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 Getting Quality Results: Lessons Learned Fighting Recycling Contamination in MA
The results are in. The analysis is complete. After nearly a year of planning, piloting, testing and refining a targeted approach to fight contamination, MassDEP and The Recycling Partnership will share the findings and what they mean for your town's recycling program.
On Thursday, October 27 (2:00 - 3:15pm), join this webinar to learn the outcomes of on-the-ground quality improvement efforts in Holden, Lowell, Needham and West Springfield. Hear about the new Recycling IQ Kit (IQ for Improved Quality) and related funding opportunities. Do not miss this timely, breaking news event!
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Bans on Plastic Bags a Growing Trend on Cape Cod and throughout Massachusetts
At this time last year, 15 towns in Massachusetts had passed laws banning single-use plastic bags. Today, 40 cities and towns have banned the bag, including 13 on Cape Cod & the Islands. Just last week, voters in Bourne, Mashpee, Dennis approved bans on single-use plastic bags in their towns.
As you can see in the above map, these bans are not confined to Cape Cod and have been a growing trend across the State. For more details on the new bans, Mass Green Network has compiled a database with links to information in each town that has passed a ban.
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Changes to the Recycling Dividends Program
to the Recycling Dividends Program!
There are several significant changes on the horizon. DEP wants you to know about them now in hopes that additional municipalities have time to qualify. And, for those already in the program, we hope you will use your RDP funds to expand your waste reduction programs and earn even more RDP funds in the coming year.
Summary of changes:
- Next year municipalities that qualify for RDP funds will not also be awarded Small-Scale grants
- The loss of Small-Scale funds, however, is more than offset by an increase in the RDP payment brackets
- Minimum number of points to qualify will remain at 6 for next year only and then will increase by 1 to 3 points
- Total number of qualifying points will increase from 20 to 23; the textile bonus point will again be offered
- Two new point categories
- Permitted hauler regulations that apply to all generators within the municipality (residents, commercial, institutional) [2 points]
- Waste Prevention Outreach and Education [1 point]
- Additional option in the Organics category for distribution of discounted home compost bins
- Additional materials listed under CHARM
- Minor changes to the eligible Use of Funds
New Payment Brackets!
| Households Served by Municipal Trash | Current RDP $/Point | Next Year $/Point | | 1 - 1,999 | $200 | $350 | | 2,000 - 4,999 | $400 | $600 | | 5,000 - 7,499 | $800 | $1,100 | | 7,500 - 9,499 | $1,000 | $1,300 | | 9,500 - 12,499 | $1,500 | $1,800 | | 12,500 - 16,999 | $2,500 | $3,000 | | 17,000 - 24,999 | $3,000 | $3,500 | | 25,000 - 31,999 | $3,500 | $4,000 | | 32,000 - 99,999 | $6,000 | $6,500 | | 100,000+ | $10,000 | $10,000 |
Click here for a full list of changes to the RDP program in 2017, or contact me at dquinn@barnstablecounty.org with questions.
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Upcoming Meetings & Webinars
Cape Cod Composting Network
November 1, 1-3pm, Harborview Conference Room
Barnstable County Complex, 3195 Main St. (6A), Barnstable
Topic - Progress on Food Waste Goals; Update on Outer Cape composting.
Please email me if you would like to be included
Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) Fall Conference
November 1 & 2
Portsmouth, NH
Click here for an agenda and to register
Contracting Workshops!
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
MassDEP is sponsoring two workshops for municipal officials entitled: Contracting for Curbside Solid Waste and Recycling Services. (Drop off issues will also be addressed. This workshop is FREE and is being offered in two locations (on the same day)
or call (978) 605-2409 to register by phone
A webinar option for the afternoon workshop is also available.
Free Webinar by the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. November 16, 2016
1pm - 2:30 pm EST
Click here to register
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Solid Waste & Recycling in the News
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Dave Quinn
Municipal Assistance Coordinator,
Barnstable County/MassDEP
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