has launched a seasonal refrigerator recycling program that offers free pick up of old, energy-wasting refrigerators and freezers, a $50* rebate check, utility bill savings, and state-of-the-art disposal and recycling of the appliances. Learn more about program requirements and Efficiency Vermont.
Vermont Salvage
If you're ever in the market for high quality architectural salvage or you have a structure that is on the way out with salvageable materials, one option is Vermont Salvage, located in white River Junction. They have been in business over 25 years and offer a unique array of interesting objects and architectural items. You can also save gas by browsing their offering on their website to see if they have what you need before going to the store.
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CVSWMD Notes
Soilsaver Classic Composters are selling fast!
We have sold nearly a third of our stock already! Those who have purchased them have commented that the quality is high and the price is very reasonable, so stop by our office to check them out.
These are for sale to in-district residents for the ultra-low price of $47. You can visit our website to learn more about these long-lasting composters.
Green Cones for Sale at the District Office We love these things! They're a great way to keep food scraps, including bones and meats, out of the landfill. To purchase a Green Cone, email Gwen Lyons-Baker or call the office (802.229.9383 ext.111).
- PLEASE NOTE: We have 20 Green cones left for sale at the old price of $72.50 (including VT sales tax) which can be paid for with cash or a check; receipts are available.Once these are gone, Green Cones will cost $99! Stock up now!!
- Pickup is at CVSWMD at 137 Barre Street, Montpelier. Please be sure you speak with Gwen prior to stopping by to pick up a cone.
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Town Representatives Needed!
We still need Board Representatives from the following member towns: Plainfield, Tunbridge, Washington, and Williamstown. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping to guide the organization's work, let us know!
Please contact us at 802.229.9383 or at administration@cvswmd.org for more information.
Community Member Needed for Commitee
We are looking for a community member to join our Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Grants Committee. If you are interested or want to learn more, please contact Gwen Lyons-Baker at 802.229.9383 ext. 111
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Contact Us
Central Vermont Solid Waste
Management District (CVSWMD)
137 Barre Street
Montpelier, VT 05602-3618
Phone: 802.229.9383
Toll Free: 800.730.9475
FAX: 802.229.1318
comments@cvswmd.org
Staff
Leesa Stewart
General Manager x101
generalmanager@cvswmd.org
Barb Baird
Administrative Coordinator/District Clerk x100
administration@cvswmd.org
Mia Roethlein
Program Manager x 106
fieldprograms@cvswmd.org
Gwen Lyons-Baker
School Zero Waste Coordinator x 111
schoolcoordinator@cvswmd.org
Marian Miller
Public Relations & Outreach Coordinator x 102
marianm@cvswmd.org
Annette Martin
Bookkeeper x 104
finance@cvswmd.org
Bob Freeman
Driver
Ted Coles
Driver
Simon
Senior Office Mascot
Rosie
Junior Office Mascot
Devin
Off Site Mascot
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CVSWMD Board Members by City/Town
Barre City - Nancy Wolfe
Barre City alternate - Steve Micheli
Barre Town - Fred Thumm
Barre Town alternate - Jack Mitchell
Berlin - Matt Levin
Bradford - Gerhard Postpischil
Calais - Bill Powell
Calais Alternate - John Brabant
Chelsea - Mark Lembke
Chelsea Alternate - Steve Gould
East Montpelier - Ginny Callan
Hardwick - Paul Fixx
Middlesex - Anita Krauth
Montpelier - Mia Moore
Montpelier Alternate - Andy Hooper
Orange - Lee Cattaneo
Plainfield - Vacant
Tunbridge - Vacant
Walden - Bryan Lynaugh
Washington - Vacant
Williamstown - Vacant
Woodbury - Dave Barnowski
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Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District is a union municipality committed to helping its 17 member communities work toward Zero Waste.
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