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Home My WebLink About04/19/1990 SWC MinutesMOUNT PROSPECT RECYCLING COMMISSION April 19, 1990 PRESENT: Dick Bachhuber, Elizabeth Herbert, Paul Hoefert, Joe Kubik, George Luteri, Steve Polit, Ken Westlake and Mary Winkler. Glen Andler and Lisa Angell - Public Works Staff Mr. Tom Kleczewski and Mr. Bob Tally - Browning Ferris Industries, Inc. Mr. Frank Breitsameter - Mount Prospect resident/Plan Commission Member ABSENT: Brian Robertson The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM by Chairman Westlake. The March meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as presented. Mr. Breitsameter was introduced under Citizens Forum, however, Mr. Breitsameter stated he was in attendance for informational purposes only. The meeting proceeded to item V with the introduction of Tom Kleczewski and Bob Tally, BFI representatives. The following topics were discussed: A. Current Recycling Program - March participation rates were reviewed. There was concern raised over the number of bins being reported stolen, however, no additional measures to control loss were proposed. Public Works staff did indicate with the number of bins requiring hand delivery that residents are told it may take two weeks before delivery is made. The question was also raised as to whether residents are putting out their bins on a weekly basis even if the bin is not full. Mr. Kleczewski stated it appeared residents had learned it wasn't necessary to place a partially filled bin at the curb, so, for the most part.oniy full bins are set out for pick up. Chairman Westlake inquired about the transfer site for recycled materials. Mr. Kleczewski indicated BFI was in final negotiations with Multigraphics in leasing land for the transfer bins currently at Melas Park. Glen Andler added that the Public Works Department has suggested that a permanent transfer site be located for leaves and snow. However, any steps toward land acquisition would have to be negotiated through the Manager's Office. B. Yard Material Program/Ordinances Documentation of the number of yard material bags collected to date was distributed. Glen Andler stated 34,000 bags had been distributed to retailers and Village Hall. Commission Members asked for clarification on a few specific items: 1) Trunk of tree - must be bundled according to dimensions outlined in contract; not to exceed 5 feet in length, 24 inches in diameter or 45 lbs. 2) Apples from store vs tree in yard - considered food waste and disposed of as garbage. 3) Lumber - picked up with regular garbage Following a general discussion of resident compliance with the new yard material program, thus far, interest shifted to the marketing of the composted material. Several aspects regarding the composted material remain undefined due to the newness of the program: 1) There is not enough material at this time to market or determine if compost will be offered back to community. 2) Land & Lakes, Wheeling site, tipping fee is higher because they do not know if Wheeling site has enough capacity; yard material from this area may have to be hauled further distance than Wheeling. C. Additional Materials - Mr. Kleczewski asked if the Commission or Public Works was aware the Mount Prospect Recycling Station was closing as of April 25. No one was aware of this and it did raise some concerns as to where residents not receiving curbside pickup would take their materials. This also means BFI needs to find an alternate site for newspaper. Lisa Angell is to contact FSC as to why the satellite site was closing. 1) Steel cans - Tom Kleczewski indicated that these cans could easily be incorporated into the curbside program. He pointed out that steel cans need to be separated from aluminum cans; loads are run through a magnetized conveyor belt to separate the two materials. Bi -metal cans could be mixed with aluminum cans if we expanded the program. 2) Plastics - BFI is in the process of buying equipment to add to existing trucks inorder to pick up plastic. BFI is also in the process of buying another facility for aluminum and palletizing plastics. The time frame they are working with is approximately the end of 1990. Mr. Kleczewski did suggest that when we expand the program to include plastics it be done on a phase-in process; first with the collection of plastic milk jugs, second with plastic liter bottles and then the plastic detergent containers. Mr. Andler suggested it may be beneficial to tie in the expansion program with the new contract. He stated the Commission could draft a proposal for expanded services in the fall. Tom Kleczewski would be able to let Glen Andler know in September where BFI is in meeting their objectives. It was mentioned that Wellman accepts plastics from BFI. The Commission agreed to defer discussion on expansion of materials until August or September. D. Multifamily Units - Mr. Andler stated the money Public Works had requested for a pilot program in multiunit dwellings was still in the budget. Through discussions between Public Works and BFI it is becoming apparent that rather than going to the expense of igloos in a pilot area it would be more efficient to work with modified dumpsters. Glen Andler and Tom Kleczewski will work together to identify placement areas of bins for proposed sites. Compliance with Village ordinances will also be addressed before dumpsters are placed. September was identified as the goal date for implementation. The Commission thanked the BFI representatives for their input and acknowledged the excellent job BFI is doing. After the BFI representatives left the Commission viewed the Yard Material video featuring Chairman Westlake and Glen Andler. The comments following the video were very positive; the video will run on Cable during the month of May. Item VII on the Agenda, Staffing for the Public Works Open House was addressed with a request for volunteers to man the recycling display and be available to respond to questions. Commission Members volunteered to be at the Open House during the following times: Steve Polit and Paul Hoefert 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM George Luteri and Mary Winkler 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Joe Kubik 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM As Brian Robertson was not present he is to be contacted to check availability. Glen Andler mentioned the Park District agreed to set up a compost demo and be available to answer questions. The BFI recycling truck will also be on display. Before moving on to item VIII the Commission established a subcommittee for designing a recycling packet for businesses. The subcommittee, Paul Hoefert, George Luteri and Mary Winkler, will have a report for the Commission at the June meeting. Paul Hoefert also suggested the Commission gain on hands knowledge of the landfill, compost facility and balefill through on-site visits of each. The Commission fully supported this idea and Mr. Andler agreed to set up a tour of the facilities. He will report back to the Commission with details at the May meeting. With the conclusion of the above topics the Commission moved on to item VIII - Recycling in Europe. Steve Polit was absent from the March meeting due to his trip to Germany. Steve spent a great deal of time observing and gathering information on the recycling and consumption habits of the residents in various German communities. Steve shared this information and pictures with the Commission. Although Steve related a great deal of valuable insights one comment that summarized recycling in Europe was that the Europeans, overall, are much more advanced in resource use, recovery and reuse than in the United States. As there was no other items for discussion the next meeting was set for Thursday, May 17, 7:30 PM at the Public Works Building. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 PM. Respectfully submitted, M. Lisa Angell 10