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NOW Published Quarterly!                             Fall 2011

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A Note from Leesa   

      

While some people are averse to change, I have always believed that in the end, change tends to prove positive.  Over the past several months, CVSWMD has been striving to make the changes necessary to build effective programming and organizational infrastructure as well as provide you, as part of our member town community, with a high level of service.  As a component of this effort, in the upcoming months we will be changing the way we provide e-news and information to you. This change will assure you have the timely and relevant information you need to take advantage of our programs and services, while we will continue to offer coverage of changes taking place in the solid waste management industry due to voluntary efforts or legislative developments.  We will also continue to provide insight into the internal functioning of the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District.

 

Moving forward, we will send a monthly e-update containing information on upcoming events and important dates.  Our e-news will now be released on a quarterly, rather than monthly, basis in order to provide more extended coverage of organizational and industry information.  The new quarterly format will still include our popular Zero Hero article (and award) to feature the great work Central Vermonters are undertaking to reduce waste and preserve our local environment and scenic landscape. We'll also feature our usual article on a local business or organization in our district that is helping to reduce waste and achieve a zero waste future.  

 

We hope you will find this new format to be an effective method of providing the information you need to participate in a sustainable Central Vermont.


 

Be Well, 

Leesa

QuickFactsQuick Fact:

 

The oil from just one oil change is enough to contaminate one million gallons of fresh water. Americans who change their own oil throw away 120 million gallons of reusable oil every year. Source    

 

Check out our Hazardous Waste Program page for used oil disposal options. 

    

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ZeroHeroOur Fall Zero Hero

Mrs. Pierce's Class

Melissa Pierce and her 5th grade students      

 

As we move into our new quarterly e-news format, the school year is beginning in earnest. It is therefore fitting that our Fall Zero Hero is teacher Melissa Pierce, of Union Elementary School in Montpelier. Melissa and CVSWMD have worked closely together over the years and we met in her classroom to discuss her interest in Zero Waste related issues. 

   

Melissa, who teaches 4th and 5th grade, is a native Vermonter raised by adults who instilled in her a love for the natural world around her and made her aware of the special beauty of VT. As we talked, she recalled learning to conserve energy, garden, compost and more; this translated into a desire to share her knowledge with her students. While there is currently no environmental component in the curriculum, Melissa works hard to find ways to teach about the environment into science lessons. She also makes sure she finds ways to get her students outdoors through hikes and field trips, where they are exposed to things they might not otherwise get to experience.     

 

Melissa began recycling efforts at UES when she was hired 13 years ago. "I was astounded there was no recycling!" she said. She later became involved in the Service Learning Project at UES, which is formally partnered with CVSWMD. Melissa says of solidifying the partnership with CVSWMD, "I felt like I had won the lottery!" Through various service related projects, Mrs. Pierce and her students educate their peers about recycling, conservation, composting and more while raising money to further conservation efforts at the school. For example, one year the class sold water bottles, then used the proceeds to install special water fountains where they can be filled; number of plastic bottles used and disposed of plummeted! An added benefit is the students are charged with being Home Stewards as well, meaning they may extend their efforts by sharing knowledge and practices at home.    

 At The Lanfill

UES Students Visit Landfill

   

Working closely with CVSWMD's School Coordinator, Melissa and her students have visited local compost facilities, the landfill in Moretown, and will visit the Materials Recovery Facility in Williston this fall to see how many recyclables from Central Vermont are handled. According to Melissa, many students have no idea where food actually comes from and even less of an idea about where their waste ends up. By showing them the whole cycle, students better understand the true value of food, farmers, healthy soil, clean water, and energy and resource conservation.   

 

Union Field Trip

Melissa's Class visits VT Compost   

As CVSWMD strives to build a zero waste future, these young Vermonters are critical to our success. Their conservation ethic and knowledge of solid waste management are already impacting Central Vermont in a positive way and we appreciate their efforts so very much!! We also applaud special adults like Melissa, who go out of their way to teach their students about the importance a healthy environment and that each of our choices and actions create the world we live in.  

 

 Thanks Melissa...

you are a true Zero Hero!    

(And so are your students!!) 

 

*If you know someone in your community who is a Zero Hero, let us know

 

(Article written by Marian Miller, PR & Outreach Coordinator)

 

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 LocalNewsLocal News and Stories  

  

New Business Compost Customer Ventures Out     

VFVC 

  VT Food Venture Center, Hardwick, VT  

  

Wonderful food things have been happening in Hardwick! Now we can celebrate another one with the relocation of the Vermont Food Venture Center (VFVC) and a new Business Composting Program customer!

  

A visit to VFVC revealed an amazing resource for anyone interested in starting out in a food related business. The VFVC, a program of the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), has a goal of fostering entrepreneurial food endeavors, creating local jobs and supporting local agriculture. To that end, the center is partnered with the VT Small Business Development Center to provide start-to-finish business planning and implementation. VFVC also rents kitchen and cold storage space, conference rooms and provides packaging and processing assistance, all with a an emphasis on supporting local food growers and producers.

  

As part of the center's commitment to a healthy local food economy, George Keener, Operations Manager, contacted CVSWMD Program Manager Mia Roethlein about joining our Business Composting Program. This program has been instrumental in diverting over 9.5 million pounds of food scraps from various district businesses and institutions. In Hardwick, these include Claire's Restaurant, Halls Market, Grand Union and now VFVC. CVSWMD hauls food scraps to long-time partner Highfields Center for Composting and serves a critical role in the success of the food revolution taking place in the Hardwick area. For George, composting is simply a "way of life" for him and others at CAE. He is committed to providing clients with the opportunity to compost through CVSWMD's program, while also assuring clients may take their food scraps home for composting or other uses.  

 G. Keener

George Keener, VFVC Operations Manager   

 

Another key to VFVC's ultimate composting success  lies with the addition of Conner Gorham, a recent graduate of New England Culinary Institute (NECI), who serves as the Kitchen Operations Assistant. NECI is a long-time CVSWMD composting customer and students have learned to treat composting as a part of regular kitchen operating practice. Conner will assist clients in many areas, including composting.  

 

Current VFVC clients include start-ups making yam-based salsas and spreads, "farm-to-bar" syrups, and mapled nuts. The "anchor client" is Jasper Hill Cheeses, which has a longer-term rental agreement and located all of their processing operations at VFVC. Their are also clients renting freezer and refrigerator space.

 

We here at CVSWMD are excited to see the VFVC gear things up in Hardwick. It is also great to see knowledge relationships and working partnership expand. Welcome aboard and best wishes for success VFVC!   

 

(Article written by Marian Miller)

 

*If you own a food related business or restaurant and would like to learn more about the benefits of composting, call Mia Roethlein at 229.9383. x 106 


Flood Related Waste: Disposal Options      

  

Central Vermont has seen more than its fair share of flooding this year, having been hit hard in May and again by Irene. CVSWMD is focused on solid waste management and safe disposal, so we'd like to highlight waste related resources. The state has set up several web pages with resources for flood response and clean-up, general information and updates, as well as a page from the Department of Health. In immediate response to the food, CVSWMD reinstated our Flood Relief Fund to assist district members in covering the cost of flood related waste. We also assisted the Residents of Weston trailer park in disposing of hazardous waste from that site and provided free disposal for flood damaged materials at our Household Hazardous Waste event on September 24th.   

 

WestonHazWaste

Flood Damaged Hazardous Waste 

 

Household Hazardous Waste: As always, household hazardous waste should be disposed of with care. Unfortunately, many people store such materials in their cellars, which are highly prone to flooding. As a result, many hazardous materials simply wash into the river, where they end up contaminating soil, water and air. No matter where they were stored, if water damaged they should be brought to a special Household Hazardous Waste collection or other approved disposal site. Also, many of the products recommended to clean and sanitize your home after a flood are highly toxic, so be very careful in use of these product and their disposal. As a general rule, if you have used the entire contents of a bottle, the bottle should be thrown in the regular trash.     

 

Other Materials: The Red Cross recommends the following items usually be thrown out after a flood: mattresses, pillows, foam rubber, large carpets and carpet padding (cut these and roll to a manageable size), damaged vinyl or linoleum flooring, upholstered couches and chairs, books, and paper products. The recommend the following items always be thrown away after a flood: food, cosmetics, medical supplies, stuffed animals, baby toys. As you clean up, seal these items in heavy duty plastic garbage bags and dispose of them in the nearest approved disposal container - often there will be special containers in an area after a major flood event.    

 

Flood Waste

VT: Flood Related Waste from Irene 

 

E-waste: If you are flooded, you will likely have electronic items to disposed of. Remember these items are still banned form the landfill, so check with us about disposal options or find the nearest location for proper disposal.  

 

Building Materials: Red Cross guidelines recommend throwing away any flood damaged wallboard (sheetrock), as well as fiberglass and cellulose insulation. Plywood and particle board will have to be thrown out if seriously water-logged, as layers may begin to separate and fibers may come unglued. Other wood , if dried slowly and away from heat sources, will usually maintain its integrity and shape. If you are in doubt, consult a building professional!     

 

While handling flood damaged waste, remember to always consider safety first! Wear proper gloves, shoes, eye protection, and a sufficient mask. Watch out for sharp objects and separate toxic items out for special disposal. When you can recycle, do so, but remember that floodwaters likely contain human or animal waste, which dries as fine particulates that can enter lungs and cause health problems.   

  

CVSWMD encourages people to use non-hazardous cleaning products and to store any toxic items, such as paints, cleaners, solvents and oil in an area where future flooding is unlikely. Please call our office for guidance or with questions about disposal of flood damaged items and waste. 802. 229.9383 x 106  

   

View the complete Red Cross booklet, Repairing Your Flooded Home.  

 

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 SchoolUpdateSchool Updates  

 

Let the Fun Begin!

Although the school year started off a little muddy, that didn't slow down CVSWMD School Zero Waste Coordinator Gwen Lyons-Baker and Program Assistant Sarah Wisner as they welcomed students back to their cafeteria compost stations! Get your compost on!  

 

Gwen has a lot of great stuff planned for the 2011-2012 school year, including training Chelsea Public School to compost in the kitchen and cafeteria! Chelsea is the last remaining public school in the CVSWMD that hasn't been trained to compost. Once on board, 100% of the public schools in the CVSWMD and many of the 10,000+ students, faculty and staff will be composting on a daily basis in Central Vermont! 


In 2011-2012, we plan to conduct more waste stream audits at schools to help them identify ways they can reduce waste. New in-class lessons to educate more students about recycling, the 3R's, zero waste and waste reduction will also be available for every grade level. We will also be hosting our 2nd Annual Compost Poetry Contest!

CVSWMD is also pleased to announce the new School Zero Waste Grant Program. This pilot program provides money to public schools in the district (up to $2500 per school) to fund projects related to waste reduction in school. Check out our school grant web page for more information! If you have any questions about the School Zero Waste Program (including School Composting), please feel free to contact Gwen!  
 

1 MILLION POUNDS!

We are excited to announce that since 2004, schools in the CVSWMD composting program have diverted over 1 million pounds of food scraps from the landfill to a local composting facility or farm!    

 

 

BusinessProgNewsProgram Updates

 

Compost Program Services Local Events

Our dedication to wide-spread food scrap diversion and composting in the region isn't limited to hauling from our regular customers, schools and institutions. Mia Roethlein, CVSWMD Program Manager, works closely with our partners and member towns to help out at events whenever we can!   

  

One of our most active partnerships is with Highfields Center for Composting (HCC) in Hardwick. CVSWMD has partnered with HCC multiple times in recent months at local events, including Kingdom Farm and Food Days, Growing Local Fest, and VT Technical College's upcoming Presidential Inauguration to implement food scrap diversion efforts. Often HCC provides training and staffing at the event, while CVSWMD assists by providing totes and hauling services.

 

If you are having an event and would like to work with us to provide composting services, please contact Mia Roethlein at 229.9383 x 106. 

 

Paint Poll Results
We've been asking the question, "Would you pay 50 cents more per gallon of paint in order to set up a free, year-round paint disposal program in the state?" In our last newsletter, we asked readers to take our web poll on paint disposal. Thanks to all those who responded! Only 2 out of 49 online voters said "No, 50 cents is too much." One voter said "No, but I would pay 25 cents." All other respondents (94%) said, "Yes, they would be willing to pay $0.50 up front to set up free disposal year-round".  

We've also been asking this question at our special collection events these past few months. The results? During four events, 254 people were surveyed; of these, 240 (94%) said, "Yes, they would be willing to pay a $0.50 deposit per gallon of paint to support access to free, year-round paint disposal in their area"; 8 (3%) said, "No, they would not be willing to pay a $0.50 deposit per gallon"; and 6 (2%) said they, "Didn't know" or were "Unsure" about whether they would be willing to pay a $0.50 deposit per gallon. 
 
We're collecting this information in order to assure that residents of our district would have a contributing voice to any future discussions of such a program to cover paint disposal. Thanks to those of you who took the time to respond!

If you haven't voted, there's still time - visit our homepage now! 

 

ATTENTION! Final Special Collection Event of the Season is Coming Up! 

Our last scheduled collection event will be held on October 8th from 9AM - 3PM and we'll be collecting Electronics, Textiles & Books. The event will be held at the Recycling Depot in Chelsea.  

 

No fees for this collection!!      

 

*Business owners and schools: You must call ahead to pre-register for this event. Mia Roethlein at 800.730.9475 x 106.  

ReuseResources

recycling symbol

Resources in Vermont and Beyond  

 

October is Bra Recycling Month!  

Who knew!? You can recycle your used, but useful, bras with The Bra Recyclers! This organization is in Arizona, but they make it easy to get your clean, used bras to them; they then provide those bras to organizations that re-distribute them to developing countries around the world.  You can go to their website to print out a form, which you then send in with your clean, functional used bras!  

 

In-Office Collections!  

We collect a number of items for proper disposal and recycling at our office at 137 Barre St (8AM - 4PM, Monday- Friday)!    

Personal Care & Beauty Product Package Recycling - OUR LATEST COLLECTION  EMPTY packaging (see below) will be sent to Terra-Cycle, in partnership with Garnier, for "up-cycling" (made into new products, such as plastic lawn furniture). This collection will be held for a limited time only! Please do not leave items on the porch!  

 

The following types of EMPTY waste items are being collected : lipstick cases, mascara tubes, eye shadow cases, shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles, bronzer cases, foundation packaging, body wash containers, soap tubes, soap dispensers, lotion dispensers, saving foam tubes, powder cases, lotion bottles, chapstick tubes, lotion tubes, face soap dispensers, face soap tubes, face lotion bottles, face lotion jars, nail polish bottles, nail polish remover bottles, eyeliner cases, eyeliner pencils, eyeshadow tubes, concealer tubes, concealer sticks, lipliner pencils, hand lotion tubes, hair gel tubes, hair paste jars.

*Remember: All containers must be empty!  

 

Other Items We Collect:

  • Digital Cameras - all types
  • Cell Phones - all types 
  • Corks - all types
  • Metal & Plastic Bottle Caps
  • Rechargeable Batteries- Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd or Ni-CAD) and Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and small sealed Lead Acid (Pb). *MUST WEIGH LESS THAN 2 LBS! If over 2lbs, call our office. 229-9383x106 
 

 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another National Drug Take Back Day on October 29, 2011. Locations to be determined. Check the DEA website for latest updates. Vermont contact: SA Tom Doud 802-951-6777.  

 

Canon Printer Cartridge Recycling Program

Users of Canon's PIXMA printers can drop off empty toner cartridges for recycling at one of FedEX's 1600 Print and Ship locations. The drop-off program is free for all Canon customers and is part of the company' s Generation Green initiative, which seeks to "provide business partners, customers and consumers a way to identify and learn about the various eco-conscious features and solutions that Canon has to offer, including possible cost savings through energy efficiency".  The company also sells high quality, refurbished products on their website. (Source




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NationalNewsState and National News    

 

4th Annual LEAF in Bradford a Success!

LEAFVendors

CVSWMD attended this year's Local Energy and Agriculture Festival (LEAF) in Bradford to provide information about our programs and services, sell Green Cones and composters, and reach out to our community. We were in good company and it was a full day with a lot to offer attendees, including:

  • Panels & Presentations on Vermont's Working Landscape, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainable Local Business Practices
  • Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Booths
  • Demonstrations and Workshops
  • Screenings & Discussions of Award-Winning Current Films
  • Waits River Hydro Dam Tours
  • Solar Array Tour & Cafeteria Gardens at Bradford Elementary School
  • Live Music Throughout the Day
  • Farmers' & Artisans' Market
  • 3pm Concert on the Bradford Academy Stage by the Wall-Stiles.
CVSWMD's work is helping to build a sustainable future for Vermont through our Zero Waste goal and waste reduction/resource conservation strategies. This event offered us a great opportunity to come together with others in our community who are spurring the local economy and building a healthy future. The keynote speech was given by Bill McKibben, professor at Middlebury College, climate change activist, and founder of 350.org. Be sure to attend next year's event if you can!

  

New Landfill Survey: NIMBY! 

A new survey found that 76% of respondents would oppose a new landfill in their hometown. The survey illustrates what history has proven to be true in Vermont in recent years: siting a new landfill can be very difficult. So let's all pull together to work for a Zero Waste future for Central VT! Check out our website for more information on The Zero Waste goals of CVSWMD and how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle.

LandfillVTLandfill: Moretown, VT    

 

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NotesCVSWMD Notes

 

Soilsaver Classic Composters are selling fast!

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 or call to order (802.229.9383 x 111).  

 

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.

 Soilsaver Classic

 

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).

cones and bin

 

  • PLEASE NOTE: We sold all the old stock of Green Cones so the cost is now $99. 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. (229-9383x111) 
  • We also sell Kitchen Caddies to hold food scraps prior to putting them in the compost pile. Price: $10 (in-district), $20 (out-of-district).  

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Town Representatives Needed!  

We still need Board Representatives from the following member towns: Plainfield, Tunbridge, Walden, Washington, and Williamstown. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping guide the organization's work, let us know! 

 

Please contact us at 802.229.9383 or at [email protected] for more information.  

 

ContactUs

Contact Us     

Central Vermont Solid Waste  

Management District (CVSWMD)

137 Barre Street

Montpelier, VT 05602-3618     

Staff Photo

Phone: 802.229.9383

Toll Free: 800.730.9475

FAX: 802.229.1318 

 email    

 

Staff

 

Leesa Stewart

General Manager x101
email 

 

Barb Baird

Administrative Coordinator/District Clerk x100

email

 

Mia Roethlein

Program Manager x 106 

email 

 

Gwen Lyons-Baker

School Zero Waste Coordinator x 111

email 

 

Sarah Wisner

Program Assistant x 105

email   

 

Marian Miller

Public Relations & Outreach Coordinator x 102

email  

 

Annette Martin
Bookkeeper x 104

email

 

Bob Freeman

Driver

Ted Coles

Driver

 

Simon 

Senior Office Mascot
 

Rosie  

Junior Office Mascot

Rosie  

Devin

Off Site Mascot

Devin Running 

 

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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 - Vacant

Washington - Vacant

Williamstown - Vacant

Woodbury - Dave Barnowski

 

Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District is a union municipality committed to helping its 17 member communities work "Toward Zero Waste".